Inspired by her own journey, Estherline Meyer transformed her Grassy Park home into a daycare centre for the elderly, creating an inviting space where seniors can trade isolation for laughter, learning, and lifelong connection!
Cape Town, South Africa (19 April 2026) – Daycares are widely known as safe, nurturing spaces where parents leave their little ones to play, learn, and grow under the watchful eyes of trusted carers. But what if similar spaces existed for our seniors? Where could they come together to share a meal, share conversations, be cared for, and even learn something new during the day?
Having navigated the personal challenges of caring for her mother-in-law while working full-time, Estherline Meyer realised she wasn’t alone. In an interview, she shares with us that she saw many families in Grassy Park and the surrounding Cape Town areas facing these same hurdles, and she felt a deep calling to stand in the gap for her community.
“The idea that God gave me was in 2024. My mother-in-law was staying with us, and I could see the gap for care for older people during the day,” Estherline says.
Though as a family they tried to work around caring for their mother-in-law, they wished there was a place they could take her to be cared for during the weekdays when they were busy.
“But we didn’t have that option – right there, God planted the idea. I started working on the idea and the concept of an elderly dance centre. I worked on getting everything I would need to get it started and registered. We opened our doors in January this year. It was very quiet at first until we shared about it on social media.”
The response has been phenomenal, Estherline says.
“All the messages from the community and the public have been encouraging and supportive. People realise that it’s a unique idea, and more people have reached out to bring their elderly relatives.”
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The Leap of Faith Elderly Daycare centre operates from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 3 pm, where elders who would otherwise go through the day alone and with little attention and care are given a space to receive compassionate care, friendship, nutritious meals and engaging activities in a calm and safe environment – much to the peace of mind of their children and loved ones.
“They love to talk to one another,” Estherline says, describing her seniors.
“From the moment they come in, they chat away because for most of them, all they need is a warm social setting and to get to share their stories. We also do light exercises to get the blood flowing and play games or build puzzles to help with stimulating their minds.”
For this mother to many, opening up her home to care for those who have cared for us is a calling she is glad she opened her heart to answering. What Estherline loves most about running the centre is that it gives the community’s grandmothers and grandfathers a place where they can be valued and actually want to come back.
“It gives them something to look forward to. It is their space where they feel both accommodated and appreciated. It brightens their days and mine.”
To enquire or learn more about Leap of Faith, visit their Instagram page.
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