Dra Mekaar members visit Silwerjare Home in Bethal

Dra Mekaar members had an outing to Bethal, where they visited the residents and facilities of the Silwerjare Home for the Elderly on September 13.

With most members of the Dra Mekaar group being pensioners, organiser of the outing, Eileen Bezuidenhout, said it was important for people wanting to settle into a retirement home to first see what options and facilities like these are available before committing.

The way Silwerjare is running impressed the Dra Mekaar members. It has areas accommodating the frail and special needs, couples, and elderly who still want their independence in a self-contained flatlet. They split members up into groups for tours through the accommodation, kitchen and dining area.

“We are blessed and happy here. Our residents visit each other and work together. The greatest pleasure is the ‘skinner’ (gossip)”, said a laughing resident and committee member, Sewes van Zyl.

Residents need to have a healthy and active lifestyle. They offer breakfast and lunch each day. Everyday lunch comprises traditional boerekos. Dra Mekaar members sat down at lunch with Silwerjare residents having chicken pie, rice with gravy and a vegetable of the day.

Blended soft meals are prepared for residents unable to consume plated portions. Exercise is important to keep residents’ mobility going for as long as possible.

“Through the exercises, we help the persons regain control. Many residents, by the time we find them, have already stopped moving. The exercises help them with brain functionality so that they can at least clothe themselves,” said Magriet Scholtz, general manager of Silwerjare.

“We receive shirts with buttons so that they can easily dress themselves. We try as much as possible to help them regain their motor skills.

“Some women could not even raise their arms and later on, could move and walk again through these exercises,” said Scholtz.

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