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Community and religious organisations held a peaceful picket outside Nerina Place in Bishop Lavis on Wednesday 27 January. This comes after the Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged announced that they will be closing the retirement home and moving the 88 residents to alternative CPOA welfare homes. PHOTO: TARRYN-LEIGH SOLOMONS
COMMUNITY PROTEST: ‘VIOLATION’ OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Home for elderly to close TARRYN-LEIGH SOLOMONS @tarryns07
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ommunity and religious organisations gathered at Nerina Place in Bishop Lavis on Wednesday 27 January to protest against the removal of elderly frail care residents to different homes. This comes after the Cape Peninsula Organisation for the Aged (CPOA) announced that they will be closing three welfare homes which include Nerina Place in Bishop Lavis, Lilyhaven in Bonteheuwel and Oakhaven Place in Heideveld. The decision to shut down the homes is as a result of a loss of R33 million incurred by CPOA.
“CPOA is a non-government organisation. It receives subsidies from the Department of Social Development (DSD) which contribute to the care of the elderly but in no way cover the full costs of care and accommodation, and result in an annual loss of R33.5 million across the five welfare homes. The decision to close three of the homes was communicated to the DSD,” CPOA said in a statement. The organisation further explained that Nerina Place will be the first home to be closed. “All 88 residents from Nerina Place will be accommodated in alternative CPOA welfare homes where there are beds available. In order to ensure a smooth transition, a maximum number of five residents will be
transferred at a time, allowing for companionship as they move into their new home. The residents have been advised of the transfer and have been fully prepared to move into new premises. “We expect this process will take around two months, ensuring time for the residents to settle in.” Amanda Davids of the Bishop Lavis Action Community (Blac) said their organisation has formed a relationship with the residents and do not wish to see them being “dumped” at a home which is not within close reach of their families. “The three communities of Bishop Lavis, Bonteheuwel and Heideveld religious forums and organisa-
tions are opposing the relocation of the Nerina Place, Lilyhaven and Oakhaven old age home residents. Uprooting these elderly residents is inhumane and violates their basic human rights to safety and security as well as affordable housing. After years of contributing constructively to society, this is how our elderly are now repaid.” Wesley Moodley of the Bishop Lavis Religious Forum said there is a huge need for frail care in the area. CPOA said they are prepared to donate the buildings to NGOs. “Some proposals have already been submitted.” Interested parties can send their proposals to info@cpoa.org.za.