The ZANE carers on the ground in Zimbabwe continue to report on the difficulties the elderly face as they try to survive in the ever-increasing chaos that has become the new normal for Zimbabweans.
We have been blessed with lots of beautiful rain this past month. The Barotse flood plains are full, and the flow rate is 5 times higher than what it was this time last year which is good news for Lake Kariba and our electricity – or lack thereof!
John and Betsy
I assessed John and Betsy J. at their home. We have supported Betsy’s mother, for many years, and Betsy has been asking for assistance for her husband for some months.
This was a sad assessment, these folks have worked hard all their lives, and are fourth-generation Zimbabwean farmers. John’s farm was seized in 1984 and since then they have experienced numerous challenges, relocating several times. John later found employment in the timber industry, but his health issues forced him to stop working in 2022.
He is insulin-dependent and has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Betsy, meanwhile, was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2024 and underwent a double mastectomy. She has returned to work on a part time basis.
Despite their health struggles, John and Betsy selflessly care for Betsy’s mother, who resides in a home due to dementia. Betsy’s brother contributes towards his mother’s costs, however, it leaves them on a very tight budget as her monthly costs are extreme.
The couple’s children assist them as much as possible, but they also struggle to support their families. ZANE will assist with $100 a month, plus a monthly food parcel.
The care homes are looking at their annual fee increase – the fees are usually increased in April each year. Because residents are already struggling to pay their fees, the homes are all trying to keep the increase to between 5 and 10%.
As I did my rounds this month I found many of the residents worried about fees along with the usual concerns about health and general well being.
* Names and images may have been changed for privacy reasons
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