Kensington Gardens provides dignified living for the elderly
KENSINGTON– Kensington Gardens is all about safe living for the elderly.
Kensington Gardens is a lovely retirement village that provides good living conditions. It is one of the nine retirement homes of the Flower Foundation.
The village caters for the needs of the elderly by providing suitable accommodation and care. The foundation is a non-profit organisation and receives no financial assistance from the government. The home works on a self-supporting basis.
The foundation was established in 1963 by Moray Franz, Florrie Richter and Dr Archie Borowitz. The three identified a need for a retirement home after meeting a retired man selling Christmas cards to make a living. They wanted to open a place where the retired and elderly can overcome their problems of loneliness, inactivity and lack of a proper diet.
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Joburg East Express visited the retirement home, which is one of the Flower Foundation’s oldest homes, to experience the life of the elderly at the home. Flower Foundation Marketing manager, Laverne Hudson took the Express on a tour of the home.
The home was established in 1964 in the original Bezuidenhout family farmhouse, built in 1902. When it opened it had 13 residents.
The Kensington House now called Flower Haven is a national heritage site. The home is divided into two sections: Protea Village and Erica Gardens. Protea Village is a one bedroom cottage and bachelor flat. Erica Gardens is one or two bedroom cottages surrounded by beautiful gardens. Hudson said, “We provide transport to and from shopping [centres] once a week but they are allowed to drive themselves. There is domestic and communal garden service.”
She said even with the service provided, like communal garden service, residents are encouraged to have they own gardens and maintain them. “We take in elderly people who can still care for themselves and we refer those who need care to our other homes. The age group intake starts from 55 years old upwards,” said Hudson.
According to Hudson, Richter discovered that the biggest fear in the elderly was being ill in the middle of the night with nobody around to help you.
“The home is about providing a comfortable living space without the elderly losing their independence or feeling lonely. They have companionship and feel safe,” explained Hudson.
Home supervisor Elaine Halton said residents enjoy staying at the home. “Residents look after each other here. If one is sick, they will check if that resident needs anything and even cook for the resident,” explained Halton.
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She said residents keep busy by doing different activities ranging from bingo and braai days to social outings and entertainment nights.
Since the home receives no funding from the government they accept donations. “We have the kindness fund where people can donate money for those who cannot afford care. You find residents who cannot take care of themselves anymore. We move them to the frail care homes and care is expensive, so the funds look after such situations,” said Hudson.
Details : Flower Foundation Head office: 011 781 4920;
Kensington Gardens : 011 615 6196;
www.flower.org.za
