Bettie Els was full of smiles and laughter, last Tuesday.
The oldest resident of the Avril Elizabeth Home for the Mentally Handicapped, in Fishers’ Hill, celebrated her 80th birthday in fine style, with cakes, presents and good wishes from her friends at the home.
Bettie was admitted to the home in 1985, at the age of 51, after the convent she had lived in for over 30 years closed down.
At this stage both her parents had died and her brother admitted her to the home.
Bettie has a radiant face and beaming smile which belies the fact that she is not only intellectually challenged, she is also old and frail.
Very little is known of her diagnosis or her early childhood, but she is described at the Avril Elizabeth Home as being one of the most content residents, who is always grateful and happy for whatever she has.
“Her brother has now also died, but, thankfully, she still has a few relatives who visit her,” said Kathy Jooste, the chief executive officer of Avril Elizabeth.
“This is so important for her well-being.”
Research shows that people with intellectual disabilities often have an increased risk of early death compared to the general population.
Their life expectancy has, however, increased slowly over time, especially for those with access to medication and care.
“We are elated to be celebrating this milestone with Bettie and very pleased that, although she is frail and sometimes unsteady on her feet, she is generally healthy,” said Kathy.
“She attends physiotherapy sessions daily and still builds puzzles, writes letters and knits.”
Bettie also worked in the adult therapy centre for many years, but recently “retired” herself, as she felt tired and now keeps herself busy with her hobbies and joins in the various activities at the home when she feels fit to do so.
Kathy added that, as residents like Bettie get older, the risk of age-related illnesses are greater.
They are, therefore, closely monitored to ensure that they are well and comfortable.
For her birthday, Bettie had one wish: she wanted some warm pyjamas for the cold winter nights.
Pick n Pay Bedfordview came on board to help to make her birthday wish come true, and gifted her warm pyjamas, a dressing gown and slippers.
They also donated a birthday cake and this, along with the other birthday cakes, was enjoyed by the residents during Bettie’s birthday celebration.
To find out more about the Avril Elizabeth Home, or how to donate to it, call 011 822-2233, or visit www.avril.org.za.
