New mattresses needed for the elderly
A worn out mattress leads to health problems such as agonising back pain, increased risk of pressure sores, asthma and fatigue due to disturbed sleep.
AFTER serving more than 600 elders over the past 10 years, the mattresses at Tafta’s John Dunn House are finished and urgently need to be replaced.
Tafta CEO Femada Shamam said a worn out mattress leads to all sorts of health problems such as agonising back pain, increased risk of pressure sores, asthma and fatigue due to disturbed sleep.
“Right now, all 55 old mattresses in the frail care section need to be replaced. And if the community can help, we can buy special pressure reducing mattresses, designed specifically for use in old age homes. At the moment, we have to turn elders every two hours, to prevent pressure sores. As you can imagine, this does not make for a restful night’s sleep! But these special mattresses have air bubbles, making them so gentle that turning is unnecessary. Plus they’re also x-ray translucent and suitable for CPR,” she said.
But, at a cost of R2 700 each – multiplied by 55 – it adds up to nearly R150 000 and Tafta simply can’t afford it without help.
“Whether people are able to donate the full cost of one mattress, or R1 000, R500 or even R200 towards it, it will help give a frail elderly person the comfort of a good night’s sleep. If you’ve ever suffered from insomnia or back pain yourself, you’ll know how much that means,” she said.
Many of the old people in the frail care and assisted living sections at John Dunn House are victims of a stroke or suffer from diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer or diabetes. Some are terminally ill.
“Please help us make their last weeks and months as pleasant and pain free as possible, by making your contribution,” she said.
To donate, visit: www.tafta.org.za.
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.
