A group of elderly Knysna residents are already feeling the love this February after being pampered by local beauticians, free of charge.
The Changes of Knysna NPO hosted about 30 elderly residents at the Hornlee Civic Centre this week to show them appreciation with a spa day including hairstyling, facials and nail treatments.
Changes of Knysna chair Charmaine Sinclair said the idea came about during one of their weekly meet-and-greet sessions.
She said during the talks, they realised that the elderly were enduring a lot of pain and in some instances experienced abuse and neglect from family and society.
“We have a woman who was abused by her grandchild and didn’t know what to do,” she said.
“We also learnt that the elderly felt left out, TV and radio do not have programmes for them and that they have a huge responsibility of leading their families and taking care of grandchildren.”
The NPO decided to start a programme whereby, once a month, organisations that deal with domestic abuse, substance abuse and family matters interact with the elderly and give them the necessary assistance.
Sinclair said they opted to start the programme with a treat.
“We then decided to do it this February, because people have dates and places to go on February 14.”
Also helping out were Famsa, the Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (KILT), the Knysna Alcohol and Drug Centre as well as beauticians.
Nadeema Tiema, a caregiver by profession and hairstylist in her free time, said she was happy to be part of the programme.
“I have been here for more than 10 years now and I am happy to know that I am making a difference in my community
“I never thought that doing hair could have such a positive impact on someone’s life,” she said.
After months of not blow-drying her hair, Gwendelin Pienaar, 78, said she was very happy to receive hair treatment.
“Simple things like doing your hair have turned into a hard challenge.
“We now have chronic illnesses and family responsibilities to think of so we forget about ourselves and what used to make us happy,” she said.
The Herald
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