Leisure Gardens launches first phase of care centre
Phase one of the care centre is complete, and phase two is due to start in the near future.
AS a child, grandparents are a constant source of love, affection and small presents.
As the years go by and the inevitable clock takes its toll on those very special people in life, there comes a time when the elderly can no longer look after themselves.
With this in mind, the committee of Leisure Gardens started work to complete a vision. The committee designed a strategy and begun the hard work to raise enough funds to build a facility the elderly of Empangeni sorely need.
Their aim was to create a place residents in their twilight years could be looked after on a daily basis by competent professionals surrounded by their family in a caring and respectful environment.
Thus, the Leisure Gardens Care Centre was born.
‘The closest assisted care facility is in eShowe,’ said committee chairman Glynton Reed. ‘The facility is fantastic, but the distance makes it impossible for family to visit regularly.’
Phase one of the care centre is complete, and phase two is due to start in the near future.
At an unveiling ceremony last Wednesday, the committee invited residents and sponsors to unveil their achievements to date.
‘We felt it necessary to show people what he have done,’ said Reed. ‘Many have donated generously to our cause, and now we can finally show them what we have achieved so far.’
Project boost
A very substantial donation from the Victor Daitz Foundation gave the project a mighty boost, and plans to complete the facility are now in action at a much faster pace.
‘The facility will provide assisted living to our very elderly,’ said Reed. ‘It will help them stay in a place where they have friends and a support system, while the day-to-day tasks are taken care of.’
The facility will provide assistance in all facets – from washing and ironing to meals and bathing.
‘We are very grateful to those who have stepped forward and helped us, and chose to have the unveiling to give us an opportunity to thank them,’ said Reed.
With state-of-the-art equipment and plans to employ trained medical staff, the completion of this facility will provide a comprehensive care structure to elderly residents.
‘I would like to encourage people to get involved and perhaps even join the committee. All the members of the committee have been around for many years, and some fresh perspective could do us well,’ said Reed.
Reed thanked the Rotary Club, Heatonville Tennis Club, the Hospital Farm Trust as well as Patch and Puck Addison for their generous support.
‘There are many many others to whom we are very grateful,’ he said.
If you wish to help or get involved with Leisure Gardens, please contact June Tennent on 035 7723258 or Pegs Sclanders on 035 7920036.
