Audit of Residential Facilities, Final report - Division for Social Policy ...

CHAPTER 6RECOMMENDATIONSWhile Government has taken a strong policy lead to ensure the positive integration of olderpersons within society, support for them within their families, their access to proper communitybasedservices, their protection from abuse, and promoting their general quality of life, at thesame time there are numerous challenges that exist to turn government policy into reality in thelives of older persons. A number of recommendations are made as to what the priorities shouldbe for service delivery organisations within a context of sound policy but limited capacity andresources.Health is not only a vital asset but also a fundamental right. It is defined as a “complete state ofphysical, mental and social well-being” (World Health Organisation). Health thus has implicationsthat extend far beyond medicine and a health care system. It includes a temporal, socioeconomicand political perspective as well as biological, behavioural and psychosocial processesthat operate from conception to old age. All have potent influences on health outcomes andchronic disease risks. Most illnesses and diseases require not only medical solutions but alsopolitical and social interventions. In the context of South Africa, older persons should be eligiblefor Primary Health Care (PHC) services at no cost to themselves.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 of individual homes. In terms of the Guidelinesand National Norms and Standards it is clear that the homes across the country are at differentlevels of meeting these standards.It is recommended that in terms of:1. Department of Social Development The relationship between the Provincial office of the Department of SocialDevelopment and the Homes is vital for the continued quality service delivery. TheHome fulfils an important role in bringing welfare services to older persons and thestate plays a key role in providing an environment that is conducive for the Home tocarry out its work. This clearly indicates the desirability of close cooperation betweenthem for the success of the programme. Both parties should meet and discuss waysin which the DSD could perhaps play a more significant role.79 | 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