Princess Christian Home, a Kirstenhof retirement village, held a ceremony on Wednesday October 18 to honour its long-serving carers .
The independent non-profit organisation provides assisted or frail-care living as well as independent living and life-right flats for the elderly.
Speaking to the carers, the home’s manager Simon Dawes said: “You make people’s days by listening to them; by holding their hand when they are disorientated or cry, soil themselves, when they die. Nobody knows how important you are, how you transition someone from their prime to their final moment of breaths. People can never thank you enough, and that’s why we are doing a formal thank you to you today.
“Not many people will miss their children’s school events, church days, public holidays when you are here working long 12-hour shifts. All of you have put in long service, and I thank you for all that.”
Those honoured had been at the home for five to 25 years.
Nolene de Vos, who was recognised for her five years of service, said: “Even though I am here only five years, the experience that I have picked up has made it worth it. The people that we are with every night they are often sad because they cant see their families, but you make them happy, you put that smile on their face to give them a sense of belonging because without them we are nothing.”