St. Clare's is a peaceful home for 23 residents. It offers short and long term care, with nursing support available, to people who are too old and too disabled to care for themselves.
Residents like Dede and her two children who were in temporary respite care for about 10 months. Dede was 37 years old and has 7 children. In April 1998 she was admitted to the Leprosarium for treatment to her leg which as a result of leprosy, had developed a terrible ulcer. She had brought Kofi with her, her young son who was very malnourished, had also developed leprosy and needed treatment.
The doctor said that her leg was so bad it would need to be amputated as soon as possible, however Dede was pregnant and they were reluctant to operate until the child was born.
She was taken to St. Clare's in order to build her up, ready to have the baby and then later her amputation. Kofi was also taken to stay with her so he could be built up, and to ensure he continued his treatment for leprosy.
The baby was born in August. With her improved diet, medical support and the Endorphin Release Therapy offered at St Clare's, it seems that the ulcer on her leg is healing and she may not now have to face an amputation. Kofi is also doing well, the leprosy was caught in time so he will not suffer lasting damage and disability, and for the first time in his life he has been given the opportunity to attend school.
