On the 8 May 2012 the MEC for Social Development Northern Cape Mr. Alvin Botes handed over two mini buses to the Lena Mouers and Morning Glory Service Centres for older persons in Louisvale and Morning Glory Upington.
During a round table discussion held in October 2011, the two above mentioned service centres raised their concerns of how difficult it was for the older persons who needed the services rendered by them to gain access to them due transportation problems. Even though the service centres are in the communities, the older persons found it extremely difficult to go to the centres where various services are offered to them.
At the round table discussion in October 2011 which was chaired by MEC Botes, he made a commitment to them that he would have a look into their concerns raised and then the department would see how they could assist. Based on the needs of the older persons and the positive role and impact these centres are playing in our communities, the department then, in line with its mandate to uplift communities, decided to purchase the two mini buses for the centres which render services to the elders of our communities.
Both centres are currently registered according to the Aged Persons Act and funded by Department of Social Development. The objective of the Act is to deal effectively with the plight of older persons by establishing a framework aimed at the empowerment and protection of older persons and also at the promotion and maintenance of their status, rights, well-being, safety and security.
The approach of the Older Persons Act is to move services from institutional care to community based care and support services with the purpose that older persons remain in the community for as long as possible. This can also be seen as the transformation service provision towards the older persons as programs provided should categorised into two, i.e. promotion and prevention programmes and Home-Based Care programmes.
Communities no longer embrace older persons and take care of them when they are no longer in a position to take care of themselves; the mindset of communities therefore has to be changed to once again respect older persons for who they are and what they can contribute in terms of experience and knowledge to the greater good of society.
Promotion and prevention programs are those that ensure independent living of older persons in the community. The Home Based Care programs focus on provision of frail care services to frail older persons in the community. The process ensures the provision of affordable, accessible, effective and efficient services to all older persons.
Impact of having the vehicles
- Membership will increase as transport and health limited the mobility of the elderly.
- The Centres for older persons will be in a position to provide meals on wheels for frail older persons in the community.
- Home visits for frail and bedridden older persons will be easily conducted.
Enquiries:
Conrad Fortune
Cell: 079 873 0679
E-mail: cfortune@ncpg.gov.za
