During the Covid-19 pandemic and with the elderly particularly vulnerable, the Wheatlands Community Care for the Aged said every precaution necessary and possible has been taken to ensure the safety and health of their patients.
According to the founder, Pauline Mokae, Covid-19 came like a thief in the night.
“No one was really prepared for this. These are uncertain and challenging times but we have done everything we possibly can to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients who are most vulnerable to this virus.”
She said their protocols include having restricted access to the centre.”Unfortunately, we are not allowing people to enter. We have also restricted the movement of employees and ensured that we prioritise hygiene at the centre. We are now more careful than ever and have strict hygiene rules in place. We have also implemented social distancing.”
Pauline, however, added that another major challenge is financing. She said even though some patients have not paid, the home continues to take care of them out of goodwill.”We are passionate about helping those in need. We do not receive any funding from the government. We are grateful to the selfless individuals who have been sponsoring us so that our patients can receive balanced, nutritious meals that are keeping them healthy and strong. The well-being of our patients is a number-one priority to us; we are still hoping and working hard to get the sponsorship that we need to ensure that our centre is well kept, stays afloat and ensures the wellness and safety of our patients. We have reached out to individuals and companies to assist us in any way they can.”
Last month, for example, Pauline posted on Facebook how blessed the facility was during a visit from the police, The Hlaudi Foundation and Thapelo Morena, a professional football player from Mamelodi Sundown who brought along some food relief.
The facility is busy with renovations and they need a helping hand now more than ever.
“We are in need of building material, building equipment and finances to pay the contractor. We urgently also need professional personnel to install fire alarms and detectors in the centre as those are very important precautionary measure that we have to take.”
