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SHALOM
RESPITE CARE CENTRE
What is Shalom? It is a professionally
run Centre offering respite and long term care for
profoundly physically and intellectually disabled people.
Where is Shalom?
It is situated 18km from Magaliesburg, off the Koster Road.
What is the purpose of
Shalom? It is primarily for those who need
professional nursing care in healthy, rural surroundings.
What is 'respite care'?
It is a service in which a disabled person is cared for
while the caregiver and/or family take a break in order to
be able to recharge their batteries and continue with the
demanding task of care giving. This is vital as the stress
of constant caring for a disabled person is extremely
draining and physically demanding.
How is Shalom managed?
It is managed by a committee of professional people who are
parents and friends of Shalom. The staff is headed up by a
qualified nursing sister and supported by a wonderful team
of dedicated trained staff who are fully experienced in this
particular aspect of care for the physically and
intellectually disabled.
A brief history.
Shalom Respite Care Centre was started by Wendy Mackie in
1989. Having worked for many years as a matron at Woodside
Sanctuary, she realised that there was a real need to offer
respite care to families who had a profoundly physically and
intellectually disabled member. Wendy purchased a small farm
outside Magaliesburg, on the Koster Road. She then
approached Anglo American who gave her the initial funds to
erect the first building. With time and sponsorship from
other sources, Shalom grew.
However, it soon emerged that
offering respite care on its own would not be a viable
operation and so a small number of longer term care
residents were admitted. This combination of longer and
shorter care residents has proved to be a good formula. In
addition, in quieter times of the year, the Centre takes
groups from institutions where the visitors can experience a
holiday in the countryside. In the case of underprivileged
people, Shalom organises funds to subsidise their visits.
How does one apply for
further information?
Write to:
Shalom Respite Care Centre,
P.O. Box 7, Magaliesburg, 179, South Africa
Or phone:
+27 14 577 0812 (Centre) or +27 083 297 1555
+27 11 802 5484 (Social Worker) |
