Thembisa Old Age Home, a state-of-the-art facility that operated from 2014 until its closure in 2019, has been restored and restructured under the leadership of centre manager Nombuyiselo ‘Penny’ Letsoalo and her team.

The home, funded by the Department of Social Development, has reopened its doors to the Thembisa community. It employs 31 in-house staff members, including social workers, nurses and caregivers.

The facility can accommodate 56 residents and is home to 26 beneficiaries. Community members who require its services are encouraged to visit the centre.

The old age home provides professional care to senior citizens, focusing on their social wellbeing, daily planning and overall safety.

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The 24-hour residential facility ensures that elderly residents are monitored and cared for by trained professionals at all times.

Support programmes include physical wellness initiatives, with trained staff assisting residents with daily exercises.

Physicians also visit the facility to provide medical support when required.

Letsoalo said managing an old age home requires dedication, patience and compassion.

“It is hectic running an old-age home because all residents need special care. We are dealing with elderly people, so you must understand what that is like.

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“They have their days when they are stressed because they have their own desires, but we try to meet them halfway,” she said.

“Caring for them is a privilege, but it is very important to always be vigilant and patient. When elders reach a certain point, some become like children again.

“Others feel stressed because their families do not visit often. While that is not stressful for us, we try to keep them calm, as it is our job to care for them. We are a happy big family, but it requires patience and heart.”

She added that one of the most rewarding aspects of running the home is seeing residents improve.

“What we love about running the home is seeing elderly people put effort into their health and follow our care plans.

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“Not long ago, we had a grandmother who used a walking stick, but she no longer needs it. It is a game-changer to see our efforts changing their lives.”

The facility is fully operational and will officially host a reopening event on March 6, where various stakeholders will welcome the community back.

The event aims to formalise the reopening of the home, which still has space available for elderly residents in need of care.

Families who wish to admit their elderly relatives are encouraged to arrange an appointment with the office.

They will be required to complete a questionnaire and provide a full medical history to ensure the facility can adequately cater for the prospective resident. Applicants who meet the requirements will proceed to personal interviews, followed by the admission process.

“We normally involve families in the process because we need them to remain present in the lives of their elders.

“We need them to be fully transparent about their contact details and location so that we know who to reach in case of a serious issue. Unfortunately, some people leave their loved ones here and disappear, which negatively affects the admitted elder,” Letsoalo said.