History

The centre is situated in the heart of the Cape Flats in Lavender Hill and is regarded as a place of safety for the Aged. The surrounding communities are poor sub- economic areas where up to 70% of the population is unemployed, which has lead to increased gang violence and crime. Lavender Hill’s nickname of “kill me quick”, brought fear to many living in the surrounding areas, but to the vulnerable aged in particular.

Background

The board of trustees of the Village Care Centre, along with project director, Mrs Lottriet, took over the aged centre from a well known organisation in the area on the 10 December 2007 and the name changed to Village Care and Aged Centre.

Today, the centre provides residential care for 28 residents and their goal is to continue to provide secure, dignified care services and support for older persons in need. The elderly are desperate and live in abject poverty in and around the area. The Village Aged Centre operates under the auspices of the Village Care Centre, a registered NPO.

Aged Care Services Goals and Objectives       

• To practice a holistic approach in our caring, whereby the needs of the whole person are recognized, (physical, spiritual, emotional , social recreational and future dependency needs)    
• To provide opportunities for mastering new skills, relearning old ones and to encourage decision making with greater areas of choice  
• To provide supervised care and support to 28 elders in residential care  
• To provide day-care and therapeutic services to residents  
• To provide inter-disciplinary community level and support care as well as therapy to residents  
• To educate the community and create awareness about the vulnerable aged in the surrounding areas.

  Beneficiaries

Senior citizens in need are our primary focus. The poor, under-privileged and the homeless aged. The community is aware of the project and they are given the opportunity to hoist any objections or contributions they wish to make to ensure the sustainability of the project. The community plays the role of ensuring that the aged are treated with dignity and respect. Community members have volunteered their services and have assisted in caring for the aged at the centre. They have also voluntarily assisted with the vegetable garden at the centre.

  Fundraising

The Aged Centre is still in its infancy where funding is concerned, and therefore it is important that we maintain our contacts within the community and also establish new partnerships in order to uplift the sustainability of the Aged Centre. 

For further information or to offer your support

Mary Lottriet,

Project Director

Village Care & Aged Centre

Tel: 021 701 8840        Fax: 021 701 8848         www.villagecc.co.za