Home for the intellectually disabled seeks help during lockdown
AUCKLAND PARK – Don't forget about those lockdown in homes and care facilities during the pandemic.
A home for people with intellectual disabilities is taking all the necessary steps to keep their residents safe during the coronavirus pandemic.
As South Africans continue their lockdown and adhering to the rules of regulations of the lockdown , many NGOs and NPOs had to prepare to do the same while ensuring high safety and health standards. Such an organisation is Auckland Park’s Woodside Sanctuary and they have taken stringent precautionary measures to keep all their residents are safe.
Since 17 March, the home for the intellectually disabled has been by giving all their staff hygiene packs which include N95 masks, sanitisers, gloves and vitamin C on a weekly bases to protect them and the residents during these times. Temperatures are taken and health checks are done daily on the residents and staff, and numerous other precautionary measures are being implemented throughout Woodside.
General manager of Woodside Kirsten Williams stated that although they have made the adjustments they needed to, the issues resulting from the virus aren’t over yet. “The Covid-19 pandemic has had a ripple effect, impacting all of us and our work. As the world responds to this new threat, we are struggling to figure out how we will survive. We’re gearing up to face numerous challenges in the weeks to come, and to continue to ensure that our residents who are one of the most vulnerable in society, with their profound disabilities and immunocompromised conditions, are protected and kept safe.”
Woodside Sanctuary is an NPO which provides full-time residential care to people with profound intellectual disabilities. Children and adults who are unable to remain with their families, due to their special needs, live at Woodside Sanctuary. The sanctuary helps these children and adults to reach their full potential and live fulfilling and personally rewarding lives.
Williams expressed her immense gratitude to the staff who have given more of themselves to help their residents. “We are extremely thankful to our incredibly dedicated and hardworking staff for the sacrifices they have made, and the co-operation and team work they have shown during this very challenging time in our country’s history, and for my staff’s unwavering love and protection of Woodside’s angels.”
Woodside said that they understand that this is a difficult time for everyone but they are pleading with those who are more fortunate not to lose focus on the needs of those who are most vulnerable in society such as the angels of Woodside. Any donations of essential supplies such as protective health gear, medication and other hygiene products or by financial assistance to enable Woodside to purchase these would be highly appreciated.
If you would like to contact Woodside Sanctuary to assist them or would like to make a financial contribution towards their #CovidCare initiative, please contact Lone Lourens at lbotha@woodside.co.za or 011 726 7318.
