SUNFIELD HOME HOWICK.

I am a parent of a Special needs young adult. 

Charles suffered serious setbacks at 10 months old. 

Because of the illness he endured, this left him a profoundly deaf child, an epileptic and brain impairment. 

This not only necessitated special needs for education but a special place of safety to call “home” for as he ages, of course, so do I. 

Two years ago his siblings and I decided it was time for Charles to be closer to home. He had been away in a special home, approximately an hour’s journey from where I lived, for the past 21 years. 

Sunfield Home for Special Needs adults is in the town of Howick where I reside. 

The climate is fantastic. 

The village is friendly. 

The location, ideal … close to shops, hospitals and all medical facilities our children may need. 

It is was for this reason that we persuaded him to come for an interview. 

To say he was reluctant would be an understatement. 

He was adamant he would not like an interview or change of residence. 

He did however, agree to accompany us for a visit to meet the General Manager and Assistant Manager and have a tour of the home and the many facilities they offered. 

The interview was exceptional. 

He loved the staff he met. The love and understanding they gave 

him, immediately replaced the nerves he had carried with him into the interview. 

He met residents on his tour of Sunfield that he had know for many years. 

The feeling of being “At Home” was instantaneous. 

From top Management to the Professional Occupational Therapists, from the Sisters in Medical, the housemothers and carers, from kitchen staff to the gardeners in the grounds of Sunfield, everything and everyone left him in awe. 

He asked the Managers if he could begin the next day … !! 

Of course there are protocols which have to be adhered to and financials put in place. 

Charles refused to return to his previous place of Residence. 

He has been at Sunfield for almost two years. I can honestly say they have been two of the happiest years of his life. 

He loves being in the workshop where he has been able to express his very creative side and has been encouraged to tackle artworks he only dreamed of. 

He plays sport, runs at sports day, plays table tennis, swims, helps others who are less able than himself and has been given a small administrative job, which has helped his 

self-confidence. 

The “Ressies” are all aware, no matter their own disabilities, that they need to look at him in order for him to hear, lip reading for a profoundly deaf person is imperative, despite the hearing aids he has worn all his life. Some of us older parents are aware of that already! 

Charlie has finally found his “HOME” and looks forward to returning after weekends and holidays. 

Sunfield, from the Chairperson to all members of staff, is a thoroughly well organised and managed home for our very special children requiring extra care. 

I am indeed not only grateful, but feel very privileged to have Charlie there. 

I can safely say, should you be looking for that very special “HOME” for your own family member, I can highly recommend Sunfield Home in Howick. 

Warm Regards 

Brenda de Gersigny 

Enquire about our home

Chat to Don

Have any questions? Call or email our General Manager, Don Tully.

gm@sunfield.co.za
082 801 5931