Frail care ‘last resort’

THE divisional manager for Tafta Social Services, Femada Shamam, said they had 14 buildings in Durban, three of which were for frail care, and it housed 1 700 senior citizens.

She said frail care was “hugely expensive” and considered a last resort.

“Frail care is meant for those who cannot function independently and require 24hour assistance. The elderly are only placed there when we have exhausted every other possibility,” she told POST.

Shamam said South Africans lived in a society of rapidly changing systems and people did not realise their behaviour was abusive – they viewed it as normal.

Giving examples, she said: “If someone insists an elderly person must give them part of their pension, this is financial abuse. If an adult child tells an elderly person that if they don’t do something, they will not be able to see their grandchild, this is emotional abuse and blackmail. And if you talk down to the elderly, this is also emotional abuse.”

She said people lived at Tafta for different reasons.

“They could be looking for security. It’s affordable. It’s also within close proximity to resources and offers ease of living. It allows senior citizens to engage. It could also be because they want to get away from abusive circumstances or due to them wanting help.”

Shamam added that some saw Tafta as a preferred place to spend their golden years.