Trusted Old Age Home
Lar Santa Isabel and The Portuguese Welfare Society of South Africa
Lar Rainha Santa Isabel is a residential care facility managed by the Portuguese Welfare Society (PWS), located in Albertskroon, Johannesburg. The Portuguese Welfare Society, a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO Reg. No. 001-170), was founded in 1975 by members of Academia do Bacalhau, initially to assist Portuguese-speaking refugees from Angola and Mozambique. Over the years, the PWS has evolved into a vital support system for the Portuguese community in South Africa, focusing on aiding the elderly, vulnerable, and financially distressed individuals.
The need for a dedicated space to care for elderly Portuguese citizens led to the establishment of Lar Santa Isabel in the early 1990s, transforming an old school building into a home for seniors in need. The facility now offers a range of accommodation options, including Independent Living, Midcare (Intermediate Care), and Frailcare, with the capacity to accommodate up to 100 residents. Over 50% of the residents are supported by PWS’s charitable efforts, as they are unable to afford the full cost of their care.
Lar Santa Isabel is more than just a care facility—it is a community that celebrates the Portuguese language and culture. The home is staffed by over 57 dedicated employees, predominantly women, who provide 24-hour care and support in rotating shifts. Recent expansions have included a Frailcare Unit with 23 beds, an Intermediate Care section with individual rooms and dedicated staff facilities, and a new administrative block to streamline operations and better serve families and visitors.
The PWS’s commitment to providing care extends beyond the walls of Lar Santa Isabel. Through partnerships with Portuguese businesses, associations, and individuals—both locally and internationally—the PWS raises significant funds to support its welfare initiatives. One of its most anticipated events is the annual Magusto Festival, held each November, where families and friends gather to celebrate Portuguese heritage through traditional food, live music, and cultural entertainment. The festival not only brings the community together but also serves as a crucial fundraising event for PWS and Lar Santa Isabel.
In addition, the PWS operates a community store located onsite at Lar Santa Isabel, generating proceeds that are reinvested into resident activities and ongoing home projects. The Society also issues NPO certificates and Section 18A tax certificates for donations, ensuring it remains a transparent and responsible partner for corporate social investment and charitable giving.
With its deep-rooted values of compassion, dignity, and community, Lar Santa Isabel, under the management of the Portuguese Welfare Society, continues to be a place where elderly Portuguese citizens find care, companionship, and a sense of belonging.
Lar Rainha Santa Isabel
Established in 1990, the Lar Rainha Santa Isabel is a Portuguese old age home located in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The home’s philosophy emphasizes love, care, and dignity, aiming to provide a high quality of life for its residents.
Our Residents
Lar Santa Isabel warmly welcomes elderly individuals, with a focus on members of the Portuguese community but remaining inclusive of others from diverse backgrounds. Many of our residents contribute financially toward their living arrangements, while others receive assistance through the Portuguese Welfare Society of South Africa (PWS). This support ensures that every individual has access to the same high-quality care and resources, regardless of their financial situation. At Lar Santa Isabel, we cultivate a family-like atmosphere that emphasizes connection, comfort, and dignity, making it a true home where residents feel valued and supported in their daily lives.
Compassionate and professional elderly care tailored to individual needs.
A warm, Portuguese-speaking community that feels like home.
Commitment to dignity, independence, and social connection for all residents.
Our Staff
Our dedicated team of caregivers, nurses, activity coordinators, chefs, and support staff plays an essential role in maintaining the compassionate environment of Lar Santa Isabel. Each staff member is trained to provide personalized care, ensuring that residents’ medical, emotional, and social needs are met with professionalism and empathy. From organizing engaging activities to preparing nutritious, culturally-inspired meals, our team is committed to enriching the lives of every resident. Their unwavering dedication is the foundation of our success, fostering trust and companionship while upholding the highest standards of respect and care.
Meet Our Board
Our Board of Directors leads with compassion and expertise, ensuring our home remains a place of dignity, care, and community for all our residents.
PWS Board
Joaquim Melo
Chairman
Manny De Abreu
Vice Chairman
Tabitha Lopes
Secretary
Lucia Mendes
Director Marketing
Jorge Araujo
Director
Nathalie Melo
Director
Sandra Ribeiro
Director
Tiago Dos Reis
Director
Wendy Ferreira
Director
Lar Management Committee
Joaquim Coimbra
Chairman
Rogerio Nascimento
Vice Chairman
Elizabeth Marques
Secretary
Corina Da Silva
Treasurer
What Our Residents and Their Families Say
At Lar Santa Isabel, we take pride in providing a warm, caring, and supportive environment for our residents.
But don’t just take our word for it, hear from the families and loved ones who have experienced our compassionate care firsthand.
More than just a care facility, it is a community that celebrates the Portuguese language and culture.
