Services and support that promote individual choice
Independent
Living Services
And Support
How It Works
We provide full accommodation in a homely environment, including three meals daily.
At Lake Farm Centre, we aim to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for our intellectually challenged residents. Here’s how we work to provide them with a fulfilling and purposeful life:
We ensure that our residents have a safe and comfortable place to call home. We provide complete accommodation, allowing them to live within a supportive community that embraces their uniqueness.
On average, a unit houses 14 residents, with four double and six single rooms. One house parent per shift cares for the residents, except for two units with more carers and night staff.
We have two female units, four male units and one mixed-gender unit.
Some residents have cell phones, laptops, or DVD players, for which the Centre cannot take responsibility. We control the use of these items.
Residents are not allowed to have pets at the Centre.
They receive three nutritious meals daily, catering to their dietary needs and ensuring their well-being. We cater for those with medical conditions requiring special diets, such as diabetics and those with allergies. We chat with families for a contribution towards extra costs incurred.
After supper, residents have free time. There are televisions in the two communal main lounges where residents can socialise.
Empowerment lies at the heart of our mission. We offer workshops that provide valuable skills training to our residents, helping them discover their potential and enhance their abilities. Through these workshops, they gain confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment.
Bakery – residents assist with various tasks within the bakery:
- mixing
- weighing
- rolling
- decorating
- packaging
- labelling of produce
Home Industry Kitchen – residents assist with:
- cleaning bottles
- grating
- chopping
- mixing
- packaging
- labelling of produce
Handcrafts – the workshops offer a variety of handcraft work:
- spinning
- weaving
- embroidery
- pottery
- mat making
- knitting
- loom knitting
- crocheting
- leatherwork
Vegetable farming – Some residents love assisting on the grounds and vegetable tunnels.
All residents assist in keeping their units tidy.
At Lake Farm Centre, residents are active participants in daily life. They are encouraged to assist in various areas, such as the kitchen, gardens, and our charity shop. These activities allow them to contribute meaningfully, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
We believe exercise is essential to remain physically healthy. For recreational activities, in summer, residents can swim in the pool, play soccer on the soccer field, softball, and play cricket. There are a few runners and walkers among the residents.
All residents celebrate birthdays, and these are either celebrated as a dance or a DVD evening.
Staff also organise various dances throughout the year, e.g., Valentine’s Dance, Spring Dance, and Old Years Dance, usually in the evenings.
Finding a reason for a dance at the Centre is not difficult. 😉
Lake Farm Centre applies Christian principles. The residents love starting their days with singing and scripture and ending the day in their units with prayer. We don’t force any religion on a resident if the resident chooses not to participate in any activities.
We arrange church services some Sundays at the Centre and use the services of various denominations.
We create a holistic and enriching experience for our residents. Our compassionate approach ensures they thrive, feel valued, and lead fulfilling lives in our caring community.
Visitors must arrange with the office during office hours or with the house parent when they want to visit the resident. Residents can receive visitors ideally over weekends in the mornings and after rest in the afternoons.
The Centre has four holidays during the year, somewhat coinciding with school holidays, and one out weekend per term, when residents can visit family.
The Centre does not close during the year. However, staff takes the opportunity to go on leave during holidays when there are fewer residents.
During holiday periods, there are fewer residents and staff. The staff arrange special meals and outings such as taking them to the beach, the museum, picnics, etc. The public (churches, clubs, individuals) often arrange to spoil the residents, spending time with them, doing a braai or entertaining them, for example by playing music.
Lake Farm Centre provides housing and care for intellectually challenged adults. 97% spaces filled, contact us to explore long-term care options.
We focus on physically mobile, intellectually challenged individuals, providing a safe, fulfilling community where they share lives and foster camaraderie.
Intellectually challenged individuals may face communication and cognitive struggles, and developmental delays are common in early life.
We embrace residents’ uniqueness, offering love and support. At Lake Farm Centre, they thrive in a safe, nurturing environment, living their best lives, irrespective of age-related impairments.
At Lake Farm Centre, we offer the best possible care to intellectually challenged adults, but we cannot accommodate those with severe physical disabilities. We do not have specific care programs for mentally challenged individuals (psychiatric).
Please refer to our blog for clarification on the differences.
We are not registered as a frail care facility and only admit individuals aged 18 -35 years old. Our commitment to providing the best care for intellectually challenged adults remains strong despite certain limitations.
The following individuals can not apply for residency:
- Psychiatric problems or diagnosis
- a history of aggression or aggressive behaviour
- a history of unacceptable sexual and related behaviour
- a history of substance abuse
- physical disabilities
Resident turnover is very slow, with vacancies only becoming available when a resident leaves or passes away. The waiting period for admission can therefore be quite long.
We advise that families do not wait until the person seeking admission in a facility such as ours is over 40 years, as an adaptation to communal living and the Centre way of life becomes more difficult.
When an application meets the criteria, including an interview with the resident and family, a three-week trial period is arranged.
We perform a twofold assessment:
- Firstly, whether the potential resident enjoys Centre living and wants to stay, and
- Secondly, whether their integration with the other residents is successful.
The parent/guardian must have a trust or Will in place, and some financial arrangement to ensure financial stability in the event that the parent/guardian passes away.
We request that the family make provision for the resident’s financial care needs well in advance to prevent a resident from being destitute when the family is no longer there.
FUNDRAISING PROJECTS
We welcome volunteers to join our mission if you’re inspired to make a difference. Become a part of this heart-warming journey of love, care, and growth.
Let’s create a place where everyone belongs and thrives, together!
Lake Farm Agri
Lake Farm Centre might be a non-profit organisation with charitable objectives, but we are not a charity.
