Elderly still to play a role

BEING a pensioner does not mean you cannot do something for yourself or your community.

This is the belief of Tshilidzini Society for the Care of the Aged.

“We realised that most women were forced to leave their children behind while they went to look for jobs,” says the project manager, Aaron Netshifhefhe.

“We formed the centre to look after children when their parents are at work.”

The centre started as Tshisaulu Itsani Community Crèche before it changed to Tshilidzini Society for the Care of the Aged.

“The centre started as a crèche and we have since accommodated the elderly too.

“We currently have trained caregivers who conduct door-to-door campaigns around the community to identify patients and their needs. We cook for them and wash for them,” says Netshifhefhe.

The centre has 11 qualified caregivers who care for the elderly and is empowered by the department of health and social development.

“We often invite different institutions such as the police, doctors and the department of social development to teach the elderly and the children about abuse, about chronic diseases and how to take care of themselves.

“The pensioners plant cabbages, onions, beetroot, maize(mielies), butternuts, and carrots that we sell to generate an income,” he says.

“They also sew garments and sometimes help taking care of the children.”

“We sometimes organise a trip for the pensioners using the profit we make from selling vegetables. In 2009, they went to Port Elizabeth and in 2010 to Cape Town. We plan to take them to Durban in September.”

Netshifhefhe encourages pensioners to exercise daily to stay healthy and advises those with chronic diseases to take their medication.

“We thank the department of health and social development for empowering the pensioners with skills.”