A SENIOR resident was told to pak and spat out of an old age home where she stayed for three years with her husband due to alleged bad behaviour.
Shirley Miller, 67, now stays with her son in Elsies River and said she was always mistreated during her stay at Ebenhaeser Old Age Home in Stellenbosch and was given a 30-day notice last month to leave.
The ouma says: “We are at the senior residence to enjoy our last years, but there was a gossip competition. The residents always went to the office to complain about something I did but I do nothing, I don’t speak to anyone and I always stay in my room.
"I was even accused of pulling a chair out from under someone but I did not.
“My suiker bly hoog. One resident told another that I said: ‘Sy het groot sterre’ but I never said anything like that.
“The next day I was called into the office and moved to another Block.
“There was a time I walked with a walker and the nurse told the carer to make my bed then the carer said she won’t do it, I can make my own bed.”
Shirley stayed with her husband of 25 years at the home, but on 13 March her son came to fetch her while her husband continued his stay at the home.
She said she paid over R2 000 from her pension for her stay at Ebenhaeser Old Age Home, however she asked to be refunded a portion of her money because she did not stay the full month and already paid in full for March.
Manager Lukusa Valdaise Ciunza said as per the facility's policy, Shirley was made aware of the complaint procedures.
Ciunza tells the Daily Voice: “We are puzzled as to why she did not raise concerns regarding the alleged refusal of staff to make her bed during her time here.
"We do not tolerate any form of abuse against our residents, nor would we allow any resident to be mistreated.”
“Mrs Miller had several conflicts with other residents and was moved from room to room due to these issues, including fights with her roommates.
“Upon investigation into the various incidents reported by Mrs Miller, we found that she was responsible for all the issues raised.
“Regarding the one-month notice, this was issued after multiple warnings were given to Mrs Miller. We had several meetings. We made the decision to discharge Mrs Miller for her own well-being, as well as for the well-being of the other residents.”
Ciunza said that Shirley’s payment for the month of March was processed, and she was notified in advance about her discharge.
Ciunza adds: “She paid for her bed, which was still available until the end of March 2025. Therefore, as per the terms of the agreement, no reimbursement was issued for her early departure.”