Health, home and happiness for every older person

The Neighbourhood Old Age Home [NOAH] programme focuses on accommodation for the fit elderly, assisted living facilities for those needing extra care, primary health care services and social clubs where the elderly can meet and interact with one another and other support organisations. Over 700 people benefited from these services in 2006/07.

Much work has gone into maintenance and refurbishment of all the properties in the NOAH family to project a clean, cared for environment which is comfortable and welcoming for our residents.

Recently, we negotiated with the Khayelitsha Day Hospital for one of their doctors to run a monthly clinic at Nonkululeko for our residents. Dr Sitoaba screens and refers residents, adjusts medication and monitors the health of our aged.

76 years young – Elizabeth is learning to read and write!
Petite and perennially cheerful, Elizabeth Bernadette Phillips knows the secret of a long, happy life – she keeps busy doing things for others. Her hands are as supple as a young girl's and she gives massages to those whose legs are swollen or aching with rheumatism.

After Mass on Sundays, Elizabeth goes to 'school' with the nuns.

"I have been studying for two years now and my certificates are on my wall,"she says proudly. "Now I can read from the Bible at last!"

Partnerships
NOAH has a successful partnership with the Caring Network, who place their students at Nonkululeko for their practical training. Those who do not find full-time employment after completing their training volunteer their services at Nonkululeko.

For more information on NOAH, visit www.noah.org.za.