LAST month The Association for The Aged (Tafta) was able to serve festive meals to no fewer than 1500 elders at Tafta Homes and Wellness Centres thanks to supporters’ generous donations.
Tafta CEO, Femada Shamam, said the organisation feared Covid-19 could wreck Christmas for their elders once again, and for one horrible moment it seemed that's exactly what would happen.
“After achieving more than three weeks without Covid-19 infections in any of our Tafta homes, we recorded an increasing amount of positive cases from the first week in December,” said Shamam.
With many of the lunches already under way, and some homes still not affected by Covid-19, Tafta decided not to lock down any of their buildings or cancel any of their lunches. Instead, Covid-19 protocols were adjusted according to cases at each individual home. Staff closely monitored the number of infections to ensure the safety of everyone, and opted for takeaway festive meals at homes where Covid-19 infection had been recorded.
“During the fourth wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, we recorded 84 infections, with one fatality. We are extremely saddened to have lost an unvaccinated elder at St Martin’s Village over the festive period. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and loved ones and remain with those who are still Covid-19 positive,” said Shamam.
Since the pandemic first entered Tafta homes in June 2020, the organisation has experienced a total of 255 elder cases, with 32 deaths, and 66 positive staff cases with one death, and a total of 281 recoveries. Elders at Tafta homes were very supportive of the adjusted protocols and continued to wear their masks, sanitise their hands and maintain social distances, even after having had their vaccinations.
As a result, the organisation was able to successfully continue serving sit-down and takeaway meals right up until Christmas Day, with some elders enjoying their festive lunch in the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Shamam praised Tafta staff for their dedication and thanked elders for their gratitude, while expressing her deep appreciation to supporters of the Christmas campaign.
“To our supporters, donors and dear friends who made our lunches possible; thank you for making this Christmas a cherished and memorable occasion for our elders. Your support has brought happiness, togetherness and festivity to all who enjoyed a delicious meal and companionship in the most beautifully decorated venues. It really did mean the world to everyone at Tafta. May you be richly rewarded – and may 2022 bring you all the health and happiness you deserve.”
The Independent on Saturday