Facing retirement options for oneself or one’s parents can be a daunting prospect. However, several retirement living options are available that suit differing ages, needs or abilities of the elderly. It is important to know that accommodation and services for the retiree are available that are tailored based on the levels of the physical, mental and social capability.
ASSISTED LIVING AS A RETIREMENT OPTION IN THE HELDERBERG SOMERSET WEST
Should you be 60 plus and still enjoying independent-type living and far away from being frail but realise that you either i) crave company, or ii) need assistance with daily housecleaning and iii) need someone to help you to do cooking as you tend to leave pots burning on the stove in mindless moments; you may need to look into the concept of ‘assisted living’.
Assisted Living is defined as follows: You usually have your own private room and there is no medical equipment that you would find in a nursing home, and nursing staff are not based on site. However, trained staff are always available to provide other needed services. Housekeeping chores are done for you; laundry is done, and three meals a day are cooked and served as part of the rent and included services. Additional fees may be charges for other services like medication management, bathing assistance, dressing, activity chaperoning, or short term care by a registered nurse. Amenities like a beauty parlor or exercise gym or a grocery service or kiosk may also be on site. There are usually common areas for socialising, as well as a central kitchen and dining room for meals.
The HSFA – the Helderberg Society for the Aged – is a Non-Profit Organisation, which has been caring for the elderly in the Helderberg region, since 1958. They have four service options: frail care centres, assisted living units, a home-based care service and several independent living accommodation units. The two Assisted Living units of the HSFA provide a tranquil, homely setting, with caring and committed staff in a beautiful, safe environment. The residents at Robari Lodge and Silver Oaks Lodge enjoy the best of both worlds, by enjoying a secure retirement home keeping and their independence, while also enjoying the benefits of being in the company of other occupants where new friendships are built and enjoying all meals and not having to do housekeeping.
- Many of the rooms are ensuite rooms, but Silver Oaks has several shared ablution rooms
- Three balanced meals per day
- Tea and/or coffee served four times per day
- Weekly housekeeping & laundry services
- DSTV in rooms (or in the lounges at Silver Oaks)
- Emergency Call-4-Care system in each room
- Pre-packed medication
- Activities, outings and special events
- Day/Night Helpers
- 24 Hour security
What are also enjoyed by the residents is the Coffee Shop at Silver Oaks which is also open to the public, and a kiosk (a mini shop) at Robari lodge. Silver Oaks also boasts a hair salon and nail bar accessible to the residents and community over the age of 60 who have Service Centre membership for an annual fee of R45. Residents of the HSFA automatically have free membership of the Service Centre.
The HSFA currently has units available at Silver Oaks Lodge from as little as R5490 and at Robari Lodge from R9440 per month. This is an incredible price considering this secure and comfortable accommodation includes 3 meals a day as well as all the above-mentioned benefits.
For more information on the Helderberg Society for the Aged, please visit their new website www.hsfa.org.za or Facebook page or email robari@hsfa.org.za or silveroaks@hsfa.org.za . Another option to find out more information is to attend their monthly information session every first Friday of the month at 10am at Vonke Park, 121 Lourensford Road, Somerset West.
