Local news News

Do not neglect the elderly

Michael Gemmell (64), an Old People’s Home resident of five years, spoke to the City Times to give his account of what it is like for the elderly to be alone at old age homes over the festive season.

December 12, 2017

Johané Turkstra 2 minutes read

The Old People’s Home resident Michael Gemmell said he is one of the lucky residents at the home as his nephew visits him often. With him is activities co-ordinator Saskia Badenhorst.

He said he is a fortunate resident as he has a good “set-up” in his room and his nephew visits him often.

Also read:

Festive season swap meet to be held

“I have my computer, television and internet, while some of these people have very little,” he said.

He also said despite having very little materialistically, the psychological aspect is more severe than what people might think.

“Some residents wake up, eat breakfast, go to their rooms, eat lunch, go back to their rooms, eat dinner and go to bed,” said Gemmell, explaining they are understimulated and have nothing to do.

He said it makes it worse that some of the residents go six to seven months without seeing a family member.

He is of the opinion some residents resent their families for ‘leaving’ them in homes and never visiting, which makes them depressed.

He also speculates that one of the reasons for this resentment is because their independence is taken away.

“Most of the residents come from living in their own house, where they were in charge of what was going on,” he said.

“The truth is there is no perfect old-age home and sometimes the most trivial things can upset a resident.

“Now you have many different people, with different ideals and of different walks of life, in a rather confined space.”

Gemmell explained that not all of the residents get along with each other and that family visits allow them to interact with familiar faces.

He said it is the family members’ responsibility to visit their relatives in old-age homes.

“It has always been interesting to me that one mother can take care of seven children, but seven grown children can’t manage to take care of one mother,” he said.

He added that five to 10 minutes a week would be enough.

Activities coordinator at the home, Saskia Badenhorst, said “we know it’s difficult for some family members to come and visit their family, but every moment is precious to the elderly and they appreciate the effort”.

She added it significantly lift their spirits, especially over the festive season.

She said even though some cannot remember what you did for them, they never forget how you make them feel when you visit.

Badenhorst also said she sees how excited residents get when their children or other relatives visit them and said the excitement is priceless.