SAVF Huis Ermelo denies all allegations against it
Reports of neglect, mismanagement and residents receiving substandard food portions had been made against the old age home that offers housing for the aged and frail.
ERMELO – “If any complaints were ever brought to my attention and not dealt with accordingly, I will take full responsibility.”
This undertaking by Waldi Sieberhagen, SAVF Huis Ermelo’s manager, came in response to a recent wave of allegations made against the establishment.
Reports of neglect, mismanagement and residents receiving substandard food portions had been made against the old age home that offers housing for the aged and frail. This sparked a Highvelder investigation, culminating in an on-site visit to Huis Ermelo on April 11.
ALSO READ: SAVF Huis Ermelo: Families speak out after allegations surface
The paper exclusively details the allegations made against the establishment, their response and the outcome of the publication’s visit to the premises.
Community activist airs concerns, SAVF finds no wrongdoing
Allegations initially surfaced online after community activist Julia Basson took to social media during a Facebook Live. She claimed that residents receive subpar meals consisting of meagre portions, accompanied by dry slices of bread.
She added that basic amenities such as geysers have been shut off at times to conserve electricity, leaving some elderly residents without access to hot water for showers.
Basson also alleged that residents are only allowed to take three showers a week, and for the rest of the time, have to rely on bed baths.
“The allegations were investigated by a panel of investigators and found to be untrue and without any merit,” responded law firm Van Rensburg, Koen & Baloyi on behalf of SAVF CEO Adriaan Raubenheimer. “As a registered, reputable, well-established organisation, all actions are guided by SAVF policies and procedures that are strictly adhered to.”
They explained that the establishment is continuously monitored by the Department of Social Development, which was most recently done in February this year.
On Monday morning, Highvelder requested confirmation from the department. Its response will be featured in a follow-up article.
The firm labelled Basson’s concerns as ‘unmerited’ and accused her of having a vendetta against the establishment.
According to the firm, Basson intends to vilify the good standing and reputation of their clients – an allegation Basson has denied.
Meals
In the video’s comment thread, Basson published photos of some meals reportedly served to residents.
More comments followed depicting meals that the home sells to the community at R50 per plate. The alleged residents’ and community’s meals depicted a stark contrast.
The SAVF’s Pretoria-based law firm questioned the authenticity of the photos supposedly of residents’ meals and provided footage of some mouth-watering meals that were supplied to the residents.
Sieberhagen also stated during Highvelder’s visit that the food is pre-plated, weighed and portioned to ensure they are all the same.
The attorneys indicated that the rate for the flat residents is lower than for the public.
“Facebook reflects the meals are available at R50 per plate. Same portions as for residents.”
Highvelder has sent further enquiries to confirm if the images were supplied before or after the allegations about the food had surfaced. Highvelder will publish responses once available.
Personal hygiene
Highvelder obtained a source-provided copy of what appears to be a time sheet limiting residents to three showers a week. According to their attorneys, no such complaints were received during internal investigations. Sieberhagen denied this allegation, and also denied that residents have had to endure cold showers.
She added that they had received a water and electricity bill of R178 000 from the municipality, after which they sought amnesty and received a R20 000 reduction on the amount.
The month thereafter, their bill, albeit reduced, was still exorbitant, necessitating a meeting with residents about a plan to address the high costs.
“We met with the residents and informed them that their boarding fees would be affected by the high municipal accounts, and they were in agreement that we should take the necessary steps.”
Sieberhagen indicated that five geysers were then shut off and that two residents who stayed in one section on the premise were moved due to there not being warm water in the affected area. She also indicated that although the water in the basins in some rooms was cold, the showers did have warm water.
Additional comment was also obtained from the attorneys who stated that SAVF policy dictates the minimum standard of showers for residents who are not able to do so independently is twice per week. On alternative days, a bed wash is done.
“In Ermelo Old Age Home, residents shower three times per week as per set schedules. Residents who can shower without supervision may do so as frequently as they choose.”
They also indicated that bed-ridden residents are bed-washed daily.
“Nappy-change wash [top and tail – intimate wash] is also done. Oral care is done twice daily. Hair and nail care is done according to set schedules.”
Donations
Basson made another claim that surplus donations are sold at an on-site shop.
“I’m sure if management were to tell the donors they are selling items of which they have too many and were using it to cover expenses, no one would bat an eye, but they’re not told.”
In response, Sieberhagen said they receive donations of food that will spoil at times, so they do sometimes donate it to Mooi Hawens as well as some of the churches.
Regarding donations of another nature, she said they had an idea for such a shop called Twice as Nice, though it would be for items they perhaps have a surplus of, or that were not in a good condition and not usable by residents.
She indicated that it was running already, but not yet publicly announced. The funds, she said, would be managed accordingly and accounted for.
The attorneys’ response were that the management board is actively involved in the receiving, management and redistribution of these donations. All proceeds are said to be put towards the needs of residents.
Gym equipment
Gym equipment, contributed by donors to enhance the residents’ quality of life, was also a point of contention. Basson alleged it was appropriated by the manager in her apartment.
Sieberhagen and Raubenheimer responded via their attorney.
“Due to an incident, without any injury, only the one apparatus was moved to the manager’s stoep immediately after the incident and is currently in a storeroom.”
They further said that after the incident, the residents lost interest in the idea, and the equipment in the activity room is not really being used. The gym was in the activity room (room 22).
Sunroom
Another allegation was that a sunroom, previously used for residents, now forms part of the manager’s living quarters.
The attorneys provided the below sketch in response.
SAVF labels Basson’s allegations as untrue
In response to her Facebook Live video, Basson has been barred from the premises. Van Rensburg, Koen & Baloyi said their clients will not permit her “upsetting the residents and vilifying the good name and reputation of their clients”.
They have expressly denied her allegations, stating:”As a registered, reputable, well-established organisation, all actions are guided by SAVF policies and procedures that are strictly adhered to.”
Basson calls for an independent investigation
After claiming that her emails to the CEO remained unanswered, she called for an independent investigation into the conditions at the home, proposing impartial figures such as the chief magistrate, Catherine Hugo, or state prosecutor, Jaco Badenhorst.
“Rather than heed these appeals, the SAVF opted to conduct an internal investigation, concluding that the appropriate course of action was to prohibit my access to the premises, instead of addressing the allegations of which I have proof,” alleged Basson.
Highvelder sought clarity on the internal investigation that concluded that Huis Ermelo had done no wrong.
The publication asked who had conducted this investigation and who the people on the investigation panel were.
The publication also asked whether Huis Ermelo would be subjected to any national investigations, and sought confirmation of whether any independent investigations were followed.
The publication received a response indicating that Sieberhagen, SAVF regional manager Mari Louw, SAVF national manager for nursing Mrs Sunette Roos, a qualified nurse, Nel Pretorius and Alta van Heerden, a qualified social worker and independent member, all formed part of the panel.
They also stated that due to Louw, Roos and Van Heerden not being involved at Huis Ermelo, they acted as independent investigators.
Highvelder’s site visit
The publication was warmly received during its April 11 site visit. Sieberhagen and Louw informed the paper of all the ongoing measures the house was taking to improve services to the residents, and the paper was also given a tour of the facility.
Despite ongoing construction on the roof and bathroom facilities, the expansion of the Alzheimer’s unit and typical signs of wear and tear, there were no glaring issues or causes for concern in the areas visited.
Sieberhagen offered her business card and asked Highvelder to also publish her contact details should anyone ever become aware of any complaints. She can be contacted at 065 583 4067.
