Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre marks 30 years of dedicated elderly support

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre in Beacon Valley.

When the non-profit organisation first opened its doors to 100 beneficiaries in 1995, it was known as the Mitchell’s Plain Foundation.

While the name was changed to Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre  back in 1997, the vision and purpose remained the same, said board chairperson Solomon Philander.

The centre, which provides 24-hour residential care to the elderly and frail, is subsidised by the Western Cape department of social development. The subsidy accounts for nearly 50% of the facility's overall annual operational cost.

"We know that taking care of the frail is expensive as their needs are great. This organisation would never exist as a stand-alone home that provides care to the destitute or people whose sole income is a SASSA grant," he said.

Mr Solomon expressed the organisation's gratitude to Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis, the departments of health and home affairs, and all private donors and stakeholders for their support.

"We want to thank our donors, especially the provincial department of social development that subsidises the service we provide.

"The community of Mitchell’s Plain has been a pillar of strength, including ordinary residents, churches, schools, local businesses, and the police.

"We want to thank you for three decades of support in caring for our residents. With such great support, I look forward to building an organisation that will be here for many years to come," he said. 

Mr Philander also commended the centre's staff, "who strive to provide dignified care."  

"As we celebrate 30 years of caring for the aged, we want to thank our staff who provide 24-hour care, giving dignity to each resident. We do not see any resident as a number but as an individual that deserves the best basic care with the resources available. 

Mr Solomon said most residents at the care centre have little to no support from their relatives. 

"A major challenge we have is that more than 90% of our residents' families do not visit or show any interest in them. This leaves the organisation to care for them from their day of intake to their last day.

"We strive to create a home of excellence through giving dignity and support to our residents. This comprises holistic care, which includes nutrition and recreation.

"We acknowledge the very active families who visit and support their loved ones. Their support goes a long way and enables us to extend our resources for those who do not have any support," he said. 

To mark its milestone year, the care centre is planning black-tie fundraising gala dinner at Westridge civic centre on Saturday, August 30. Tickets are R300.