Fairlands, in Cambridge West, East London, is a registered non-profit retirement community run by the East London Senior Citizens Association, which trades the estate as Fairlands Retirement Estate. It offers a continuum of care on one estate: independent-living cottages held under a Life Right Agreement, assisted living for rental when more support is needed, and a frail care centre with 24-hour professional nursing. The estate accommodates over 370 residents, more than 190 of them in independent cottages. It began in the 1960s when local churches, service clubs and government bodies backed a campaign by East London resident Pauline Goldswain, and a 17-acre Cambridge West site was sold to the association for R2.
Typical costs for old age homes in South Africa
We do not have Fairlands Home’s own fees. As a general guide:
Private old age homes charge R6,000–R20,000/month. NGO and church-run homes are often subsidised and accept SASSA pension (currently R2,400/month). Government-subsidised beds are limited and often have waiting lists.
These are typical South African ranges for this type of care, not this home’s prices. Actual fees vary by room type, level of care, and area, and they change every year - always confirm current rates with the home.
Services
- Independent-living cottages under a Life Right Agreement, with the right to occupy for life
- Assisted living, available on rental, between independent cottage living and frail care
- Frail care centre with comprehensive 24-hour professional nursing
- Ongoing clinical oversight and coordinated care planning, with each resident's needs regularly reassessed
- On-site nursing care available to cottage residents when needed
- 24-hour security and emergency call buttons
- Property maintenance, garden and grounds care included for cottage residents
Amenities
- Clubhouse used for instructor-led movement sessions focused on balance, strength and mobility
- Library and reading spaces
- Historic chapel on the estate
- Garden pathways, scenic benches, braai and picnic areas
- Pet-friendly cottages - residents may bring or adopt two well behaved pets
- Resident-led clubs: writing, art, woodwork, DIY, pottery, mosaics, knitting, chess, scrabble, scrapbooking
- Social programme including choirs, theatre and live performances, wine tastings, high teas, trivia and bingo
- Annual bazaar, resident garden competition and seasonal celebrations
Care Types
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