August marked a special month for Methodist Homes for the Aged as the organisation proudly celebrated 50 years of caring for the elderly.
Methodist Homes welcomed its first elderly residents in 1970 when several ministers responded to requests to provide rooms for needy elderly persons and established a Section 21 Company.
“Looking back to these humble beginnings, we can be rightfully proud of what we have achieved in our 50-year history,” said Methodist Homes chairperson Les Smith.
To celebrate its golden jubilee, Methodist Homes has rolled out commemorative events and activities for residents and staff at all the villages.
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The year was kicked off in true Methodist Homes style with a carnival roadshow that visited all 15 villages. Residents were treated to an authentic carnival experience complete with fire dancers, jugglers, popcorn and candy floss.
“Since the advent of the pandemic, we have appropriately adjusted our celebrations in line with our strict Covid-19 protocols to protect our residents and their families, staff and families,” said Les.
“We will ensure all our residents and staff can share in the Methodist Homes family’s 50th birthday celebrations.”
Methodist Homes’ 15 retirement villages in Gauteng (12) and the North West (three) provide a haven for over 2 000 residents within a caring, safe and secure environment. Nine villages have care centres where mid and frail care is offered by qualified and professional nursing staff.
Four of the care centres provide specialist care to residents with early onset Alzheimer’s and one village is completely dedicated to the care of residents with severe Alzheimer’s and related dementia.
From the opening of the very first retirement village, Samuel Broadbent House in Potchefstroom, Methodist Homes has always taken a professional approach.
Solid growth over the years saw Methodist Homes villages establish centres in of Klerksdorp, Johannesburg’s North, East and West Rand and Pretoria.
Three years ago, Methodist Homes welcomed to the family its 15th village located in the north of Johannesburg.
“We have never wavered in our commitment to the elderly and therefore their physical and mental well-being will remain our topmost priority,” said Les.
“We are where we are today thanks to our dedicated team of managers, nurses, care workers, cleaners, gardeners, maintenance staff and even our carefully selected outsourced service providers including catering and security personnel.”
The Methodist Homes team has a responsibility to ensure residents enjoy their senior years in an environment where not only all their needs are met, but where they are respected and their dignity is always upheld.
“It has always been our standpoint that we have the privilege of working in our residents’ home; they do not live in our workplace.”
