Patricia Maré (67), the founding member of Areyeng Residence Home for the Mentally Ill in Tedderfield, Eikenhoff, is pleading for help to have a hip replacement operation at Helen Joseph Hospital.
She fell a few times while running errands at the residence and now she needs a hip replacement. Patricia said they take care of 40 mentally ill residents.
“We take care of them 24 hours a day, from preparing food which they get five times a day to taking care of their hygiene and where they sleep.
“While doing all that one forgets to take care of herself. I’m a pensioner now and we took over this place some 20 years ago. With the operation reaching R100 000, I cannot afford it as I don’t have any medical aid. I need stability in my life and this hip replacement can make life more bearable,” she said.
About Areyeng
The home for the mentally ill is situated at 19 Cyfret Avenue on a farm with tranquil surroundings. They accommodate patients with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia and bipolar.
They ascribe to the general rules and regulations of the Sedibeng mental health department, under which they are licensed.
Their mission statement is to provide a home to persons who have found themselves through various circumstances in a position in life where none of us would like to be and to help and care for them with love and dignity.
“There were 10 patients in Dale Ridge farm when Joyce Orritt asked my husband and me to take over. We stayed for two years and then it was much easier to run the place, as those 10 families pay us to take care of their family members.
“We then moved to this place when the owner was shot dead. At first, we rented the place for two years.
“We refurbished this place and build dormitories, that is why each patient has his or her bed, really a home away from home. We also draw interest from the government, hence they refer some patients here,” explained Patricia.
She said public or prospective donors are more than welcome to come and visit the home and get a first-hand experience, an appointment can be arranged.
For more information and potential sponsors, the home can be contacted on 011 948 6049 or 082 852 5279.
