
Showing care to elderly persons has become Anrie Uys’ mission in life since being appointed manager of Huis Uitvlucht, a program of Badisa, in December 1998. Today, 26 years later, she is still inspired to do more and provide even better care for those she serves every day.
She tells her story.
I’ve always loved working with people
My aunt on my father’s side had Down Syndrome, which initially inspired me to work with people facing similar challenges. In 1986, my father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and through that experience, I came to understand the difficulties families face while caring for loved ones with dementia.
However, my career took a different path, leading me to become a Home Economics teacher, and later, the head of housekeeping at Montagu Springs Resort Hotel.
My mother was a matron in an old age home for a couple of years and she seemed to enjoy her work. So, when the position at Huis Uitvlucht became available, I applied. I was appointed on 1 December 1998, and I’ve never looked back.
Gratitude inspires me to do more and to do better every day
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the gratitude of the residents, even for the smallest acts of kindness. I do my best to create a happy atmosphere and dignified care for the elderly for whom Huis Uitvlucht is their last earthly place of residence. I am fortunate to be assisted by competent staff, as well as volunteers who help me make this possible.
Over the years, my role has become increasingly focused on administration, as there are numerous protocols and requirements to meet in the elderly care sector. Everything seems to need to happen faster these days. I truly wish I could spend more time with the residents, engaging with them directly and doing more to enhance their happiness and wellbeing.
Many elderly people face major problems
One of the most pressing challenges faced by older persons today is the lack of financial resources for proper care. First and foremost, finances are a critical issue. The gap between income and rising expenses continues to widen, making affordable care increasingly difficult. This is compounded by the high costs of medication, meals, and access to healthcare as well as the deteriorating conditions in state hospitals and clinics, which are often the only healthcare facilities that older persons can afford.
Being kind creates a sense of community and belonging
I strive to show kindness and warmth to everyone connected with Huis Uitvlucht, not just the residents. Setting this example creates a sense of appreciation and, over time, builds a deeper sense of community and belonging among the residents.
Building relationships is also crucial; through your actions, let people know you genuinely want to connect with them. I believe in giving, not selling. When we receive generous donations, I share them with other programs, such as the Springroses Service Centre in Montagu, Johenco Residential Facility in Sutherland, Lingelihle Old Age Home in Zolani and Huis PJ Strauss in Ceres.
A story of hope that inspired me
On 13 September 2002, a young man, about 20 or 21 years old, was critically injured in a serious motorcycle accident. Despite the severity of his injuries, he survived and, since we were still able to admit “disabled” individuals at that time, he was brought into our respite care room.
At first, the only parts of his body he could move were his head and toes. He would press a carefully positioned bell with his toe whenever he needed assistance. Through the dedicated and patient care of our staff, along with volunteers and a physiotherapist, the young man steadily improved. Over time, his condition advanced to the point where he was able to leave the home and move in with his parents.
Today, he can walk again and works as part of the security team at a local factory. He stands as a living testament to God’s grace and the power of human perseverance.
Care in action
At Huis Uitvlucht, our motto is, “We reach out and care with love.” We strive to treat everyone equally, with kindness and respect, while also making the effort to understand each resident from their own unique perspective. When it comes to the staff, I do my best to always be available, ensuring they feel supported and trusted, no matter the situation. We’ve also introduced free, voluntary counseling services for both staff and residents to care for their emotional and mental wellbeing.
Donations have made additional improvements and services possible at Huis Uitvlucht
With the generous donations we’ve received, we first purchased one, and later a second, minibus for transporting both residents and staff when needed. Taking residents out for a trip into nature or simply to enjoy a cup of coffee somewhere does them a world of good, and the smiles on their faces afterwards speak volumes. We also treat our staff to an annual outing, whether to the city, the sea or wherever they wish to go.
We converted the old staff quarters into flats, allowing us to accommodate more residents, and we upgraded the bathrooms by replacing bathtubs with purpose-built showers to make it easier for staff to assist residents. We’ve also recently built two life-right units to expand the range of accommodation options we offer, and added a new, purpose-built dementia unit a few months ago.
Of course, all these advancements come at a cost, and we can’t simply raise resident fees to cover them. Thankfully, we have an effective fundraising system driven by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about making Huis Uitvlucht a better place. The community recognises our transparency and responsible use of donations, which has made it increasingly easier to gain their support.
Looking ahead
The elderly population is growing rapidly, which means the demand for elderly care will continue to rise. However, the real challenge is ensuring that this care remains both cost effective and affordable, and I am committed to achieving that goal.
We are fortunate to be part of a strong, supportive organisation like Badisa leading the way. Together, we will continue to face the ever-present challenges with determination and, of course, with big smiles on our faces!