AMCARE cares for the elderly
AMCARE's elderly programmeincludes home-based care services and social work services.
NEWMARKET – For almost two years now, the AMCARE team working with the elderly in our communities, have been assisting 62-year-old Ronnie Eglington from Alberton North with his bath routine three times a week.
AMCARE is a multi-purpose health and social development organisation servicing poor and vulnerable persons in the greater Alberton area and is situated in New Market Park in Alberton.
Their elderly programme, under the guidance and watchful eye of social worker Corrie Ras, cares for the elderly on two levels – home-based care services which include primary hygiene care for the frail, and social work services, which include emotional support and assistance with application for grants and frail care centres.
Ronnie suffers from Cerebral Palsy and is wheelchair-bound. “AMCARE has been amazing and has helped me so much. They donated this electronic wheelchair to me, which has made my life so much more manageable,” Ronnie explains. “They also help when I need transport to my bible studies at the Alberton Methodist Church.”
Ronnie’s parents have both passed away, which means that he lives on his own. His caregiver of the past 17 years, Rebecca Lahlekile, comes in three times a week and makes sure that his fridge is well stocked with prepared meals and cold drinks. “He is a wonderful man,” she says. “I’ve never seen him feeling sorry for himself and wanting to give up.”
Social worker Corrie Ras, explains that her team consists of two male and two female caregivers. She also has a team of volunteers who assist in driving the caregivers to the different clients.
In terms of the psycho social services for the elderly, Corrie explains that these services are aimed at assisting in the process of ageing. “We can provide bereavement and emotional support and assist with the applications for grants and admission to frail care centres.
“Our clients have to be over the age of 60,” Corrie says. For more info on the elderly programme and if you are in need of these services, kindly contact Corrie at AMCARE on 011 869 5856.
How can you help:
* Financial contributions to AMCARE help foot the monthly fuel bill.
* AMCARE vehicles are used to transport caregivers to the clients and transport the clients when there is a need.
* Volunteers are needed to help with transport of caregivers to the clients.
How companies and businesspeople can benefit by contributing:
* AMCARE is registered as a Public Benefit Organisation with SARS and can issue section 18A certificates which qualifies you for tax relief.
The Socio-economic Development element of the BBBEE scorecard gives acknowledgment to companies for supporting initiatives that help 75 per cent or more black beneficiaries gain sustainable access to the economy. These contributions can be monetary or non- monetary in nature. The profile of AMCARE’S beneficiary community can benefit your companie’s BBBEE scorecard by 25 weighting points. AMCARE will provide you with an affidavit certifying the beneficiary community.
AMCARE’S contact details: 15 Heidelberg Rd, corner of Ascot Road, New Market Park, Alberton, PO Box 36, Alberton, 1450 or visit their website ww.amcare.org.za
or contact them on 011 869 5856.
