GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Most homes for the aged in Graaff-Reinet are still enforcing strict lockdown measures for the safety of their residents.

At Edenhof, Manager Martie Bekker, reported that whilst residents may now leave the premises to go shopping, no visitors are allowed on the property.

The communal dining room is still not in use, so residents collect their own lunches and use their own utensils. "Some of them do chat with each other outside, but we don't feel they should visit inside at this stage," Bekker said.

Huis van de Graaff is still following very strict isolation and has not relaxed any of the restrictions. No visitors are allowed in, except for medical personnel, and no residents may go out.

"We are concerned that if we allow visitors, it will be difficult to ensure social distancing, as family members will be understandably eager for physical contact," said Antoinette Steenkamp, chairperson of the board.

"Unfortunately we do not have staff available to monitor visits and don't want to bring in volunteers and expose our residents to more risks," she added.

Parsonage Street Manager Ria Pretorius, said that residents of the frail care and mid-care sections are now allowed visits from one local family member at a time, by appointment only. A room has been made available for this, which is sanitised after each visitor. 

The residents may not leave the home. Visitors to the independent residents in the cottages are monitored at the gate.

Aalwynhof home for the aged in Aberdeen has just started allowing visitors, also by appointment only. According to Diane Nel, chairperson of the board, 20-minute visits can be booked, a day ahead of time, with the necessary precautions of sanitising and masks. No physical contact is allowed. 

Visits take place in the main lounge, except where a resident is bed-ridden.

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