13 GHP Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards 2026 t Nazareth Care, aging is not seen as a stage of decline, but as a chapter of life that should be lived with dignity, purpose, and joy. This philosophy sits at the heart of the organisation’s recent recognition for Best Effort in Independent Living and Assisted Living, an award that celebrates not just innovation, but a deeply human approach to care, led by Chief Executive Officer; Henco Walker. Across the African Region, Nazareth Care has been quietly transforming what it means to grow older in a supportive environment. Where once care facilities were often perceived as clinical and institutional, Nazareth Care has reimagined its spaces into warm, homely, and active communities, places where residents feel a sense of belonging, independence, and connection. Walking into one of their renovated homes, such as Nazareth House Cape Town or Nazareth House Pretoria, you don’t encounter a traditional care facility. Instead, you find vibrant spaces filled with life, residents sharing meals, engaging in activities, and moving freely through environments designed to feel like home. A key part of this transformation has been the introduction of Wellness Coordinators, who take the time to truly know each resident, their interests, their stories, and what brings them joy. Activities are no longer generic; they are personalised, meaningful, and engaging, encouraging residents to participate, connect, and remain active members of a thriving community. Even something as simple as a meal has been reimagined. Dining at Nazareth Care is no longer a routine, it is an experience. Residents are welcomed into beautifully revamped dining spaces, with buffet options, live cooking, and themed events that bring variety and Most Dedicated Assisted & Independent Living Organisation 2026 - Southern Africa excitement to everyday life. The presence of chefs preparing meals on the floor transforms dining into a shared, social moment Every detail has been thoughtfully considered. Hair salons, lounges, libraries, and coffee shops have been transformed into themed spaces, creating moments that feel like outings rather than routines, purposefully designed to enrich daily living. Behind these changes lies a significant investment in both infrastructure and vision. Nazareth Care has introduced over 30 new rooms across its properties and renovated more than 60 independent and assisted living units, expanding its ability to serve more residents while elevating the standard of care. Yet, what truly sets Nazareth Care apart is not just what has been built, but why it has been built. At its core, the organisation remains deeply committed to its mission: to care for older persons with compassion and respect, while enabling them to live as fully and independently as possible. Chief Executive Officer; Henco Walker, says; “Looking ahead, this journey is far from complete.” Plans are underway to further enhance care through upgrades to frail care facilities with modern equipment and mobility aids, the introduction of electronic nursing systems to improve care planning, and continued investment in environments and services that enhance residents’ quality of life. For Nazareth Care, this award is not simply recognition, it is a reflection of a broader movement within the organisation to change the narrative around aging. At Nazareth Care, growing older doesn’t mean stepping back from life, it means continuing to live it, fully, in a place that feels like home. A
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