Casa Caritas celebrates 50 years

Casa Caritas celebrated 50 years of providing care for the physically and mentally disabled on October 14.

Resilience, commitment and an enormous amount of love and compassion underpin this milestone.

When the facility was founded in 1973 by Joan Muller, the first CEO, it was known as Kempton Park Home for the Disabled.

Later, they changed the name to Casa Caritas, which means House of Compassion.

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Muller persuaded the Kempton Park city council to reserve a house for the proposed home after city residents saw the need for a facility to offer loving care to local children with disabilities.

Located on Maxwell Street, Kempton Park, the house had three bedrooms.

As the project gained momentum, they decided to split the institution, with one arm catering to higher-functioning children and Casa Caritas continuing to care for severely disabled children.

Muller retained her position as head of Casa Caritas and was instrumental in raising funds to build a home on a large plot of land in Terenure, Kempton Park, supplied by the city council.

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As additional funds became available over the years, they built rows of rooms to house more residents and upgraded the facilities to enhance the residents’ experiences.

Currently headed up by CEO Chantell Kriel, the facility accommodates 55 disabled people, and most residents are between 11 and 48 years old.

The intake age for enrolment is between four and 14.

The facility boasts a recreation room, emergency room, and a controlled outdoor environment, allowing residents to move freely.

Casa Caritas offers 24-hour care to mobile, wheelchair-bound or bedridden residents.

Many residents have epilepsy, and most control it with medication, but it can be triggered at any time, resulting in fits.

Kriel is passionate about Casa Caritas and said she knew she had found her life’s purpose when she started working at the facility.

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“I am not talented at sports or academics, but I believe I have a great talent to love unconditionally and freely. It is here that I get to express that love.”

Kriel said the epileptic fits range from minor to major and require medical attention.

“If not caught in time, this could result in hospitalisation. Our facility affords parents peace of mind by knowing that our care workers are always present around their children during the day while they need to work.

“At night, our staff conduct hourly rounds to ensure residents remain tucked in. Cameras in each room allow them to observe the monitor between rounds,” she said.

Daily care at Casa Caritas starts with breakfast, medication, bathing and oral hygiene.

Daily therapy and sensory stimulation are a source of happiness for the residents, and the registered nurse administers medication.

The kitchen staff prepare about 200 plates of food daily, and an industrial laundry means clean clothing and linen are always available.

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“Our 35 dedicated staff members provide residents with a quality of life in a facility that is in tune with their daily pace and does not emulate the rushed way of existence outside the confines of our home.

“While our team members need to demonstrate leadership, communication, problem-solving and teamwork skills, their greatest skills are compassion, empathy and patience,” added Kriel.

Long-standing employee Josephine Motsitsi, who has worked at Casa Calitas for 25 years, said when she retires at the end of this year, Casa Caritas will always remain in her heart as a home away from home.

Looking ahead, Kriel’s wishes for Casa Caritas are longevity and prosperity.

“I hope we continue to make our founders proud and serve and uphold the dignity and respect that persons with disabilities deserve. My wish, too, is that our organisation continues to fulfil its legacy for many years to come.

“We are very proud of the achievement and being able to provide love and care to the residents. It is rewarding to see them happy and in a safe environment.”

She said their biggest challenge had always been to balance their income with the rising cost of living.

“Our parents’ fees have never been enough to keep up with the increasing cost of living. We have always strived for an affordable and well-maintained facility.

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“This is where we used to turn to our local business for support. We have relied heavily on Mandela Day and community initiates to get projects started or completed.”

The home needs non-perishable items, and paint is always required. For more information, contact 072 107 1989 or ceo@casacaritas.org.za