GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Residential facilities for the elderly are finding creative ways to reduce the added stress on residents caused by their isolation - in most cases enforced even before the announcement of the lockdown on Monday.
Homes for the aged under the auspices of the ACVV reacted to the crisis last week, by not allowing visitors in, or residents out, in response to a directive from the organisation's head office.
In the former Camdeboo, the homes affected are Aalwynhof in Aberdeen and Huis van de Graaff in Graaff-Reinet.
Huis van de Graaff
Antoinette Steenkamp, chairperson of the board of Huis van de Graaff, told the Advertiser they are providing entertainment for the residents with movies twice a day.
"We bought a large-screen television, and have been given a wonderful selection of classic uplifting musicals, which we will show for the residents," she explained.
Residents are also encouraged to sit outside in the sun as often as possible, and to keep in touch with their family and friends by phone. "We are looking at ways of facilitating video calls with residents and their families, for those who cannot do this for themselves," Steenkamp added.
All staff at the home will still be working, and an added precaution will be that their uniforms will be kept at the home and washed daily in the laundry, so that the workers do not have to travel in them and risk bringing in any contamination.
Aalwynhof
Aalwynhof is also taking extra steps to keep residents occupied. "We are playing lovely music CDs in the lounge in the mornings during tea time, and showing movies in the lounge in the afternoon," said Diane Nel, chairlady of the board.
The home also has a well-stocked library in the sun lounge, which is open 24 hours a day.
Parsonage Street Home
Last week, residents in the mid-care section of Parsonage Street Home in Graaff-Reinet were still allowed to leave the premises, but as from Tuesday, nobody is allowed out. The only visitors permitted on the premises are doctors and a physiotherapist - particularly for those with chest problems.
Religious services have been cancelled, but ministers will be permitted to visit individuals if needed.
Staff and residents received advice and training from Sr Loretta Wiehahn from Hospice, and the health of all residents is being monitored closely by the resident nursing sister.
A delivery service has been offered by the major grocery stores, as well as Merino Pharmacy.
Edenhof
At Edenhof, residents live in individual units. No residents will be allowed out, except for medical reasons. Instead of a communal lunch in the dining room, residents will collect their meals to eat in their own units. Manager, Martie Bekker, will shop for groceries and other essentials once a week on behalf of the residents, who will give her shopping lists.
No visitors will be allowed on the premises, but friends and family members can make arrangements with the manager to drop off parcels.
All institutions emphasised that they have very strict hygiene regulations in place, and have made plans for deliveries of essential goods.
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