Mamelodi hospice receives donation
“Our main focus is the abuse of older persons, to assist and ensure that they are safeguarded in the communities where they live.”
An organisation working with elderly people has donated toiletries and fruit to Bophelong community hospice in Mamelodi East.
The generous donation by Gauteng Age in Action (GAA) brought tears of joy to the hospice residents on Wednesday.
Sibongile Mjangqeka of GAA said: “We requested all board members in five regions to identify a home that desperately needed toiletries, especially diapers and one identified Bophelong.
“Our main aim is to make an impact and difference in the lives of elderly people. Our core focus is to protect and promote the rights of older persons by raising awareness and restoring their dignity through advocacy and lobbying.
“We are so happy that our elders will have help when they need it.”
She said the focus is on the abuse of older persons, to assist and ensure that they are safeguarded in the communities where they live.
Bophelong nursing service manager Rose Ngwetshane said the donations came at a time of need.
“We are so happy to get a donation and diapers are so expensive.
“GAA came at the right time and we thanked them from the bottom of our hearts. They must go on and help others like us.”
Phumzile Gama of GAA said the organisation also started an Adopt a Granny programme currently operating around Tshwane.
She said the programme members went house to house visiting the elderly.
“We are looking at the living conditions and check if the elderly are not abused. If we find a case of abuse, we intervene by rescuing or taking them to a place of safety and we make sure we report a case [to the police],” said Gama.
“We go around and educate the elders and preach about their rights and that they must not be abused by anyone,” she said.
“We are working with social workers and also have a 24/7 toll-free number to report abuse or where elderly people can call to report on 0800 204 190.”
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