NEWS – Gerald Fitzpatrick House and Nursing Home

The unfortunate day we all hoped to avoid has arrived: the Women’s Civic Benevolent Society, which includes Gerald Fitzpatrick House and Nursing Home, has no choice but to close its frail-care programme by August 2025.

Despite significant efforts over the years, it has been impossible to secure enough funding from donors and the Department of Social Development to keep the facility open. The economic situation in South Africa has led to a drying up of former funding sources and this situation continues to worsen.

The running costs of frail care are now so high that keeping it open would force the entire home to close before the end of the year. Significant efforts are being made to prevent this outcome. Unfortunately, the home’s former social worker, Thandeka Raphagka, has indicated that she cannot meet the necessary conditions to provide social work services to the home at this difficult time.

We are fortunate that Cordelia Mosebi, an experienced social worker, is available and willing to take on the necessary tasks with the hours we are able to offer.

She will be counselling and debriefing residents and working with the Department of Social Development to arrange for affected residents to be placed in other suitable residential facilities.

It is tragic that this has become necessary, and everyone involved in making this decision is feeling devastated. If you need help in coming to terms with this news, please ask Alina, the admin assistant, to put your name on the list for counselling by Cordelia.

Her hours are very limited, but she will do her best to speak to everyone who needs her services. Frail care residents, their family and friends will understandably be given priority.