Elderly man uplifted from heartbreaking conditions
An elderly man confined to a wheelchair and begging near a local shopping complex was uplifted from his situation thanks to Amanzimtoti NPOs.
EVERY so often, more is needed to make a difference than just an individual, and the collective community needs to come together.
This was felt by an elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, begging at a nearby shopping complex on August 20.
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Countless messages were sent to local NPOs and posts on social media requested that the man be helped.
Jo-ann Herbst of NPO Elder’s Voice answered the call and said that Dick Venter (72) was in heartbreaking conditions, covered in grime, with wounds and stripped of his dignity.
Banding together with Elder’s Voice caregiver Luyande Meyer and Alta Erasmus from Hearts of Toti, a makeshift plan was put together.
“We went back and collected clean blankets, a pillow, clean clothing, nappies, soap, face cloths, sanitiser, a bucket and water, linen savers and whatever else we could get our hands on. The man was bathed and his wounds were cleaned before we changed him into clean clothes,” said Herbst.
With the help of Faithmed and a generous donor, he was taken to Prince Mshiyeni Hospital.
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Herbst expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone helped bring the situation to her attention, in addition to Meyer and Erasmus for their assistance.
Erasmus visited Venter at the hospital over the weekend and explained that while he is doing much better and receiving the care he needs, he is still confused and still suffers from badly-infected sores on his back.
“We are still trying to locate his family. If anyone recognises Dick Venter, please reach out to us. We understand that his brother may be in Bapsfontein, but unfortunately, uncle Venter is very confused and is unable to give us much information,” said Erasmus.
Should you have any information that may help reunite Venter with his family, contact Alta Erasmus on 072 801 0746.
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