Financial constraints and increasing emigration sees a large number of South Africa’s elderly population being left behind
As high unemployment rates continue to soar, along with rolling blackouts, and a high cost of living, many younger South Africans are leaving the country in search of better opportunities elsewhere. This shift, along with a lack of sufficient retirement savings, has left a significant proportion of the country’s elderly population with little or no financial and emotional support or access to vital healthcare. A new NPC, Helping Older Persons & Establishments (HOPE) is stepping in to make a difference and offer much-needed warmth and support to the elderly and their family during a time of great need.
The South African Government’s Mid-year Population Estimates shows that the total population of individuals aged 60 years and older has been increasing over time. In 2022, the older population was estimated to comprise approximately 5.6 million people, accounting for a 9.2% share of the overall South African population.
This is further confirmed by an increase in the overall ageing index, which measures the proportion of persons aged 60 years and older to the population of children under the age of 15 years. The ageing index increased from 30 in 2017 to 33 in 2022, showing that the population is progressively ageing. The number of older individuals generally increased across all provinces, with Gauteng (1.4 million) and KwaZulu-Natal (940,000) having the highest number of the older population in 2022.
In response to this growing need, the launch of Helping Older Persons & Establishments (HOPE) aims to bring a warm and caring touch to the lives of the elderly by providing essential support services. These include psychosocial assessments, mediation, counselling, cleaning services, and more. With a focus on personal attention, HOPE is a one-stop-shop for elderly care, relieving stress for families and ensuring a quality life for the elderly in the absence of their loved ones.
HOPE Founder, Charlese Mc Millan, explains, “The main aim of HOPE is to take the stressful processes regarding all aspects surrounding the elderly, their end-of-life cycle, and the plan of action pertaining to end-of-life processes away from the family. We give them peace of mind while applying a level of personal touch to our services. We are a one-stop-shop, from assessments to finding the correct facility, relocation, cleaning, and sorting of the home environment, to marketing/selling property and estates. Every single aspect that forms part of an elderly person’s life, without the family having to return to South Africa for anything.”
“Ensuring that the elderly live comfortably is an essential function of our health and social system. The launch of HOPE also underlines our commitment to help families improve the quality of life of older people who have made invaluable contributions to their families, communities, and the country,” Mc Millan adds.
HOPE provides care for the elderly in the absence of loved ones through psychosocial assessments, determining the needs of the elderly and whether they require placement within a frail care facility, Home Based Care, or independent living. The NPC also assists in mediation, counselling, and support services on all levels for both the elderly client and their family.
To initiate the process and experience the warmth and professionalism of HOPE, please contact them on [email protected], and they will guide you through the process.
