RADA commits to supporting Gerald Fitzpatrick House and Nursing Home (GFP), situated in the impoverished area of Bertram, Johannesburg, this is a secure home for elderly ladies of very limited means.
The building was the home of Bessie Fitzpatrick who donated it to the Woman’s Civic Society in 1933. They then established and ran the home specifically for elderly women who were too old to work and earn a living but who were still capable of looking after themselves and cooking their own meals. This home has been in service for over 85 years.
It currently provides housing for 46 residents in its independent living section, where the ladies are expected to do their own cooking, shopping, cleaning and laundry. Midday meals are available at a small cost. The Frail care section has 37 residents who receive 24-hour care, 3 meals a day, 3 teas a day and a p.m. snack.
Gerald Fitzpatrick has a staff compliment of 44 which includes a matron, nurses, support staff as well as semi-skilled and unskilled staff who work as cooks, kitchen staff, cleaners, laundry staff, gardeners and security.
“The home accommodates all races and provides inexpensive accommodation, which is safe, secure, clean and pleasant. Nutritious meals, therapy and stimulation is available for all who reside here”, says Patricia Mpala manager of the home. Craig Barendsen, Chairman of GFH board says that they receive very limited government support with no subsidies provided by municipalities. Support received in 1994 was 70%, this dropped to 11% in 2017.
RADA Care with the help of sponsors, KIA SA and AGT Foods Africa will be delivering food to the home on a monthly basis. RADA will also be looking at doing activations in the community around the home, assessing needs and providing support where it’s needed.
