Centenary House home to many in lockdown
Lockdown affected residents in various ways. Some people lost their jobs while others lost a part of their income. Nongovernment institutions’ regular donors were unable to donate due to the financial impact on their businesses, which meant the institutions had to find others who were able to donate.
Centenary House in Penina Park is a residential facility for adults with physical and/ or intellectual disabilities.
The home is seen as an essential service and was allowed to stay open during the nationwide lockdown.
Christa van der Walt, Director at the Association for Persons with Disability Limpopo (APD), says residents who were at home had to stay home until the level of lockdown allowed them to go back, and no new residents could be admitted.
“This will only change when the level of lockdown changes and permits it.
Another challenge of the lockdown was the fact that the residents could not go out or receive visitors. Our day workers with disabilities, who usually attend the workshop, had to stay home on the same basis as the residents.” In order to safeguard the residents and staff who deliver essentials services as far as possible, everyone was trained on what Covid-19 is and what had to be done to stay safe and uninfected.
“Our professional nurse held a practical demonstration on social distancing. The home provided all staff and residents with masks and sanitiser was placed in every building on the premises. Although we monitor the residents continuously in terms of wearing their masks and social distancing, it is a huge challenge and full-time job. We fortunately have more than enough space inside our buildings to adhere to social distancing.”
Residents who stay on the premises attended a workshop and were kept busy with gardening, making material masks and knitting.
They also went for long walks and socialised while adhering to social distancing.
“One of the social activities was a braai with some entertainment.
“Most residents have televisions in their rooms and sitting rooms which makes it easy to maintain social distancing.
We can also say with great gratitude that we were blessed with all the donations we received from the public and businesses during the lockdown.
“These donations enabled us to ensure that our residents as well as beneficiaries in the community were well looked after. We managed to deliver food, masks and sanitiser to them on three occasions.”
To ensure that people with disabilities and their families continue to receive services during the lockdown, APD Limpopo and Centenary Home remain operational as an essential service.