Issy Geshen Chair, Guy Levene, highlights the desperate need for affordable elderly care.
This month South Africa recognises Human Rights day on 21 March, a significant date for all South Africans. However, despite almost 40 laws and policies protecting the rights of older persons, it is failing them dismally and the elderly in South Africa continues facing several challenges as a vulnerable group with unique needs.
The world's population is ageing, and South Africa's elderly population aged 60 and over is expected to almost double by 2050 to 10.5 per cent. Furthermore, 86 per cent of this age group reported at least one functional disability, with the most common disability being the loss of sight, followed by physical disabilities. 67.6 per cent also reported cognitive problems, and more than 61,6 per cent older persons in South Africa are females.
Every Elder has the Right to Wellbeing, Safety and Security.
These looming statistics will significantly increase the demand for long-term accommodation and care for the elderly, especially for affordable care. Only a small percentage of South Africans are financially able to retire comfortably. The lack of funding and the shortage of trained, qualified carers place the elderly at extreme risk, especially vulnerable and marginalised people who cannot afford the more advanced and established nursing homes.
Every elder has the right to wellbeing, safety and security. Our elders are the pillars of our communities and repositories of tradition, knowledge and skills essential to maintaining intergenerational links.
South Africa is ill-prepared to meet the needs of the elderly. The challenge remains investing in marginalised and vulnerable elderly who only receive a state pension. The government's social grant payments for older people and subsidies to residential care facilities are insufficient to cover the increasing costs, resulting in growing deficits and closures. Furthermore, elder abuse has increased.
A Violation of Basic Human Rights
Caring for the elderly is not just the responsibility of old-age homes. We must all do our part to raise awareness of elder abuse and take action to prevent it from happening. We need to ensure that every elderly person has access to the resources they need to live with dignity, healthcare, social support and safe living conditions.
The Home adds its voice to the growing list of associations and old aged homes calling on the government to review its funding model to strengthen the capacity of community organistaions to adequately care for older persons.
We Are Stronger Together
Caring for the elderly is not just the responsibility of old-age homes. We must all do our part to raise awareness of elder abuse and take action to prevent it from happening. We need to ensure that every elderly person has access to the resources they need to live with dignity, healthcare, social support and safe living conditions.
The Home adds its voice to the growing list of associations and old aged homes calling on the government to review its funding model to strengthen the capacity of community organistaions to adequately care for older persons.