A century for Ouma Uptha
PARKTOWN WEST – A resident celebrating her birthday is grateful for the gift of life.
The Park Care Centre in Parktown, assisted by good Samaritans, celebrated a special birthday for one of its residents on 4 October.
The centre, which offers comprehensive care to the aged and frail to encourage independence, commemorates all birthdays regularly but for Njanambal Pillay, fondly known as Uptha, the good Samaritans put their best foot forward.
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Pillay, who is the eldest of 12 siblings, was born on 4 October 1916 in Camperdown, a settlement in KwaZulu-Natal.
At a young age, she married her late husband and moved to Lenasia where most of her family still reside. She was admitted at Park Care Centre over two years ago, unable to walk due to general frailty.
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Manda Pretorius, executive manager at the centre, said even though she can no longer speak or hear, Pillay was always present and had a very gentle and soft nature. She said the birthday celebration was of great importance for a person of her age to know that her life was worth living. “This is a big milestone that she must experience,” said Pretorius. “She deserves the attention, the love and care which will ensure she is in a better place than she was yesterday.”
Pillay’s only son, Vala, who is 79 years old, was in attendance and gave a moving speech thanking all present for making the special day possible.
Amid the celebrations, the executive manager said the centre, which also provides palliative care, was in great need. “We have 215 residents who are State patients, meaning, their children have to support them,” explained Pretorius.
“Some of these children may well be pensioners.”
According to Pretorius, what the residents needed most were toiletries and incontinence products.”Toiletries are always a need here especially aqueous cream,” she said. “We use a lot of the cream either in personal hygiene or when we mix special creams to prevent bed sores.”
Pretorius added that regular visitors were also welcome especially for residents who seldom saw their families. However, for members of the public who wish to pay visits, there is a strict process and procedure in place.
“It helps for the residents to have interaction with people from outside,” said Pretorius. “For many this is their home; they will never go back home and it has to be as comfortable as possible,” explained Pretorius.
