Founded in 1955, Woodside Sanctuary is dedicated to providing a home for people with profound intellectual disability. Starting out as a small maternity home, its facilities have expanded to accommodate up to 120 permanent residents. Woodside Sanctuary offers the highest standards of holistic nursing care to all of its admissions.
Before being admitted, prospective residents need to undergo assessment. The sanctuary recommends a trial period where the applicant is gradually introduced to the environment, to ensure that the placement is appropriate and meets the strict admission criteria set by the Department of Mental Health. Due to this requisite process, placement may not always be guaranteed.
Parents and guardians of people with profound disability are first advised to keep the patient at home for as long as possible with occasional visits to the sanctuary during holiday breaks. This mitigates the possible separation trauma once the patient is taken in as a permanent resident. After admission, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit as often as possible.
To make a donation to Woodside Sanctuary, visit WoodSide.co.za.