The Elandsvallei Home for the Aged is a place where the elderly can enjoy their retirement.<\/p>\n
The home was started by the Germiston Rotarians, who bought the mine manager’s house from Simmer and Jack Mines, in 1951.<\/p>
The idea was that the home would be used for ex-servicemen and women from World War Two to retire in.<\/p>\n
Elandsvallei is now a project of the Germiston branch of the South African Red Cross Society, but, over the years, Rotary has still offered some sponsorship to the home.<\/p>
The home offers retirement care for the elderly and elderly frail people.<\/p>\n
It can accommodate 44 people.<\/p>\n
The home relies on fund-raising and donations to make ends meet, as it receives no funding.<\/p>\n
A nominal amount is charged for residents to stay at the home.<\/p>\n
Manager Barbara Jensen and matron Sister Wendy Hahne, run the facility with love and care and make sure the residents get to participate in regular activities and outings.<\/p>\n
“Various church groups, as well as the Thursday Club, offer their support and help on a regular basis,” said Barbara.<\/p>\n
“In fact, the Thursday Club has been helping the home since its inception, and we still have the piano the club donated to the home in 1951.<\/p>\n
“In the last year the club has started repainting and refurbishing the home.”<\/p>\n
Along with looking after the elderly, the home also serves as a training place for the Red Cross’s home-based care workers.<\/p>\n
“They attend classes at the Red Cross offices in Driehoek and do their practical training at Elandsvallei,” said Barbara.<\/p>\n
The home recently held a morning market to raise funds, and this was a great success.<\/p>\n
For future markets, donations of furniture, bric-a-brac, household items and pot plants would be appreciated.<\/p>\n
Currently, Elandsvallei is in need of money to pay the bills; for sponsorship of some residents, who cannot pay; food; paving; carports and palisade fencing, along Rietfontein Road.<\/p>\n
“I thank everyone for their support,” said Barbara.<\/p>\n
“The home appreciates everything the community does to assist it.”<\/p>\n
To find out more about Elandsvallei Home for the Aged, or to make a donation, call the home on 011 872-0408, or Barbara on 011 873-9009.<\/p>\n