The primary concern with current spending at community level is that very few older persons benefit, and then only the very frail, with inconsistent reach across provinces. There is very little support for older persons who have high care needs and are at home, nor for active older persons.
How do we support elder care in South Africa, and how do we ensure equitable care for all our elders? Two reports recently published by the Family Caregiving of Older Persons in Southern Africa Programme outline how funding for elder care is structured and changing in South Africa, and the related experiences of older persons, caregivers, as well as careworkers.
"Our investigation therefore looked at DSD spending, while remaining cognisant of the fact that the Department of Health also funds programmes and provides services to older persons," Dr Moore added.The Funding Elder Care in South Africa report, released on International Day for Older Persons on 1 October, seeks to provide an overview of spending on the country's older persons over the past two decades.
It has also not been adequately linked to inflation. While spending per person, adjusted for inflation, is 5% higher in 2022/2023 compared to 2006/2007, provincial funding has decreased by 13% during the same period. Spending on community-level care, which includes both community-based services and residential care homes, increased from R460 million to R1.6 billion during the review period, representing a 13% decrease in funding when adjusted for inflation and increased numbers of older persons.
The report also revealed vast regional disparities in provision of community-based and residential care. Some provinces also receive significantly more funding than others. For example, the Western Cape receives R259.5 million in funding, and KwaZulu-Natal only about R181 million, even though the latter is home to more older people. The funding is based on the number and reach of care services that meet DSD operational requirements, and on the number of people assisted.
"It's challenging because when I'm not home, I'm always worried about her and I have to come back as soon as possible."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
South Africa: Business Leaders Join Principals in Plan to Transform South Africa's Ailing Education SystemAnalysis - The Execs Back to School programme goes beyond physical improvements and providing resources to schools, it seeks to instil a mindset of continuous improvement and growth within the education system.
Read more »
Africa: Why Is U.S. Funding for HIV/Aids Relief in Africa Under Threat?Analysis - Vital U.S. funding from the U.S to support millions of people in Africa living with HIV/AIDS is under threat after false claims the money was being used to fund abortions
Read more »
South Africa: New Investment Pledges Boost South Africa's Just Energy Transition Funding Pool to $11.8bnDenmark, the Netherlands and Spain have joined the group of countries who are partially financing South Africa's Just Energy Transition.
Read more »
Africa: Informal Workers Key to Successful Waste Management in AfricaWith the African continent recycling less than 11 percent of its waste, COP28 provided leaders on the African continent to consider integrated waste systems that include informal waste workers.
Read more »
Africa: Top Scientists Make $3bn Plea to Rich Nations to Help Conserve Africa's LionsAnalysis - Facing the grim reality of potential extinction, Africa's iconic but underexposed wild lion populations are crying out for help -- and for investors with deep, patient pockets.
Read more »
Africa’s Medical Brain Drain: The Africa Report.comA report released by the WHO in March identified 55 countries – including 40 African countries – with significant medical staff shortages. One week later, the British government’s National Health Service (NHS) issued a directive, saying it would not recruit doctors, nurses, or other medical staff from those 40 countries. In this six-part series, we look at how and why medical staff around the continent are leaving in droves.
Read more »