Written by Lisbé Joubert, Huis Mimosa Manager
In these times of significant transformation, the needs of our residents and our approach to service delivery has evolved. When the chairman of the governing board asked our management team about our vision for Huis Mimosa, we dared to dream big and let our imaginations soar.
With the changing population in De Doorns, incidents of burglaries and theft has increased. Thanks to a Lotto grant, we were able to secure the home with a high-security fence, and after a few years, we added an electric fence with our own funds. This has provided peace of mind to both residents and their families.
Huis Mimosa lacked a van, which was essential for the residents’ needs. We planned meticulously, borrowed the necessary funds, and purchased the van. We are proud to say that the borrowed money has been repaid as agreed, enhancing our residents’ quality of life.
For a long time, we dreamed of establishing an Alzheimer’s Department. This dream became a reality thanks to a generous bequest and community contributions. We currently house eight female residents in this section, and we are incredibly proud of this achievement. To further expand our service delivery, we still dream of creating a section dedicated to male residents.
We recently inherited a house adjacent to Huis Mimosa. Initially, we considered using it as an Alzheimer’s unit, but the distance from our main care unit and nursing staff made it impractical. Instead, we transformed it into a home for staff. Later, we had the opportunity to convert it into two comfortable apartments for residents. Now, two happy married couples reside there, enjoying their new homes.
In anticipation of power outages long before load shedding became a regular issue, the governing board wisely purchased a large generator. However, rising fuel costs have made this solution less affordable. Adapting to these challenges, we installed solar panels to save power and an inverter to provide essential electricity during load shedding. When absolutely necessary, the generator is still available as a backup.
We were fortunate to have a hall, but it was quite small, and the kitchen was even smaller. During the expansion of the Alzheimer’s section, we seized the opportunity to enlarge the kitchen, laundry room, and hall. The governing board also decided to enhance the home’s aesthetics. With a flurry of activity, paint, brushes, and innovative ideas, the home was beautifully transformed. The entrance was redesigned to create a more consumer-friendly parking area, making Huis Mimosa not only more functional but also more welcoming.
Enhancing Residents’ Quality of Life at Huis Mimosa
As our residents age, the bathtubs in every hallway and apartment have become increasingly inconvenient. After one resident had to spend a night in the bathtub because he couldn’t get out, we decided to replace the bathtubs with showers. This project spanned several years and has significantly improved the quality of life for our residents.
The shade net carports for residents’ cars had weathered over time, prompting us to replace them with new, neat nets, ensuring better protection for their vehicles.
When it became unsafe for our residents to walk in town, we reimagined the uneven grounds of the home. We decided to build walking paths in the gardens that are also friendly for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Funds for this project were raised through online auctions, and with the help of a horticulturist and her husband, the plans were executed beautifully. Our new vegetable garden is part of this initiative, allowing residents to plant and pick their own produce. Thanks to community donations, the pathways are now bustling with residents walking, driving their carts, and rolling their wheelchairs.
Service delivery extends beyond the home to the wider community. We have partnered with Club 60, a service centre facing financial challenges after losing its subsidy from the Department of Social Development. We visit each other regularly, and every Wednesday, we deliver soup and sandwiches, which are greatly appreciated. We also offer meals at a special price for people over 60.
During the cold winter months, Huis Mimosa supports the Dutch Reformed Church’s Murray’s soup kitchen, which provides soup to children during the off-season in the Valley. We have opened an outside clinic at the home where older individuals can have their blood pressure checked. Our staff is ready for home visits to care for wounds and other needs. Additionally, we continuously offer frozen products and have introduced “platters” for functions to supplement our funds.
As we look to the future, we dream about the next 21 years. Huis Mimosa’s governing board, volunteers, and staff are committed to meeting the needs of older people for years to come, ensuring they have a safe, nurturing, and vibrant place to call home.
