KARIEGA – The Uitenhage People’s Old Age Home, located at 11 Innes Street, College Hill in Kariega, was recently given a makeover by Democratic Alliance members in their quest to restore dignity to the elderly.
For many of the residents, the day was not about paint, cleaning or donated food; it was about being seen.
Elizabeth Müller (80), the secretary of the home, has been involved with the facility since 1985.
Speaking to UD Express, she describes it not simply as an old-age home, but ‘a home from a home’, caring for elderly residents who have little to no family support.
Currently housing 10 to 11 residents, the home operates on minimal resources.
Residents pay R2,100 per month, which covers accommodation, three meals a day and basic care. According to Müller, that amount barely stretches far enough to keep the doors open.
“Food is very expensive, cleaning materials are expensive, and the home is old,” she said. “Sometimes you have to scratch here and scratch there just to make it through the month.”
The facility employs only two workers who manage cooking, cleaning, laundry and general upkeep.
Müller said volunteer assistance would ease a heavy burden, especially with maintenance tasks such as window cleaning, gardening and repairs.
Outstanding municipal rates and taxes remain a significant challenge, which Müller said have left the home owing around R20,000. “It’s frightening to think of water or electricity being cut off,” she said. “These residents don’t have anyone else to fall back on.”
Ward 48 councillor Franay van der Linde said the home was identified as a place where practical help could make an immediate difference. Volunteers cleaned rooms, washed windows, painted the boundary wall and assisted with general tidying.
“Even if someone cannot clean or paint, just sitting and having a conversation with an elderly person means a lot,” Van der Linde said.
“They want to talk. They want to feel remembered.”
Eastern Cape provincial legislature member Horatio Hendricks said the visit formed part of broader community outreach focused on vulnerable groups.
“Most of these residents survive on government grants, with very little left for their personal needs,” he said. “We measure society by how we care for the elderly; the people who once took care of us.”
Beyond the physical improvements, residents were treated to food parcels, small gifts and shared moments of conversation; gestures that, according to Müller, matter just as much.
“We are proud of this home,”she said. “It’s clean, it’s cared for, and the people here deserve dignity.”
Community members and businesses willing to assist with groceries, cleaning supplies, maintenance or volunteer time are encouraged to support the home. For more information, contact Müller on 073 533 5024.
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