Older persons programme

The Department of Social Development supports and enables services for older persons which are provided by non-governmental organisations to make sure that:

• Older persons can access information about their rights, the range of services available and how to access them.
• Services to older persons transform, and 80% have access to community-based support services that promote self-reliance and inter-generational bonding.
• All residential services are well managed, comply with minimum standards and implement programmes that promote the well-being,
• There is safety and security for older persons.
• A range of interventions are in place to speedily and effectively deal with the abuse of older persons and to systematically eliminate the prevalence of abuse.

Questions and Answers

Q 1: What is an old age home?

A residential facility known as an old age home or frail care facility is a building or other structure used primarily to provide accommodation and a 24-hour service to older persons.

Q 2: What is independent living?

It means providing affordable, safe and accessible accommodation to active older persons who are independent, living with or without assistive devices and who don't need assistance regarding their activities of daily living.

Q 3: What is assisted living?

Assisted living is the provisioning of affordable, safe and accessible accommodation, with access to support services for active older persons who are independent, with or without assistive devices and who need some form of supervision and assistance regarding their activities of daily living

Q 4: What are service centres for older persons?

Registered NPOs operate service centres and provide community-based care and support services for older persons. Service centres offer older persons the opportunity to engage in various activities and services such as exercise, recreational activities, cultural and spiritual activities, awareness campaigns, educational and skills activities and lunches.

Q 5: Which type of residential facilities is currently registered by the Department?

The Department has currently registered frail care facilities where frail older persons who are not physically or mentally fit to perform activities of daily living independently are being cared for on a 24-hour basis.

Q 6: Why are these frail care facilities being registered?

Registration, in terms of the Older Persons Act, No. 13 of 2006, is being prescribed. Registration ensures that older persons are cared for in a safe and secure environment and that facilities give them the quality standard of service they deserve..

Q 7: When should facilities apply to be registered?

Registration started soon after the Older Persons Act became law in 2011. All frail care facilities must apply continuously to be registered.

Q 8: What are the compliance matters for frail care facilities?

The Older Persons Act prescribes a set of norms and standards to ensure that facilities give services of a quality standard to older persons in a safe and secure environment. The important compliance matters are the following:

• Admission procedures must be in place and include an admission policy, fee structure, information about their services, house rules, complaints procedure, and a written agreement.
• Buildings/facilities should be safe and accessible.
• Appropriate staffing should include registered nurses and trained carers who can cope with the health needs of older persons.
• Evidence of the care that the facility provides.
• Appropriate policy and procedure documents should also be in place.
• A safe nutritional service.

Q 9:   What does the registration process consist of?

• Facilities should first complete and submit an application form.
• Furthermore, facilities must apply to their local municipality for assessment regarding the appropriate bylaws and regulations.
• The Department will also complete assessments regarding the mentioned norms and standards.
• Training and capacity-building workshops also form part of the process to guide and support facilities.

Q 10:   If a facility meets all the requirements and is registered, is it a guarantee that it will always be compliant?

The operators of a facility must maintain the norms and standards once registered. If a facility becomes non-compliant, the Department can cancel its registration certificate. Contraventions of the Older Persons Act may also lead to the closing down of a facility.

There is a growing awareness about the rights of older persons and the dignity and respect they deserve. Therefore, there is an increase in the complaints lodged with the Department.

Q 11:   What kind of service and benefits can people expect from a registered facility?

Family members and the broader public will have peace of mind because they’ll know that the registered facility has undergone a rigorous assurance process to ensure that it gives a high-quality standard of service.

Q 12:   To whom or where can the general public and facility operators direct questions?

Enquiries can be directed to the Department via the toll-free number on 0800 220 250 

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The implementation of programmes and services is directed by the prescripts of the Older Persons Act, No. 13 of 2006.

Information and Awareness on

• Legislation and policies relevant to older persons.
• The rights and responsibilities of older persons.

Social work intervention

• Counselling and therapeutic services.
• Services aimed at supporting older persons and strengthening their independence and optimal functioning.
• Victim empowerment services supporting victims of abuse and neglect.

Creating an enabling and supportive environment

• Support for services delivered by Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs).
• Facilitate partnerships between different NPOs and other stakeholders to strengthen service delivery.
• Provide financial awards to service providers such as residential facilities (old age homes) and service centres/clubs that provide social services to older persons from government funds.
• Collaborate and cooperate with local municipalities and other government departments to coordinate and integrate service delivery.