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LEGACY IN JEOPARDY
In an article which dates back to the 1950s, it was claimed by Mrs. Shepstone (wife of the then Administrator of Natal), “Maritzburg has set an example in the provision of homes for the aged.” Now almost 62 years later residents are aggrieved by the treatment they are receiving at the well known “Allison's Homes” — situated in the CBD. Once again residents are infuriated by the treatment received towards them as well as their families. With claims of human rights being violated and the second complaint by the Allison's Homes community, this cannot be overlooked. Earlier this year, residents came forward stating that they felt like “prisoners” at the homes as their gate remotes had been confiscated for almost a year. Management backed these allegations up by “misuse” as families had been making duplicates of the controls and this went against the homes security measures. Ten months later residents feel a “breach” in their privacy as well as daily activities.
some of us have never had before. We are too old to be looking for a new home.”
hope that they will be brought back in the future and the press is unable to reach him to receive or are given further reasoning as to why we any statement or feedback on the complaints by the residents. Residents are eager to see the have lost out on this privilege.” response by Mr Sutherland. The home boasts a However, Pearl Westwood, a resident at the legacy since the early 1930s and it is sad to say home for the past 12 years says enough is The Galaxy News had attended an event at that they are letting it fall away by ill-treatment enough. “We are tired of feeling like prisoners Epworth school where we captured a few and violating rights of their residents. for the past year and we can’t live in these moments of the residents thoroughly enjoying inhumane and unbearable conditions. We are the show as well as in awe of the performance “We have facilities that are easy to use, in good reprimanded like children if we “break” the by the learners. Residence were thrilled to see order and accessible to us all but what good is rules. For instance when my granddaughter this and an emotional grandma said, “I am so it when we as residents are afraid to lose all our visited for longer than half an hour, I was hauled grateful for this experience and I hope to be joy over our rights? We are scared as to how into the managers office and ‘shouted at.'” around for this next year however I was much further this will escalate, we are old and saddened that there were people who missed deserve respect, love and care.” “My granddaughter parked behind my car and out on this event. Some people choose not to was not obstructing anyone. Yes, she did stay attend and some cannot come because of their longer than half an hour but I was called in and conditions or sometimes for reasons that we do Residents stand together in good faith and hope that the committee will come to a told that she could not park her car there for not know of.” decision before 2017 that will enable them to that long,” she said. On numerous accounts, be comfortable and happy once again. families have complained that parking outside To date Bill Sutherland, current manger at the is dangerous and their have been car break-ins homes has been on leave for the past weeks as well as hijacking. Yet the management refuses families to access the facility with their vehicles and arrived at a resolution that as one family member visits a resident another should wait in the car. Family members have opted not to visit their loved ones to ensure that they are not disciplined or further, evicted. With the festive season on its way and the crime rate on an annual hike it will become impossible or a further threat to the safety of residents families.
Last week, a car was scratched whilst parked outside the homes and the owner who was in to visit a family member was reminded that visitors vehicles are parked at At the time resident spokesperson Angela their own risk and nothing can be done to Scott, said that this causes an inconvenience accommodate the damages to any visitors for the residents as they are struggling from cars. The resident who asked to be anonymous the gates to their cottages with their groceries as well has stated that as far as the home goes and visitors are also forced to park on the road it is perfect. “We have everything we need in side irrespective of how dangerous it is.” Now, one facility and if we do not have it, it is brought ten months later and an escalation of anger of to us from caregivers, to shopping, entertainresidence as their pleads go unheard and ment, we receive everything. Some resources have intensified in the following months. have since become very limited as to when I first resided but that is not the issue, the Sources from the home who wish to be treatment we receive from management and anonymous told Galaxy News that they are the unreasonable rules are the issue.” petrified to address the living condition with management as they are scared to lose their homes. “We have been warned that if we “Like Mrs Westwood said to the other came forward to the media or if members of newspapers she had a sponsor who would the committee were to find out who let out the provide us with a meal as well as music so that 'dirty laundry,” we would be evicted immediwe could fellowship once a month but this was ately. This is our home and we have built our also stopped and we haven't had this in a lives and a bond with the residents here that while.” Residents miss these get-togethers and