By OBAKENG MAJE

North West MEC for Social Development, Lazarus Mokgosi said his department has commenced with the admission of elderly people at the Taung Old Age Complex. Mokgosi said eight elderly people aged 60 and above, have been admitted to the old age home since November last year.

He further said more elderly people are undergoing thorough assessment to ascertain their legibility to be accommodated in the old age complex. Mokgosi added that, the state home for the aged, which is situated in Pudumong, is the second state-run facility after Sonop.

“It has been established to cater for the needs of senior citizens across the province. The multi-million rand old age home has 64 beds for frail care unit, 30 independent rooms and 6 beds for assisted living services. We have made remarkable milestones in promoting the status, wellbeing, safety and security of older persons in line with the Older Persons Act.

“We have so far done a sterling work in promoting the rights of our senior citizens. The operationalisation of Taung Old Age Complex, underlines our commitment as government to improve the quality of life of older persons,” he said.

Mokgosi said they call on elderly people and their families to use the facility to their advantage. He said, his department is in the right stead to accommodate many more elderly people to ensure maximum utilisation of the state-run facility.

“Elderly people in need of 24-hour care who wants to live in an older persons’ residential facility, can apply at the nearest service point or older persons’ residential facility. If the applicant is too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, they can ask a family member or friend to apply on their behalf,” said Mokgosi.

He said a social worker from the department, will arrange a home visit to screen the applicant and assess their current living condition.

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