Old age home appeals for urgent assistance

SAVF Silverdae Ons Tuiste Old Age Home in Waterval Boven has been left in the lurch by the Mpumalanga Department of Health and is appealing to the public’s generosity to make this Christmas and New Year special.

The manager, Elize Steenkamp, said, “For many years, the department supplied our facility, via Waterval Boven Hospital, with adult nappies, which are an essential item for a number of our residents. But this came to an end at the beginning of 2022, without any explanation.

“We have been battling to raise funds to buy nappies for our residents ever since. We are also short of disposable gloves, bandages, plaster, gauze, Panado and Imodium.

“To have enough medication supplied from the local state hospital is an ongoing battle. TRAC and Kuphila Clinic in Machadodorp have come to our rescue with medication many times.”

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Steenkamp expressed frustration and sadness when residents pass away and there are not enough resources to help families in a meaningful way.

Apart from the shortage of essential medical supplies, Silverdays urgently needs to restock empty larders and replenish cleaning and washing materials. The residents grow some of their own food in the home’s vegetable garden, but would love some treats over the festive season, especially soft sweets like chocolates, marshmallows and cookies, and cordials.

“It would be lovely to have some new Christmas lights for our lapa too. Our lights are old and broken, and new ones will make such a difference.”

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Silverdays is hosting a special lunch at 11:30 on Christmas Day, and people from the community are welcome to reserve a table at R75 per person.

“We are appealing to a kind-hearted person to donate a leg of lamb to make this an extra special Christmas lunch,” Steenkamp said.

The one thing Steenkamp is not short of is job satisfaction.

“The joy and laughter of our elderly residents at Ons Tuiste makes it all worthwhile. Seeing them smile again after returning from the sickbay, listening to their stories and sharing a quiet moment with them in the garden – what joy! We are alive because of these old folks. Providing a warm friendly home for them in their golden years is our privilege and passion.”

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Steenkamp thanked the donors for their ongoing support, saying Lowveld communities are a lifeline.

SAVF Silverdae Ons Tuiste is a non-profit organisation rendering 24-hour frail care nursing and other services to people who are 60 years and older. It has been in existence since 1988 and accommodates 32 residents who mostly only receive the meagre Sassa pension.

Members of the public and concerned organisations who wish to contribute, may call Steenkamp on 013 257 0478 or 084 795 8597.