Juana Maria Frail Aged Home

31/12/2025

Reflection & Gratitude

As we come to the end of another year, we pause to reflect with grateful hearts on all that 2025 has brought to Juana Maria Frail Aged Home.

Every day at Juana Maria is shaped by care, compassion, and commitment. To our staff, volunteers, committee members, and everyone who gives of their time, energy, and skills — thank you. Your dedication ensures that our residents are cared for with dignity, kindness, and respect, and that each day holds moments of comfort, connection, and joy.

This year has been filled with small victories, shared laughter, meaningful activities, and the quiet moments that make a house a home. None of this happens by chance — it happens because of people who truly care.

As the year draws to a close, we say thank you for walking this journey with us and for being part of the Juana Maria family.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and reflective New Year’s Eve.

30/12/2025

Discover Memra Guest House – warm welcomes, comfy beds and a peaceful place to rest between every adventure. 🏡✨

30/12/2025

A Fresh and Thoughtful Donation 🥚

Yesterday, we were delighted to receive a generous donation of fresh eggs from Melanie Green. Thank you so much, Melanie, for thinking of Juana Maria Frail Aged Home and for this wonderful, valuable donation.

Our kitchen manager, Elsebe Drager, and her dedicated team will certainly put these eggs to good use, whipping up something nutritious and tasty for our residents to enjoy. Eggs are a wonderful source of protein and essential nutrients, making them a perfect addition to our residents’ meals.

We are truly grateful for the kindness and support we receive from our community — it makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we care for every day.

Thank you, Melanie!

29/12/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You to a Very Special Friend of Juana Maria

Today we would like to extend our sincere thanks to someone who has given so generously of her time, talents, and heart to Juana Maria Frail Aged Home — Marisca Campher.

Marisca is a familiar and much-loved face at our home. As an occupational therapist, she has selflessly volunteered her time to support our residents, generously hosting meaningful stroke-focused exercise sessions. Her gentle encouragement, focus on both cognitive and physical movement, and her powerful message about perseverance and consistency in therapy have inspired residents and friends alike. She reminds us that healing takes time — and that progress, even when slow, is always worth striving for.

Beyond her professional care, Marisca has also shared another beautiful gift with us — her music. During our Christmas carols celebrations, she filled our home with warmth and joy through her violin playing. Music runs deep in her family, and it is clear that her love for it is woven into who she is. Her performances are not only technically beautiful, but deeply heartfelt — touching everyone who listens.

Whether through therapy, music, or simply her calm and caring presence, Marisca has made a lasting impact on our residents and our community. She embodies what Juana Maria Frail Aged Home is all about: compassion, connection, and giving from the heart.

Thank you, Marisca, for your hard work, your generosity, and for choosing to walk alongside us. We are truly grateful for everything you do.

27/12/2025

A Heartfelt Thank You to Roma Howard 📚

Some people leave a mark quietly, consistently, and deeply — and Roma Howard is one of those very special people.

As the manager of the Juana Maria Bookshop, Roma has turned a simple space into a treasure trove for book lovers in Ladysmith and beyond. Under her care, the bookshop has become more than just a place to buy books; it is a welcoming haven where stories are shared, conversations flow, and a genuine love for reading is celebrated. Every shelf, every carefully chosen title, and every thoughtful recommendation reflects Roma’s passion, knowledge, and respect for books and the people who read them.

Roma understands the magic of books on a level few do. To her, books are portals — doors into other worlds where readers can learn, feel, grow, and be moved. She has an extraordinary ability to match the right book to the right person, not just because of her broad knowledge of genres and authors, but because she truly understands people. Her background in psychology, her life experience, and her deep empathy all come together in the way she engages with every visitor who walks through the bookshop door.

But Roma’s contribution reaches far beyond the bookshop. Her continued involvement at Juana Maria Frail Aged Home, her willingness to help wherever she can, and her commitment to service reflect her generous spirit. Roma lives her belief that helping others matters.

Over the past year, Roma has given her time, energy, heart, and expertise so selflessly, and we are profoundly grateful for everything she has done — and continues to do. The Juana Maria Bookshop thrives because of her dedication, and our home is richer for having her as part of our extended family.

Roma, thank you for your tireless work, your warmth, your integrity, and your love for stories and people alike. You are deeply valued, greatly appreciated, and truly irreplaceable.

27/12/2025

26/12/2025

A special Christmas at Juana Maria Frail Aged Home

Every day is a special day at Juana Maria Frail Aged Home, as we have the privilege of spending time with our residents and helping them enjoy each and every moment.

Yesterday, Christmas Day, was extra special. Our Christmas lunch was truly a feast fit for kings. Elsebe Drager and her incredible team worked tirelessly in the kitchen, preparing delicious meats, fresh salads and breathtaking desserts. Residents and their friends gathered together to share this beautiful meal and enjoy the spirit of Christmas in one another’s company.

A heartfelt thank you to Elsebe and her team for all the hard work and love that went into preparing this stunning feast – it was absolutely wonderful. Thank you as well to the residents’ family members who were able to join their loved ones on the day. Even a small number makes such a meaningful difference.

We hope that everyone in our community had a blessed Christmas. We certainly did. 🎄

24/12/2025

Christmas Eve at Juana Maria Frail Aged Home 🎄

On this special Christmas Eve, we would like to send our warmest wishes to all our residents and their families, our friends, supporters, committee members, trustees, and every member of the Juana Maria Frail Aged Home team.

May this Christmas be filled with peace, comfort, love and precious moments shared with those close to your hearts. We hope the day brings gentle joy, meaningful connections and the true spirit of Christmas to each and every one of you.

From all of us at Juana Maria Frail Aged Home, we wish you a blessed and very Merry Christmas.