Policy

Each resident will have a care plan that will be tailored according to their needs. 

The responsible family member listed for the Resident will be informed and kept updated on the Resident’s progress at the Center. Responsible family members are required to be actively involved in the lives of their loved ones.

Staff should have knowledge and an understanding of each individual’s conduct, behaviours, personality traits and means of communication which will be acquired over a period of time through interaction. Should the behaviour of the Resident become uncharacteristic and cause for concern, staff will respond sensitively, provide appropriate reassurance and report the matter to the person in charge at the time. At no point will staff take matters into their own hands. Should this become a consistent problem the matter should be brought to attention of the Manager and/or Board to convey to the Resident’s Responsible Family Member and a solution should be found to suit all parties.

When behaviour management programmes may be put in place. Restraint and seclusion will not be used unless to protect the Resident or other Residents on the premises due to violent or aggressive behaviour and only as a very last resort until a resolution has been reached with the Resident and the Responsible Family Member.

Activities and events may take place either inside of the Home, or at locations off premises. Residents are not required to participate; however, group interaction can be fun and rewarding for everyone and as such participation is encouraged. In some cases, a minimal fee may be required for participation in planned outings. Residents are always encouraged to suggest activities that are of interest to them.

Residents and their families are encouraged to celebrate special holidays together, whether at the Darushifa Elderly Care Center or their own homes. If a Resident’s family would like to share the event at Darushifa then advance notice is required to plan for the required arrangements to be made.

Although the grounds are covered by general liability insurance, this insurance does not cover any property belonging to a Resident. The Manager and the Resident or Responsible Party will inventory personal belongings at the time of occupation. Darushifa cannot be responsible for any loss of money, jewelry, or other valuables. Residents should not keep valuable items in their cupboards and should only keep a maximum of R100.00 cash in their possession and only if needed or the Manager can hold onto it for safekeeping.

Residents may have their own personal televisions and radios in their rooms if provided by their families, but they must be used with consideration. Volumes should be kept at a reasonable level, especially between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when other residents are sleeping.

Residents may come and go from the Center as they choose. When a Resident leaves he/she or the Responsible Family Member should notify the Manager in advance of the departure time, destination, and expected return time as well as provide some indication of who to contact should the resident not return within a reasonable period of time. 

If a family member wishes to collect the Resident from the home for a visit or stay over the Responsible Family Member is required to notify the Manager in advance of date and time for collection and return, that consent for that family member/person to remove the Resident has been provided so that preparations can be done regarding medication or clothing etc. The name, address and contact number must be provided of the person collecting and returning the Resident should this be different individuals.

Three nutritionally balanced meals are served family style in according to the following schedule:

Breakfast 7:30-10:00 a.m. 

Lunch 12:30 p.m. 

Tea Time 4:00 pm

Dinner 6:30 p.m.

Residents will be provided with nutritious and varied diets in suitable portion sizes in the manner that is appropriate for the Resident. All meals served will be halaal. Fresh drinking water will be provided at all times.

Snacks, such as juice, fruit and cookies are also available to Residents. Meals are not served individually or in a Resident’s room except in the event of an occasional illness.

Records will be kept if a Resident chooses not to eat or who eats excessively which will have a negative impact on their health and steps will be taken to address and rectify this.

Should you wish to provide a meal please speak to the Manager to make the arrangements.

Any snacks or juice brought for a Resident or to be shared amongst the Residents should be given to the Manager to ensure that it is eaten in moderation and is shared amongst all the Residents if so instructed.

All personal items of clothing should be labeled with Resident’s names.
Residents will wear their own personal clothing and are expected to dress modestly when they leave their private rooms. Appropriate robes are acceptable for breakfast dining only. Otherwise, full dress will be expected in common areas of the Home. Residents must maintain an appropriate level of hygiene at all times. Caregivers are present to assist Residents with activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming.

All money or personal items of value should be handed over for safe keeping and will be locked in safe storage after a record is made of it. Records are signed by a staff member and the Resident. Where the Resident is unable to sign two members of staff witness the handover and sign the record sheets.

Residents are expected to be considerate of each other’s privacy. A Resident may not enter the room of another Resident without permission. No Resident may use the personal belongings of another Resident without permission. 

Friends, family members and other visitors are welcomed and encouraged to visit. Suggested visiting hours are 11:00 a.m to 12:30 pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm If necessary, other arrangements can be made with the Operations Manager. All visitors must follow the House Rules. Many of our Residents enjoy the company of young children; however, a responsible adult must supervise children visiting the home.

Residents should try to secure their own private transportation (via a family member or friend) for medical or other appointment. If the center is required to secure transportation then there may be an additional cost involved. This include the costs of a caregiver that may be required to accompany the Resident.

Smoking, drinking of alcohol or consumption of any intoxicating substances is not allowed inside of any of the buildings at any time. This restriction includes all common areas, private rooms and public bathroom. The Manager will specify a designated smoking area located outside of the Home. If a Resident is caught returning to the premises in an intoxicated state or is caught consuming alcohol or intoxicating substances on the premises, he/she will be dismissed with immediate effect.

Pets are not allowed

Residents have unrestricted use of the Centre’s common area, including television, radio, games, etc. Cooperation is required among all Residents to select television and radio preferences. Any disagreements over programming will be resolved by the employee on duty.

All complaints must be submitted in writing and sent to the Board directly via whatsapp or email. Acknowledgement of receipt should be sent within 15 (fifteen) days and investigated. A record will be kept of all complaints received and the outcome thereof. All outcomes and actions must be documented. Information from complaints may be used to improve the quality of services.