A happy place for senior citizens of KwaDabeka

IN an effort to increase their quality of life as they age, a retired healthcare worker has created the Sinothando Healthcare Centre for the elders of KwaDabeka. The centre sees about 30 elders from the area, aged from 60 years and up, come together three times a week to share meals and play board games together.

The founder of the Sinothando Healthcare Centre, Sibusisiwe Nzuza, said the idea came to her after she worked with elders in hospitals for over 15 years. “My work involved working with elders. Sometimes, I would serve them at the hospital I was working at, and sometimes, I would do home visits. While working with them, I discovered how vulnerable they are. Some do not have people to stay with during the day, and they become targets for criminals.

ALSO READ:  WATCH: Flood victims housed at KwaDabeka community hall concerned about living conditions

“This centre is aimed at helping them get through the day. We give them meals, and some take medication, so we help them keep up with their medication. Some get bored during the day and end up consuming alcohol, which is not good for their health at their age. The centre keeps them grounded and away from trouble,” said Nzuza.
Nzuza said the centre is still in the process of being fully registered as an NPO so they can receive donations, as it started less than a year ago.
“For now, most of the costs are from my pockets. I have a garden where I grow food, and we also have support from our local SPAR as they donate non-perishable food.
“We are also looking to get our centre inspected by authorities. They need to ensure the safety of the place and ascertain how many people our premises can occupy as some elders are in wheelchairs. The space we have right now was suggested by our councillor, Khulekani Mbhele, when I pitched the idea to him. This is what we have for now, and the plan is to make the place safer and enjoyable for everyone,” she said.

ALSO READ:  Pinetown residents irate with raw sewage flowing through their garden

Furthermore, Nzuza said she is pleased at the impact the centre has had on the community since the first few months of its inception. “I have always been worried about those who take medication, and now that they are here, I am able to assist them in keeping up with their medication and ensure that they eat something. Some are troubled with all the grandchildren they have to take care of, and being at the centre during the day helps them to relax and not think about all the things affecting them,” she said.

She said she is grateful for the help she gets from some of the community members who help her prepare the food, and to the councillor who helped her get the building for the centre. Nzuza said she is hopeful that with time, she will be able to expand the centre and make it an official old age home.