AGE-in-Action: Limpopo
BACKGROUND
The Limpopo Province has approximately 220 000 persons over the age
of 65 years. The majority are black and live mainly in rural, semi-rural villages and
townships. Both the human development level and average disposable per capita income of
the population is amongst the lowest in South Africa. Life expectancy of 65.7 years is the
second lowest after the Eastern Province. It is, therefore, clear that the needs of older
persons are very basic, namely, water, shelter, food and health care.
CORE BUSINESS
There are six lending depots, the rationale being to provide basic
care and equipment to the frail elderly at home, which include:
- elbow crutches
- wheelchairs
- bed pans
- waterproof panties
- walking sticks
A home care training is being run by a retired professional nurse in
the six regions respectively. The training focuses on the following aspects:
- ageing process
- full wash - bed wash
- making an occupied bed
- getting a weak patient up
- back pressure points
- bed sores treatment
- stroke patients
- glucometer for checking diabetes
- BP monitor instrument
- AIDS and cancer
- recreation
The Organisation also offers training for organisations in project
management. Currently, the Organisation has embarked on a social integrated approach where
focus is on upliftment to enhance social and economic dignity.
PRIORITIES
To protect and promote the interests and well-being of the aged, the
disabled, family members of the elderly persons and the mid-life persons in the province.
The following scope of services are practices, the rationale being to accomplish the
following:
- Providing accurate information through educational talks, training
programmes, presentation of materials to all interested parties. The point at issue being
to increase the rate of productivity and to establish income-generating projects.
- Co-operation and networking of services of the elderly locally and
provincially.
- Conducting research and supplying outcome research information on
issues affecting the elderly to individuals, groups and organisations rendering services
to the elderly and interested parties.
- Advocating, lobbying and negotiating for the elderly people with
government authorities and other interested parties and providing feedback regarding the
outcome of negotiations.
- Educating the elderly on their rights and responsibilities.
- Rendering services where existing services do not address the plight
of the elderly and to develop services where non exist.
- To give directive training and consultation to volunteers and staff
members of organisations caring and serving the elderly, disabled and middle aged.
- To form a representative structure of elderly persons to attend to
issues pertaining to themselves.
- To establish as many service centres as possible for communities to
be self-reliant and self-sufficient.
- Fundraising.