FIONA Anderson bade farewell to Jona Vaughan Home at the yearly family day held recently, as she headed into retirement after 35 years.

The home has a long-standing tradition, where they invite all families and relatives to a family day once a year. “The residents love music and food, but families are precious. Residents get to spend a fun morning with families and enjoy a light lunch. It’s also a time that families get to talk and support the home. We had wonderful support this year,” said former manager, Fiona Anderson.

She said it was the best of farewells, because everyone was focusing on enjoying family time together. “But, I am very sad to say good bye to residents, families and care staff,” she said.

Anderson’s inspiration to go into nursing in 1979 was her grandmother and aunt, as they were in the medical field. She was first employed as a nurse at Jona Vaughan and then took over as manager in 2008.

“After I got married and my children were young, I was offered an evening nursing duty post. My children would come to work with me and talk and play games with the residents. The residents loved this and this taught my children some valuable lessons on how to appreciate life and their health and to always consider people’s feelings and treat people with respect,” said Anderson

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Later on, she was offered a position of day nurse, and 20 years later she became the manager. “When I was a child I used to wish for lots of children of my own, but be careful what you wish for, because when I started working at the home I received another 84 children. I have really enjoyed being part of the lives of the residents, especially at month end birthday parties, swimming, family days and sports days,” she said.

Anderson is looking forward to moving to the United Kingdom later this month to be closer to her grandchildren. “I will certainly be trying hard to find funders overseas to help our residents of Jona Vaughan,” said Anderson

She said the residents need their home, their staff and the support of their families. “There have been so many people who have helped the home and me personally. Many wonderful people have been there to give support through the years. I am also most grateful to my family,” said Anderson.

She said the home was the dream of a local family who had a son with special needs, Vaughan Tunmer. “Through this family and generous help of local community, Jona Vaughan is now safe and caring environment for 84 children and adults with profound disabilities. We are very grateful, even up to today, to the Amanzimtoti community who continue to give support,” said Anderson.

The biggest challenge they face is finances, however, they have a dedicated parents association that works tirelessly to raise funds for the residents’ many needs. At present, the home is in urgently requesting help for basic food and provisions.

These include: maize meal, milk, tin fish, tin meat, beans, sugar, rice, macaroni, margarine, eggs, vegetables, laundry soap, toilet paper and disinfectant. They also welcome donations of clothing and disposable diapers.
The post of manager will be advertised in near future.

Acting manager, Carol Marcus, who has worked as the Jona Vaughan nurse for seven years, will in the meantime continue to see that residents have all they need.

For more information, contact the home on 083 799 0266, or the parents association on 031 462 1064.

Alternatively, monetary donations can be made at the following banking details: Jona Vaughan home parent association, Nedbank, branch code: 130426, account number: 1304130959, reference: Jona Vaughan crisis fund.

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