Care and Services to Older Persons
The programme is aimed at the empowerment and protection of Older Persons and also the promotion and maintenance of their socio-economic activities.
The departmental programmes are implemented to achieve the following objectives
Active Ageing Programme
Is a programme that is aimed at Older Persons who are 60 years and above. It involves keeping the elderly Persons active through exercising, playing sport, with the aim of reducing the risk of several chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis etc.
Assisted living Facility
Is a housing facility for Older Persons over 60 years who do not need 24 hour care and have a certain percentage of minimum independence. Such programmes institute a move towards units/homes that are more open; within the community to facilitate de-institutionalisation according to the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006.
Residential facility (old age homes)
It is a building or other structure used primarily for the purpose of providing 24 hours service to Older Persons who can no longer be cared for in the community due to physical or mental frailty.
Community Based Care and Support Centres
These are Centres that are meant for Older Persons to visit during the day for the purpose of socialising, exercising, handwork, etc.
Home Based Care
Means care provided or services rendered at the place where a frail Older Person resides, excluding at a residential facility, by a caregiver in order to maintain such frail Older Person’s maximum level of comfort, including care towards a dignified death according to the Older Person’s Act 13 of 2006.
Other services provided
- Counseling to Older Persons
- Awareness campaigns on issues pertaining to older persons
- Capacity building on legislation pertaining to older persons
- Facilitates forums for older persons
- Intergenerational programmes