AT a recent meeting of the Board of the Kloof Rest Home in Abelia Road, it was determined that the facility, once its current residents were relocated, would be mothballed until further notice. The decision followed a two-week intensive advertising campaign that was run to increase occupancy at the facility.
“This was a very difficult decision and was taken after in depth analysis of the financial affairs indicated that if the facility is not mothballed, there could be more severe repercussions in the long run,” said the chairman of the Kloof Rest Home Association, Selwyn Comrie.
The Kloof Rest Home has served the community since it was founded by the Guild of Loyal Women in 1904. It was initially established to care for recuperating soldiers after the Boer War. The central section of the home is still part of the original building and has been altered and modified over the years. Electricity was introduced in 1920 and the regional water supply became available in 1955. In 1973 the frail aged wing was first suggested and then opened in August of 1979, a facility that has proved to be an asset to the community.
“Since the outbreak of the pandemic, we have seen our occupancy numbers dwindle,” said Comrie. “Some of our residents left because of the restricted visitor access, while others lost income owing to the Covid-19 impacted economy and have made alternative arrangements to seek relief from the financial stress of the monthly fees.”
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When asked why the advertising campaign had not yielded any results, Comrie said, “Along with the tough economic climate, and the expense of providing frail care, another factor is the perceived threat of a Covid-19 outbreak in care centres, which has acted as a deterrent to new enrolments.”
The implementation of the ‘mothballing’ process will be completed by the end of August 2021. The management are actively researching quality, affordable and alternative accommodation solutions to relocate the current residents.
“The mothballing is limited to the Kloof Rest Home Abelia Road and will have no impact on the Winston Park Rest Home, Vian Village or any of the retirement villages,” he confirmed. “These entities are fortunate to have been unaffected and will continue to operate unchanged. We are grateful to the ongoing support from Rotary and the generous assistance from other charitable organisations.”
He noted the management at Kloof Retirement Villages remained committed to care for the elderly in the Highway area and would be relentless in their pursuit in investigating more affordable ways to assist ageing members of the community.
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