Audit of Residential Facilities, Final report - Division for Social Policy ...
Audit of Residential Facilities, Final report - Division for Social Policy ...
Audit of Residential Facilities, Final report - Division for Social Policy ...
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While Government has taken a strong policy lead to ensure the positive integration <strong>of</strong> olderpersons within society, support <strong>for</strong> them within their families, their access to proper communitybasedservices, their protection from abuse, and promoting their general quality <strong>of</strong> life, at thesame time there are numerous challenges that exist to turn government policy into reality in thelives <strong>of</strong> older persons. A number <strong>of</strong> recommendations are made as to what the priorities shouldbe <strong>for</strong> service delivery organisations within a context <strong>of</strong> sound policy but limited capacity andresources.These are recommendations that need to be addressed at a strategic level, but which will in turn,apply to, and impact on, the effective functioning <strong>of</strong> individual homes. In terms <strong>of</strong> the Guidelinesand National Norms and Standards it is clear that the homes across the country are at differentlevels <strong>of</strong> meeting these standards.It is recommended that in terms <strong>of</strong>:1. The relationship between the Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Social</strong> Development and the Homes isvital <strong>for</strong> the continued quality service delivery. The Home fulfils an important role inbringing welfare services to older persons and the state plays a key role in providing anenvironment that is conducive <strong>for</strong> the Home to carry out its work. This clearly indicates thedesirability <strong>of</strong> close cooperation between them <strong>for</strong> the success <strong>of</strong> the programme. Bothparties should meet and discuss ways in which the DSD could perhaps play a moresignificant role. Where a more positive relationship exists between the Province or region and thehomes, this supportive relationship needs to be maintained and the partnership furtherstrengthened. However, in the main the relationship (and communication) between the Departmentand the homes must improve and the homes seen as partners in this process <strong>of</strong>caring <strong>for</strong> older persons2. Roles, responsibilities and capacity <strong>of</strong> different players within DSD: The Departmentat all levels must have their respective roles and responsibilities clarified so that there isno blurring, overlap and duplication <strong>of</strong> activities adding unnecessary anxieties to homemanagers. For this to happen the Department must streamline and adopt a morecoordinated approach to its own operations more effectively6 | D S D A u d i t o f R e s i d e n t i a l F a c i l i t i e s