The elderly are a vital part of any community and they will be celebrated on October 1, by International Day for Older Persons.
They have so many stories to tell and so much life-experience to share, that it is important to take care of them properly.
The Germiston Association for the Aged (Gafa) does just that.
Started in 1965 with the Protea Old Age Home, Gafa now has three retirement homes, three assisted-living houses and two service centres, namely the Makause Developing Service Centre, in the Makause informal settlement, and the Help Mekaar Service Centre, in Dukathole.
The association is trying to reach more elderly citizens through the service centres and, to this end, it needs the help of the community and local businesses.
The Makause Developing Service Centre, which is headed by Lourens Botha, from Gafa, currently has 30 members and receives a small allowance from the Department of Social Development for 25.
The Help Mekaar Service Centre currently has 35 members, and the department gives it an allowance for 30.
This centre is headed by Betty Gololo, from Gafa.
“We need to fund-raise to come up with the money to support the other members,” Lourens said.
“To reach more elderly people we want to grow the service centres at least to 50 members, if not more, but to do this we need the support of the community and business.”
The centres offer the elderly activities five days a week.
“We focus on the person holistically,” Lourens said.
The activities include a support group where people can share and speak about their lives, aches and pains and whatever they feel is important.
“This gives people a sense of belonging and instils a family feeling within the group,” said Lourens.
The elderly also play Bingo and other games to keep their minds active, do physical exercise led by physical fitness trainers to keep their bodies active, have life skills and spiritual upliftment sessions and have arts and crafts days.
Along with the daily activities, Gafa offers the elderly three meals a week and snacks on the other days.
In Makause, Gafa is currently using a tent which belongs to a local church, but they need their own venue and, in Dukathole, the metro made land available, where they have erected facilities using containers.
The association does have containers for Makause, but they need to be able to protect these adequately.
Currently Gafa has a number of sponsors who help with the service centres, but more are needed to allow them to up the membership and take care of the elderly in the areas.
Interwaste Environmental Solutions, Van Aswegen Electrical, Barloworld and Ackermans Pharmacy all give sponsorships.
Any donations for the activities will be appreciated. Monetary donations will be particularly welcome, as this will allow Gafa to cater (foodwise and otherwise) for more members.
For more information contact Gafa on 011 383-0000, or email to at lourens@gafa.co.za
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