Retirement News : Seniors : Langa senior citizens benefit from pilot project for elderly

Langa senior citizens benefit from pilot project for elderly

Date Added: 02-12-2005

In South Africa, former government-subsidised white retirement homes are being introduced for daycare for older people to provide racial integration.

Cape Times - Cape Town,South Africa

December 1, 2005

By Dominique Herman

Seven Langa senior citizens relaxed in the garden and drank tea in Bonteheuwel yesterday on the inaugural day of social services and poverty alleviation MEC Koleka Mqulwana's daycare pilot project for the elderly.

During her budget speech in May, Mqulwana announced her plan to transform government-subsidised formerly white retirement homes through the introduction of daycare for older people.

The community-based care services project aims to provide entertainment and social and racial integration for the participants, some of whom are locked up at home while their families are working and some of whom live in informal, inadequately equipped housing projects.

Lilyhaven Place in Bonteheuwel can accommodate 10 daycare visitors and is geared for those who do not require frail care.

From Monday to Friday the Langa residents will be picked up at 9am and taken home at 3pm.

The intervening six hours are structured with activities ranging from light exercise to sing-alongs.

Meals and snacks are included and a half-hour church service is offered.

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