The St Giles Home for the Physically Disabled has appealed to the community for assistance.
Without help, the home will face closure.
The organisation, which has been in existence for over 60 years, can no longer meet its financial obligations.
It’s income which is derived from the Department of Social Development, various corporate organisations, family trusts and the Lotto, as well as donations from the public, is no longer enough to sustain the home.
St Giles is also a frail care centre with a full staff compliment of trained nurses and caregivers.
57-year-old resident Mr Kevin Roger has lived at St Giles for 20 years.
He was diagnosed with a progressive debilitating condition at the age of 37.
“The medical specialist’s prognosis was that Kevin would not see 40 years of age,” said Kevin’s father Mr Derek Rogers.
Kevin is a quadriplegic, he cannot move and is unable to speak or feed himself.
“After leaving school, Kevin was employed at The French Bank where he remained for 15 years before being placed on early ill health retirement,” Mr Rogers said.
“His condition worsened and when we could no longer manage his care at home, he was taken to the St Giles Home,” he added.
Kevin requires care 24 hours a day, which the St Giles Home is able to supply.
“Taking into account his present state of health, to suggest that he be moved elsewhere is out of the question and could possibly end his life,” said Mr Rogers.
The St Giles Home caters for up to 47 residents, all physically disabled with many like Kevin, quadriplegic and requiring care 24 hours a day.
“We have the capacity to care for 47 residents but we currently have 28 residents. With the correct financing we could provide a safe home for 47 people but in order to do that we need money,” said the St Giles Home’s director, Mr Errol Caister.
“We rely on individual trusts and companies to keep the home functioning.
“We are appealing to the local community to help us. If we do not get adequate funding for the next three months we will have to close the home,’ said Mr Caister.
Anyone who can assist the St Giles Home can contact Mr Errol Caister on 011 615-7681 or e-mail stgiles@telkomsa.net
