Casa Serena in Bedfordview puts a little Italian flare and a lot of heart into the care of its 60 elderly residents.
The old age home was launched 36 years ago by the Italian Association and continues to thrive.
“People are scared of old age homes but there’s really nothing to be scared of,” said general manager Mario Serra.
While the heritage of the home lies in Italian roots, the home boasts a legacy of inclusion, welcoming people from all walks of life.
“Everyone is welcome at Casa Serena,” Mario told the NEWS.
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The average age of the residents at the home is 87 and like so many other organisations that care for the elderly, Casa Serena has also been impacted by Covid-19.
Committee member Joe Beinato said residents and staff at the home went into lockdown a week before the president made the announcement.
With the doors to the home still closed, both Mario and Joe agree that the last few months have been hard on residents and their families.
“We encourage virtual meetings but it’s not the same. It’s hard on the residents to be isolated from their families,” Mario said.
Casa Serena is no newcomer to strict protocols. Due to the nature of the home and the age of the residents, sanitisation, screening and cleaning are nothing new.
“The home has been sanitised twice a day since 2000,” Mario said.
Joe revealed that since lockdown, all residents and staff have undergone mandatory Covid-19 testing three times, with a fourth planned to take place soon.
Mario attributes the good health of the residents to the Mediterranean menu served three times a day. And, in true Italian style, there’s no limit to how much residents can eat.
While the home now houses 60 residents, it can accommodate 81 in various sections from frail care to dementia wards.
Social games, including bingo and pool, have been allowed between residents on condition that social distancing rules are adhered to.
Mario hopes further entertainment options will be opened up soon and on any regular day, residents can choose to participate in a variety of activities.
When the home has surplus of anything from clothes to wheelchairs and walkers it is donated to the Alexandra Old Age Home.
For more information on Casa Serena send an email to mario@casaserena.co.za or call 011 284 2917. Alternatively, visit www.casaserena.co.za
