A GRASSY Park woman is offering the elderly a temporary home away from home, and came up with a genius idea to start a daycare centre for senior citizens.
Estherline Meyer, 53, is the founder of Leap of Faith Elderly Day Care, which she established in 2024 and operates from her home.
Estherline recently went viral on social media after she posted a video of her elderly daycare centre, explaining how the daycare operates with visuals of the elderly enjoying a lekker meal and playing dominoes.
She told the Daily Voice that her passion to establish the Leap of Faith Daycare Centre started when she could identify the need with her own parents.
She explained: “I had parents, and could identify the need for it. As they grow older, they are easily seen as old and forgotten or a burden. We are not frail care.
“We cater for the elderly that can still walk on their own or with assistance of a walker or stick, and are able to use the bathroom on their own.”
The clients, who are pensioners, are sourced through social media or by word of mouth and may have health challenges such as dementia.
She said that she gained experience through working at the Department of Health, serving various communities at health care facilities.
“They [elderly people] do different activities during the day, such as cognitive exercises to stimulate the memory, mild physical exercise, singing, dancing, games, and some leisure time.
“I enjoy engaging with them, listening to their stories, and seeing how much joy and laughter it brings them. Talking about it makes me happy.”
The Leap of Faith Elderly Day Care operates Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm.
Thelma Malan from Lotus River enrolled her 84-year-old mother after finding out about the daycare from a lady at church.
She said that her mother has dementia, chronic lung disease, and an irregular heartbeat, which is regulated by medication.
She explained: “Mom’s health, for the most part, is good. We really don’t have any issues with her health.
“Although my mom can’t always remember that she has been at the daycare, I can see she is in a better spirit and does not look so stressed and sad anymore.
“I told my sister the first week. I don’t know if it is too early to tell, but I think something is busy changing with my mom.
“I have been looking for an organisation or group for my mom since last year.
“When I found out about the daycare, it was God-sent. “Estherline is keeping us in the loop of what is happening at the daycare with how mom is involved.
“I am just so happy, and it makes my heart happy that my mom is at a place where we have peace of mind that Estherline and her team are looking after my mom. It is absolutely amazing.”
Any donations are welcome, or if you want to sponsor an elderly person for the day, please email: estherline.meyer1972@gmail.com.