AGE-in-Action: FREE STATE

Approximately 120 000 persons over the age of 65 years live in the Free State of which 70% are black and live mainly in rural communities. In terms of average life expectancy, disposable income and literacy levels, the Free State can be considered as a middle of the road province. However, certain rural communities are almost exclusively dependent on the income from social grants. Most of the older persons live with family with a growing tendency towards independent living. Problems facing older persons are lack of health services, food, shelter and transport.

An estimated 4 925 older persons or 0.05% receive a subsidised service like residential care, home-help, meals at a centre or housing. 15% of white elderly and less than .05% of black old people receive such a service. The services are mainly concentrated around cities and larger towns with rural communities not having access to services. The Organisation has over the past 7 years promoted luncheon clubs, lending depots and recently, training of caregivers, to help address imbalances of the past.

We have a staff compliment of 7 workers and 56 volunteers.

Areas of Operation

(Lejweleputsa) Welkom, (Xhariep) Zastron, Smithfield, Edenburg,

Trompsburg, Gariep, Koffiefontein, Luckhoff, (Motheo) Bloemfontein, Thaba-Nchu, Botshabelo, (Thabo Mofutsanyane) Qwa-Qwa, Fezile Dabi.

Priorities

The following are services that will be developed. The training thereof will also be provided.

• Luncheon Clubs are very important care networks to help elderly to remain in the community.
• Lending depots provide families with the necessary help to continue with family care.
• Elder abuse program
  • Cases referred via Care line and directly 
  • Elder abuse counseling and awareness in Afrikaans, English and Sotho.
• The future of care for the aged lies with family care. It is, therefore critical to train and deploy as many health care workers as possible.
• Home care program and Home Based Care training, linked with Department of Health.
• HIV/Aids awareness - Linked with Department of Health - Starting support groups.

Partnerships (with):

       Department of Health
       The Human Rights Commission
      Department of Social Development
       Mental Health
       Local Municipalities
       Child Welfare
       Premiers Office
       Department of Sports, Arts and Culture