The forgotten village

Hidden away in a dark brick structure in the little town of Westbrook, live 77 elderly folk who have been all but forgotten.

The 30-year-old Westbrook Retirement Village is in dire need of more help.

“Their only form of transport is a 1986 combi, which often breaks down, meaning they have to get out and push the combi, while being hooted and sworn at by passing traffic,” said Jenita Maharaj, who together with her husband Sean, has been trying to give the seniors more quality to their lives.

They have recently taken a group of the villagers to the Rainfarm, which led to a lot of excitement and exercise.

“It just brought them alive,” said Jenita.

“They were jumping on the trampoline, they swam and played putt-putt. We could not keep up,” said Sean.

“Seeing them so active and happy reinforces that we have got to help them. They cannot be left here to die,” Jenita said.

Chairperson of the village committee and keen Angry Birds player, Anne Watson is particularly concerned about the medical care problems.

“We desperately need an oxygen machine and a clinic, as we cannot wait for medical care to assist, because they take too long to arrive and most of our residents cannot afford medical aid.”

In some cases they have been told that the ambulance will only be able to come the next day, which is sometimes too late.

What is even more frightening is that many of the residents only have their state pension to survive on, which comes to a meager R1350.

This barely covers the electricity and rent, leaving little or nothing for food, medicine and other necessities.

“We would like to cook breakfast and dinner for the village, which can be enjoyed in the communal hall, so that they do not have to sit alone in their little room and be hungry, but we need money to buy food,” said Jenita.

Jenita’s mom, Myrna Seethal lives in the village, which is how she and her husband got involved in trying to uplift the lives of the oldies there.

“Society needs to change their mindset about old people because they are so valuable to us. If young people would spend time and listen to them, they could learn so much, which would help remove us from the social decay we are in,” said Sean.

Jenita and Sean will be hosting a glamorous black tie charity dinner at the village on Valentines Day to raise funds and to encourage people to pledge to care for the senior citizens.

“It is going to be first class. We have already planned the three course meal, invited some special speakers and the residents have started working on the goody bags for the guests,” said Jenita.

Tickets are R500 per person and the evening starts at 6.30 pm for 7 pm.

If you would like to attend or get involved in this event, please contact Jenita on 072 135 0545.