The City of Cape Town recently completed the revamp of two senior citizens’ complexes located in Bonteheuwel and Elsies River with the aim to ensure an increased level of comfort and safety for the elderly tenants.
Work is currently ongoing at The Home Morea complex in Lotus River, which consists of 58 rental units for elderly tenants, and is expected to be completed by June.
The work on the premises completed to date includes the replacement of the vibracrete fencing with steel palisade fencing, the installation of electric fencing, perimeter beams and CCTV cameras, and the implementation of access control. The upgrading of security measures was attended to as a matter of urgency due to the spate of burglaries experienced at the complex.
In addition to the security upgrades, ceilings were retrofitted in the communal walkways and the hall. The roof of the communal hall was also replaced and the current installation of paved surfaces as part of phase one is set to commence.
The City manages 11 complexes consisting of 507 self-catering units for senior citizens over the age of 60 years.
Since these are self-catering units, tenants have to be able bodied and not in need of frail care. Each complex is overseen by an area manager with an on-site caregiver who looks after the grounds. This caregiver is also available to call an ambulance if a resident falls ill and to assist with other general chores.
“The City’s senior citizens are among the most vulnerable groups, many of whom are often left to fend for themselves. The City’s assisted living facilities provide a safe communal space for senior citizens to live out their golden years. Communal living affords them the opportunity to interact and socialise with one another and enables them to forge close bonds and create a sense of belonging and community for one another. In some instances this is the only family they know,” says Stuart Diamond, Mayco member for assets and facilities management.
