Edenvale Care Centre Hospice turns 21

The Edenvale Care Centre Hospice proudly marked 21 years of assisting and comforting those battling terminal diseases and their families.

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To mark this milestone, the centre hosted a tea celebration themed ‘giving back to the community’ sponsored by De Backery Edenvale.

Since its inception, there have been a plethora of demanding changes.

Like most not-for-profit entities, the greatest struggle is finding enough money to continue providing essential services.

Doctors Pierre and Anne Marais, who have worked with the centre since it opened, said the services rendered by the centre are worthwhile, especially for patients without medical aids and those without access to health care.

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“The nursing staff do a great job for patients who need love and care.

“Also, the community is very involved, and it is good to give back.

“There are few places that provide the services provided here for people with no money. And many families do not have the facilities to look after their sick loved ones,” they said.

Another challenge the pair raised is families abandoning their loved ones at the centre and/or not having proper shelter for loved ones after they received help.

A shortage of adult nappies poses a challenge for the centre.

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Centre manager Marlene Hooper said they take patients in from across the country.

“We have achieved a lot here, but I always try to see where we can improve.

“Staff-wise, we have the best people working here.

“But there’s always the barrier of no money,” she added.

The centre also provides training to student care workers.