Plenty of oumas and oupas have been ‘adopted’
The initiative, founded by Lydia Swarts, is meant to bring joy and the feeling of being loved and cared for to the elderly.
HERFSLAND old age home hosted the first Adopt an Oupa or Oupa initiative to give caring locals a chance to care for senior citizens on May 13.
The initiative, founded by local businesswoman Lydia Swarts, started with a bang when 87 younger members of society proudly accepted the responsibility to adopt and care for 110 senior citizens who reside at the home.
These senior citizens will enjoy birthday celebrations and many visits and gifts from the various people who signed pledge contracts to help nurture them. Extra activities such as reading, singing and doing their hair and nails will be at the volunteers’ discretion. The initiative requires that the volunteers make at least two visits a month and bring shoeboxes with toiletries every Christmas.
Swarts said, “There are still a lot of elderly people who do not have family members close by who live in old age homes and I invite other people to be project managers of this initiative in other old age homes. We will supply them with everything they need to get started so that they can have their community members pledging to care for the elderly in their community.
“I too have an ouma and I know how important it is to visit her and do her hair and nails. She is 84 years old so she appreciates the small things we do for her. That is why I want this initiative to grow and hopefully have a place in all of South Africa.”
People wishing to adopt oumas and oupas are encouraged to visit the Facebook page, Adopt an Ouma or Oupa. Those wishing to be project managers at other old age homes can contact Lydia Swarts on 082 831 6374.
