It is a crying shame and an attack on their dignity that some of the most vulnerable members of our society are being forced to live in their cars.
Today, Weekend Post reports on the dire situation in which some elderly Nelson Mandela Bay residents find themselves due to capacity constraints at homes for the aged.
Algoa Bay Council for the Aged CEO Maureen Andreka said there was a chronic need for more old-age and frail-care facilities in the metro — particularly for Sassa pensioners — because most homes were full or too expensive.
Waiting lists containing hundreds of names continue to grow — the council has more than 800 applicants on its list.
The shortage of facilities stems from a decision by the department of social development three years ago to stop funding the Life Esidimeni facilities in Lorraine and the Algoa Frail Care Centre.
The facilities were the only ones in the metro that accepted Sassa-only pensioners.
Meanwhile, it is the elderly, our parents and grandparents, who suffer.
“We are aware of more and more homeless older people and those living in their cars.
“Sassa pensioners looking for accommodation that they can afford have almost no success,” Andreka said.
“Where can you rent property on a SASSA pension of R1,890 and still be able to afford services and meals?”
Social development spokesperson Mzukisi Solani said the department subsidised 20 old age homes and 26 service centres.
He said it had been forced to implement budget cuts because of the need to prioritise SA’s response to Covid-19.
But surely more needs to be done to ensure our elderly live out their lives in comfort.
It simply cannot be that desperate senior citizens are forced to live in their cars.
A caring society ensures its most vulnerable are cared for with dignity.
It is a reflection on all of us if they are not — it flies in the face of the ubuntu we have come to embrace.
HeraldLIVE
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