Methodist Homes hit back after criticisms laid at their door

Following last week’s article about a rental dispute between Methodist Homes Montgomery Haven and resident Alan Barsdorf, the paper has received comments from others who say his experience is not unique.

Two people who fear victimisation and pleaded with the paper not to reveal their names say ‘something fishy’ is going on.

*Steve says, “The cottages receive almost no maintenance or support from any staff. They are supposed to have panic remotes but these don’t work or if they do, nobody comes when they are pressed.”

Manager of the village Lorna Somers says, “Methodist Homes strenuously denies this malicious allegation and reserves its rights to take the necessary action to defend itself. Methodist Homes operates as a registered non-profit company, and it is important to note that Montgomery Haven is currently running at a deficit, necessitating financial support from our head office. This financial assistance ensures the continued operation of Montgomery Haven and the provision of essential services to its residents.”

Of the panic buttons, her response was, “When activated, these buttons instantly alert the care centre, prompting the immediate dispatch of a staff member to assist the resident. Regular testing of these panic buttons is conducted, and residents are urged to notify the management office promptly if any malfunction is detected. Claims alleging that residents receive no assistance when panic buttons are activated cannot be addressed without management having access to the relevant information to conduct a thorough investigation.”

*Angela says, “Alan’s story is not isolated. My rent has gone up by almost 20% now and overall my rent has doubled in seven years. It is insanity and causing the most horrific anxiety.”

Somers response to this was clear.
“After careful consideration, the board determined this increase as necessary to ensure equality to all our residents and to ensure the sustainability of the village.”

These are just some of the cost factors affecting the village

• Eskom tariff increases of 18.65% for 2023/24 year and 12.7% for 2024/25. These increases become effective on July 1, each year.
• The national minimum wage was increased by 8,5% from March 1, 2024 which affects many of our contract costs such as cleaning and gardening.
•  Security services will increase by a minimum of 6.75% this year as part of the four-year industry wage agreement.
•  Somers estimates COJ increases in water and sanitation are 9%.

Addressing complaints about maintenance of the facility, Somers says, “Since Methodist Homes took over the village in 2017, an investment exceeding R4.6 million has been invested towards upgrading, refurbishing, and maintaining the infrastructure. The cottages are diligently maintained, and residents are not burdened with the responsibility of upkeep, save for interior maintenance provisions covered in the standard lease agreement. A dedicated full-time maintenance team addresses daily maintenance needs promptly as they arise, ensuring residents’ comfort and safety.”

She outlined the help Methodist Homes can offer residents, like Alan Barsdorf, who find themselves unable to support themselves.

“The MHA Foundation, an independent registered trust, governed by a board of trustees, was founded in 1994 with the sole purpose of providing financial assistance to MHA residents in need. When we review these applications, we take into account the financial status of the family as a whole and not just the resident. This facility has been offered to Alan Barsdorf who has elected not to make use of this assistance.”

Somers says, “We adhere to a set of core values, one of which is, ‘to deal with all residents, their families, members of the public, and our colleagues with dignity, sincerity, respect, transparency, and compassion’.”

In line with these values, she says, “We assure our residents that there should be no fear of victimisation for expressing concerns. If any resident feels uncomfortable or faces challenges in expressing their concerns, we urge them to reach out to us directly, and we will ensure that their voices are heard and their rights respected.
“Methodist Homes devised a ‘whistleblowing’ policy which is monitored by an independent party and both residents and staff are encouraged to make use of this programme.”

*Not their real names.

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