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GEORGE NEWS - What started as a dream many years ago has become reality for the residents of Rosemoor Home for the Aged with the completion of a R1.6m bathroom upgrade that has significantly improved accessibility, safety and dignity for the elderly residents.
The George Rotary Club officially celebrated the completion of the project at a ceremony opened by former president and project co-ordinator Charles Rowe.
The home, established in 1971, currently accommodates 99 elderly residents, many of whom depend on the facility as a haven because of their limited income. It is one of the largest dedicated facilities of its kind in George.
The bathrooms, which had not undergone a major upgrade in more than four decades, were no longer suited to the needs of ageing residents, particularly those using wheelchairs.
Under Rowe's leadership, the old bathtubs were replaced with accessible showers designed to accommodate residents with disabilities and mobility challenges. The renovations also included new toilets, basins, tiling and paint.
One of the newly upgraded bathrooms featuring grab rails, a wheelchair-accessible shower with a seat, a toilet, basin and widened doorways for easier wheelchair access. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
The project was not without challenges. Initially estimated at R850 000, the costs increased to about R1.6m, partly due to unforeseen complications with the plumbing beneath the floors.
Rowe thanked Chris Crew Architects for preparing professional plans that complied with building regulations, as well as contractor Keith Sharp, who was appointed following a tender process.
Former president Francois Coetzee, representing the Cape Town Rotary Club, attended the ceremony and was thanked for the club's contribution.
Restoring dignity
For Johan Mundey, chairperson of the Rosemoor Residents' Committee, who uses a wheelchair and has a construction background, the completed bathrooms represent far more than improved facilities.
An emotional Mundey recalled how the renovations had seemed like an almost impossible dream when discussions about upgrading the bathrooms first began years ago.
He said the improvements have made an enormous difference to residents with mobility challenges, restoring independence and dignity to their daily lives.
The home is managed by a board elected every two years, with the George Rotary Club represented by two members. The municipality owns the land on which the facility operates.
Rowe acknowledged Sr Charmaine Titus for her dedication to the residents.
He explained that government subsidy reductions have placed increasing pressure on the home, making support from organisations such as Rotary particularly important.
In addition to the bathroom renovations, Rotary has completed a new cold room, which has made a significant difference to the home's operations. An outdoor veranda, sponsored by an external donor, has also been completed, providing residents with extra space to relax and socialise.
Further improvements planned
Rotary is now looking towards additional upgrades, including replacing ageing laundry equipment and introducing energy-efficient heat pumps, which could reduce electricity costs by about R20 000 per month.
Rainwater harvesting and repainting communal areas are also being considered. The estimated cost of the next major upgrade is R2.1m.
Beyond infrastructure projects, Rotary also supports interaction between generations through its youth programmes, including Interact clubs at local high schools.
Learners are encouraged to spend time with elderly residents, creating opportunities for companionship and shared learning.
For the Rotary members involved, the bathroom project represents money well spent, but for residents such as Mundey, its true value lies in making everyday life safer, easier and more dignified.
Former George Rotary Club president and project co-ordinator Charles Rowe addresses the audience during the opening ceremony. Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel
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