Home for the Elderly

HISTORY

St Hubert Catholic Church in Alexandra was established in 1919 and has been identified as a heritage site by the Johannesburg Metro. The Home of Peace for Elderly Persons was established by the Church in 1989 under the trading name of "Joseph Gerard Foundation".

The Home operates under the auspices of the church to respond to the needs of the Alexandra community to prevent abuse and neglect of elderly persons. The foundation is a non-profit organization providing vital services to elderly people, who are in need of care in the community and other areas.

The Home of Peace for the elderly requires private funding, in addition to the state grants received, to support its operational expenses for the various programs and activities, to ensure the smooth running of the home.

STATEMENT

The Joseph Gerard Foundation established the Home of Peace in 1989. The Home of Peace offers accommodation for 36 elderly individuals in Alexandra Township, one of the most densely populated areas in South Africa.

Despite the challenges posed by overcrowding and limited space, particularly for children's recreation, the foundation's presence in Alexandra significantly enhances the quality of life for elderly individuals with physical and mental disabilities, aiming to improve their functionality. However, government subsidies alone are insufficient to sustain the home, necessitating additional funding.

Vision: Striving for a dignified life.

Mission: To protect the rights and enhance the quality of life and dignity of elderly persons, and the impoverished, tailored to their specific needs. The foundation prioritizes aiding the most vulnerable, including abandoned, neglected, and deprived individuals, to help them lead dignified lives.

Objectives:

Provide 24-hour service for elderly persons in Alexandra and its neighborhood.
Offer care, protection, and support for elderly individuals.
Deliver a holistic service encompassing medical, social work, religious, and support services.
Provide psychosocial services and recreational programs for elderly individuals.
Advocate for improved care services, effective treatment, and enhanced continuity of care for the elderly.
Facilitate self-advocacy and empowerment among elderly individuals.

SERVICES RENDERED

Provide accommodation for 365 days for the elderly persons
Provide nutritious and balanced meals.
Provide a range of programs such as care and treatment, social work, nursing and medical care, rehabilitation
Provide support service such as catering, laundry,
Reduce misunderstanding through improved education of the general community, health professionals and more accurate reporting of elderly and disability issues in the media.
Render support in the community.
Lobby for access to improved public understanding of old age and to promote good health and the most effective treatment and improved continuity of care.
Network with other stakeholders with an aim to support each other to meet various needs and to share knowledge, resources and expertise.