Queenshaven finds its feet during lockdown

The COURIER paid Queenshaven Village, a home for the aged, a visit to find out how they experienced 2020.

The general manager from Queenshaven Village, Johan Pretorius, and Resident Services Manager Hilary Passmore, a worker at the village, said 2020 was a difficult year when the pandemic started to spread all over the country.

“Today, we are more familiar with the infection and the protocols that we have in place. We had to move forward and make sure we keep the residents safe at all times. It was difficult for us because we could not allow visitors to the residents.

“It was also difficult for them not to see their families or for them to go outside. They felt as if the home was a prison and found it very uncomfortable,” said Pretorius.

Pillay said she is glad that even though it was a difficult time, they have managed to keep calm and continue making sure everyone is kept safe.

“We had cases but it was not that bad. We managed to isolate the residents until they got better and luckily no death was recorded in the village,” she said.

Since the lockdown eased up they were able to let people who want to apply to stay with their loved ones and also let people come see their families. This is something that was not allowed before.

“We have a new procedure for applying for a stay at our village. Certain criteria have to be followed. Once the application is submitted, the applicant and the family will be interviewed, and if they are successful then we will offer them accommodation,” said Pretorius.

He said application forms are found on the internet. They offer them a place that suits an applicant’s age.

“We are independent and we offer everything inside our village. We also have matrons and doctors. We are not a hospital but we are a care home,” Pretorius said.

“We are not a business even though we are a private home. Our fees are not expensive and we keep the gates open for everyone. We comply with the guidelines of non-profit organisations,” said Passmore.