My husband and I had been searching for an affordable home for my elderley sister for many years. We had phoned and visited scores of retirement homes in Cape Town only to find that they were either unavailable or just totally unaffordable for us. We finally just shrugged our shoulders and came to the conclusion that we were over ambitious in trying to find a suitable home for my sister anywhere! We felt we were hoping for the impossible! To us it appeared that old age homes in South Africa, especially Cape Town, were only meant for the super rich. Government organisations were unsympathetically saying they were completely full for the next 10 years. The elderley poor folks just had to fend for themselves, be it alone in a room, in a shelter or on the streets. Nobody seemed to care. Everyone had the attitude that there was nothing that could be done about the situation. No help was forthcoming from anywhere at all. Finally, unexpectedly and totally taken by surprise, a friend who had gone to visit my elderly sister recommended we phone Huis Luckhoff, saying that he knew for a fact that they had a room for her, and that we should at least try phoning them about accommodation. When I called, not only was my call immediately taken by the Admin Manager, (without the usual “she is unavailable” reply from a switchboard,) but I was put through to the kindest and most compassionate lady I could ever have imagined. Above all, she did not mind spending the time to at least listen to my problem. I was sent application forms for admission immediately.

Family Member

The staff at Rosebank House are all extremely kind, friendly and efficient. They love people and have deep compassion for the elderly they care for. The bookkeeper, who manages the accounts department also cares greatly about the elderly residents and it has been my experience that she keeps an eye over not only the finances of the Home, but also each individual elderly person in order that she may inform their guardians about their need for pocket money. My elderly sister is happier than I have ever seen her before. She enjoys the comfort of her heated room, her own belongings which she was allowed to bring into her living accommodation, the delicious meals which she receives every day, and above all the regular entertainment from outside organisations, as well as people she is able to chat to during the daytime. After very many years of continuous prayers, my husband and I feel we are so blessed and privileged to have finally been able to admit my sister to one of the best, loveliest, peaceful and most well organised old age Homes in Cape Town.

Family Member

Our plan for my mother’s old age did not anticipate dementia. Suddenly she was an increasingly unhappy, confused, and belligerent 90-yr old as her world closed in on her. We realised that we needed help, and we moved her to Rosebank House (formerly Huis Luckhoff). It ticked the boxes in terms of proximity, cost, and positive site inspections. What worked well My mum was immediately happier with people her own age. She is upbeat, chatters constantly, and waves us away saying that she is happy and well. Rosebank House has intermediate care levels, and she is in Assisted Living Plus. Her room is lovely and spacious with its’ own handbasin. Facilities are clean (albeit old); staff are warm and caring, and my mum loves them. Meals are nutritious, tasty, and more than adequate. The new CEO is sprucing the place up; something has changed for the better every time we visit. We especially appreciate that visitors are welcome any time before bedtime. She is constantly monitored and sees the visiting state doctor whenever necessary, and recently we were invited to discuss her increasing care needs. Most importantly, within a month of mum being there, they detected a breast lump (that we would not have found) and referred her to Groote Schuur Hospital where she is now receiving age-appropriate breast cancer treatment that has arrested the growth of the lump. What could have been better It took more than four months to sort out her medication even though I did what was asked, and my sense is that the process needs to be optimised - it necessitated my intervention to ensure that the correct script was filled. I wish they had told me at the outset that she did not need a wheelchair, as hers disappeared and was only found six months later after I got involved. I would like them to manage her weight and her sugar consumption more effectively, as she has gained quite a bit of weight. Finally, I would recommend that the CEO has a formal check-in meeting with families once a new resident has been there for 3-4 months as his schedule does not easily accommodate ad hoc meetings. A formal feedback process would be invaluable in identifying trends allowing for positive reinforcement and corrective action.

Family

Hi James At times, I am overwhelmed by the compassion shown by your permanent nursing staff and carers. I am continuously asked if there is anything they can do to help. There is core of understanding and care. A lot of good people. regards --- Sinclair

Sinclair