Our residents might have constraints, but that doesn’t mean we have to be constrained in striving for independence and financial sustainability.
We are building and securing our future by optimising the potential of our most valuable commodity, productive agricultural land.
The Lake Farm Agri Project started in August 2022 and it’s still under construction. We are producing vegetables and herbs profitably and commercially at scale – and we are growing. We aim to keep growing until we can extract the farm’s full potential.
From seedling to table
As actions speak louder than words, follow our initiatives below and help us grow.
Charity Shop
Welcome to our heart-warming charity shop!
Step inside and discover a treasure trove of second-hand clothing, jewellery and other treasures waiting to find new homes. Our store is a delightful blend of fashion and compassion. Browse through our carefully curated selection of pre-loved clothing.
Our charity shop offers a delightful array of second-hand clothing for those seeking style with a conscience.
If you want to make a difference, shopping here is a heartwarming experience. Join us in transforming lives, one gift or purchase at a time.
Open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10h00 to 12h30
We need good quality goods
Good quality clothing, jewellery and home décor items for the charity shop needed.
For more information on how to donate, contact us
At Lake Farm Centre, our charity shop is a vital source of support for our mission of providing exceptional care and support to intellectually challenged adults. We rely on donations from our community to keep our shop stocked with a beautiful selection of items.
We currently need suitable quality clothing, jewellery, and home décor items. Your donations can make a significant impact, helping us raise funds for Lake Farm Centre.
By contributing to our charity shop, you’re decluttering your space and contributing to a greater purpose. Your pre-loved items can find new homes and bring joy to others. At the same time, the proceeds from sales go towards transforming lives and making a positive difference in our community.
Whether you have gently used clothing, stylish jewellery, or unique home décor pieces, each donation counts and helps us make a lasting impact.
Help us continue our mission by supporting our Charity Shop today. Contact us to arrange a donation, or visit our shop to find hidden treasures and unique items that bring joy and purpose to your purchase.
Thank you for being a part of our journey of compassion and empowerment. Let’s create a brighter future for those in need and turn your donations into opportunities for change.
Coffee & Craft Shop
Welcome to our heart-warming weekend coffee and craft shop to enjoy delicious coffee and food served by our residents.
Some of our residents showcase their culinary talents in the kitchen. Explore our selection of frozen meals, cookies, and rusks.
Open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10h00 to 12h30
Don’t miss our delightful crafts, proudly created by the talented individuals of our facility.
Every purchase supports our mission to empower intellectually challenged individuals. Embrace the spirit of community and inclusion, where each visit makes a meaningful impact.
Together, let’s transform lives with every sip and purchase.
2nd hand Bookshop
Open on Saturdays & Sundays from 10h00 to 12h30
Discover the magic of literature and embrace the joy of reading by visiting our bookshop, where a treasure trove of second-hand books awaits you. Get lost in the world of storytelling and embark on thrilling adventures without breaking the bank with our affordable books.
Our bookshop is a haven for book lovers and avid readers alike. Whether you’re seeking classics, bestsellers, mysteries, or fantasy, you’ll find an array of genres and titles to satisfy your literary cravings.
Not only will you unearth literary gems, but your purchase also supports a great cause.
Grab your favorite books at giveaway prices!
All proceeds from our bookshop go towards our mission and provide the best care possible to intellectually challenged adults, making your reading journey even more meaningful.
Visit us this weekend, and let the magic of storytelling take you on a captivating journey.
Join us in creating a community of book enthusiasts and making a positive impact with the power of words by contributing to our cause with every purchase.
Happy reading!
Sponsor a resident
At Lake Farm Centre, we cherish every resident as a valued community member. Unfortunately, the number of residents without financial support from their families is growing annually. Your help can make a world of difference in their lives.
Our residents find purpose and joy in being a part of our warm and accepting environment. Surrounded by friends and caring staff, they lead fulfilling lives, feeling needed and appreciated.
If you want to sponsor a particular resident, please contact our office for more information. Your generosity can be the key to unlocking a brighter future for an intellectually challenged individual. (041 379 1555 or admin@lakefarm.org.za)
Make a lasting impact
We invite you to consider sponsoring a resident with your financial support, allowing them to continue their journey at our Centre. Your sponsorship empowers them to thrive, experience love, and create lasting memories.
Join us in making a lasting difference and ensuring that every resident at Lake Farm Centre has the opportunity to live a life filled with acceptance, love, and purpose.
Together, let’s create a supportive community where everyone thrives, and no one is left behind.
GiftLady Online Shop
Introducing the delightful GiftLady online shop, where you can find and send the most heartwarming gifts to your loved ones in South Africa! The GiftLady online shop sells our delicious Choc Shortbread Biscuits and Health Rusks, all freshly baked at Lake Farm Centre with love and care.
Share the joy of our special baked goods with your loved ones, and let them taste the love and warmth that comes with each bite. Visit the online shop now and send a gift that will be cherished and savoured, making your presence felt even from afar.
Making a difference in our world
We appreciate every order big or small.
The more orders we get through the GiftLady, the better the chance to add more of our delicious goods!
They deliver nationwide in SA!
What is a more personal gift and thoughtful than surprising someone special with a box of delicious baked goods from a loved one that is far away? The online shop is ideal for family and friends to send a gift to someone in South Africa, whether you live in another province or just around the corner.
Order from anywhere in the world
No matter where you are in the world, the nationwide delivery ensures that your gift reaches your family and friends in South Africa. You can still send a heartfelt present to brighten their day.
Our delicious treats are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or showing someone you care, even if you live on the other side of the globe.
Order direct below