Baphumelele’s newest program, which officially opened 5 March 2007, responds to a dire need in the community.
Bonita House is a respite care centre where people who are HIV positive or are suffering from other chronic illnesses receive temporary housing, medical care, nutritious meals and counseling. Bonita has established strong relationships with hospitals across the city and Médecins Sans Frontières, as the medical community has been overwhelmingly supportive and appreciative of the services provided by the respite care centre. Up to 17 patients may be accommodated at any given time.
The project’s objectives are to provide a supportive environment for adults who have been ostracized by their families or community because of their illnesses. The Bonita House staff work with patients to help them understand their conditions, how to care for themselves, provide their own treatment and live positively (i.e. practice safe sex, abstain from drinking and smoking, etc.) once they leave the Respite Care facility. Patients also receive counseling alongside family members in an effort to reintegrate them into a supportive family home life.
One of the goals of the Respite Care Centre is to advocate change, working towards eradicating the HIV/Aids stigma in our community. Our hope is to improve the lives of individuals who are infected with chronic illness, and encourage them to become productive and accepted individuals who make a difference in society.
