Huis Eikelaan: A Caring Home for Potchefstroom’s Seniors
- Karen Scheepers
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Tucked away on 73 Peter Mokaba Avenue in the leafy suburbs of Potchefstroom, Huis Eikelaan stands as a beacon of compassionate residential care for older adults. Governed by the Reformed Churches of Potchefstroom, this facility blends professional welfare services with a warm, faith-inspired ethos. Here, seniors enjoy not just a safe roof over their heads, but also a nurturing community that honors their dignity and life stories.
In this article, we’ll explore Huis Eikelaan’s background, the range of services on offer, everyday life for its residents, its ties to the local community, and ways neighbours can lend their support.
Origins and Oversight
Huis Eikelaan began as a charitable outreach project under the Gereformeerde Kerke in Potchefstroom, reflecting the church’s commitment to “loving one another” through practical service huiseikelaan.co.za.
Over time, it has matured into a professionally managed residential home, staffed by qualified caregivers and nurses. While its Christian roots inform the centre’s spirit of compassion and hospitality, residents of all backgrounds are welcome, and care is administered without discrimination.
Location and Contact
Address: 73 Peter Mokaba Avenue, Potchefstroom, 2531, North West, South Africa
Phone: +27 (18) 293-0117 or +27 (18) 293-0118
Email: huiseikelaan@gmail.com / huissek@gmail.com
Conveniently situated near shops, clinics, and green spaces, Huis Eikelaan offers both easy access to services and a tranquil setting for its residents.
Core Services and Amenities
Secure, Comfortable Accommodation
Residents choose from private or shared rooms, all equipped with emergency call buttons and designed for safety and comfort. Ground-level living and wheelchair-accessible entrances ensure mobility for those with limited physical abilities.
24-Hour Nursing Care
A team of professional nurses and caregivers are on duty round-the-clock, providing:
Assistance with daily living activities (bathing, dressing, medication administration)
Regular health monitoring (blood pressure, glucose checks)
Coordination of external medical appointments
This frail-care capability means residents with chronic conditions or mobility challenges can live with confidence, knowing help is always at hand.
Nutritious Meals and Dietary Support
Three balanced meals are prepared on site each day, tailored to the dietary needs of older adults. Special menus accommodate conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. Mealtime doubles as a social gathering, where residents share conversation and companionship around the dining table.
Housekeeping and Laundry
Keeping living spaces hygienic and orderly, the facility provides regular cleaning and laundry services. Fresh linens and personal laundry are handled weekly (or more often, if needed), reducing physical strain on residents.
Social and Recreational Activities
To combat loneliness and keep minds active, Huis Eikelaan organizes:
Light exercise and gentle stretching classes
Card games, bingo, and simple board games
Arts and crafts workshops
Birthday and holiday celebrations
Group activities foster friendships, mental stimulation, and a sense of belonging.
Spiritual Care and Fellowship
Reflecting its Reformed Church heritage, the home hosts weekly devotional gatherings and invites local ministers for prayer services and hymn singing. These moments of spiritual reflection offer comfort and community for residents of faith, while others may simply enjoy the uplifting songs and fellowship.
Daily Life and Resident Experiences
Life at Huis Eikelaan revolves around a balanced routine of care, activity, and rest. Mornings often begin with gentle exercises or a devotional reading, followed by a hearty breakfast. Mid-day might include arts and crafts or a communal walk in the garden. Afternoons often feature social games or a musical performance by visiting school choirs. Evenings are a quieter time, perhaps a shared tea, a movie screening, or one-on-one visits from family.
Community Partnerships and Support
Huis Eikelaan relies on strong ties with Potchefstroom’s local organisations:
Volunteer Visits: Schools, youth groups, and church members regularly host tea-time conversations, sing-along sessions, or pet therapy visits that brighten residents’ days.
Donations and Sponsorships: Local businesses sometimes provide essentials—from toiletries and blankets to books and puzzles—to supplement the home’s resources.
Health Outreach: Partnerships with nearby clinics enable periodic on-site health screenings and wellness talks, ensuring residents receive preventive care without leaving the home.
These collaborations not only enhance services but also remind seniors they remain cherished members of the broader community.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Like many elder-care facilities, Huis Eikelaan navigates cost pressures (rising food, utility, and staffing expenses) and the national shortage of trained caregivers. To stay sustainable, the home balances reasonable fees with fundraising drives and seeks government or NGO grants where possible. Ongoing staff training and well-being initiatives help retain the caregivers who form the heart of its operations.
Looking ahead, opportunities include expanding day-care services for local seniors who live at home, implementing simple assistive technologies (e.g., remote monitoring), and deepening volunteer programs to foster intergenerational bonds.
How to Get Involved
Potchefstroom residents eager to support Huis Eikelaan can:
Volunteer Time: Spend an hour chatting over tea, leading a crafts session, or accompanying residents on short walks.
Donate Goods: Contribute non-perishable foods, toiletries, warm blankets, or mobility aids.
Sponsor an Activity: Provide materials for art workshops, board games, or small celebrations.
Raise Awareness: Share stories of Huis Eikelaan’s care and needs on social media or at community gatherings.
Every act of generosity, big or small, directly enriches the lives of the home’s residents.
Huis Eikelaan exemplifies how faith-inspired values and professional care can combine to create a warm, dignified environment for older adults. With its safe accommodation, dedicated nursing staff, balanced activities, and strong community partnerships, the home ensures that Potchefstroom’s seniors live their later years with respect, purpose, and companionship.
In a world that often overlooks its elders, Huis Eikelaan stands as a shining reminder that every life, at every age, deserves to be valued.
Comentarios