The Elandsvallei Home for the Aged is a place where the elderly can enjoy their retirement.
The home was started by the Germiston Rotarians, who bought the mine manager’s house from Simmer and Jack Mines, in 1951.
The idea was that the home would be used for ex-servicemen and women from World War Two to retire in.
Elandsvallei is now a project of the Germiston branch of the South African Red Cross Society, but, over the years, Rotary has still offered some sponsorship to the home.
The home offers retirement care for the elderly and elderly frail people.
It can accommodate 44 people.
The home relies on fund-raising and donations to make ends meet, as it receives no funding.
A nominal amount is charged for residents to stay at the home.
Manager Barbara Jensen and matron Sister Wendy Hahne, run the facility with love and care and make sure the residents get to participate in regular activities and outings.
“Various church groups, as well as the Thursday Club, offer their support and help on a regular basis,” said Barbara.
“In fact, the Thursday Club has been helping the home since its inception, and we still have the piano the club donated to the home in 1951.
“In the last year the club has started repainting and refurbishing the home.”
Along with looking after the elderly, the home also serves as a training place for the Red Cross’s home-based care workers.
“They attend classes at the Red Cross offices in Driehoek and do their practical training at Elandsvallei,” said Barbara.
The home recently held a morning market to raise funds, and this was a great success.
For future markets, donations of furniture, bric-a-brac, household items and pot plants would be appreciated.
Currently, Elandsvallei is in need of money to pay the bills; for sponsorship of some residents, who cannot pay; food; paving; carports and palisade fencing, along Rietfontein Road.
“I thank everyone for their support,” said Barbara.
“The home appreciates everything the community does to assist it.”
To find out more about Elandsvallei Home for the Aged, or to make a donation, call the home on 011 872-0408, or Barbara on 011 873-9009.
