Ikhaya Labantu Centre residents, in Langa, had fun on Tuesday 15 November during a wellness day celebration at the facility.
The day was organised by a group of fourth-year medical students from the University of Cape Town (UCT).
Ikhaya Labantu is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that caters for young children and senior citizens who are homeless or have no one to support them.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Danelle van Heerden described the event as a special day for the seniors. She said the aim is to educate and empower them about their well-being.
“We have various activities that we are going to do with them to keep them active and they include exercises, painting, stretching, massage, meditating and so on. We encourage them to eat healthy so that they can stay healthy. Also, we encourage them to take their medication,” she said, citing that they aim to keep their relationship with the centre and to try to involve the community.
She described senior citizens as people that need to be entertained and taken care of all the time.
Tinotenda Mhungu, the centre manager, said the facility is home to 34 people, with an additional 20 coming in daily. Some of the residents are referred to the facility by social workers.
“We have a relationship with various social workers from different hospitals and clinics like Lentegeur Hospital, Groote Schuur Hospital, Vanguard Community Health Centre, Nyanga clinic, etc. Others are brought here by their family members,” he stated.
Mhungu said each resident pays R1 500 a month and the amount covers accommodation, nappies, food as well as caregivers.
He said part of their programmes is to ensure that the residents are healthy physically and psychologically.
Resident Bethwell James (54) said it was great to see people from outside visiting them. “It is nice here. We eat nice food, exercise and relax. The nurses are taking care of us.” said James.