Editor –
The Action Group has, over the past few weeks, held a number of meetings in an open and transparent manner.
At these meetings, which were open to all, various opinions and suggestions were made in light of the situation at Shepstone Place.
READ MORE HERE: Former Shepstone Place administrator accused of fraud
In all the angst at these meetings, we appear to have forgotten what they were all about. They were not only about finance… constitutions… fraud… or… poor management… not only about finding a chairperson… or… finding committee members.
They should have been about power. The power of older persons to live their golden years with dignity, joy, comfort and love.
We sometimes fail to realise the ability of older persons to contribute to society in general and they are certainly more than able to be involved in the decisions affecting their lives.
Ignoring their ability and removing the power from them is nothing less than a gross injustice.
The rights, dignity and well-being of residents are paramount.
Clause 9 of the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006 stresses this power that older persons have, enabling them control their lives despite their age. A residential facility is a service.
“Guiding principles for the provision of services:
Any service must be provided in an environment that –
(a) recognises the social, cultural and economic contribution of older persons;
(b) promotes participation of older persons in decision-making processes at all levels;
(c) recognises the multi-dimensional needs of older persons and therefore promotes inter-sectoral collaboration;
(d) ensures access to information by education of and training of older persons;
(e) promotes the development and basic care of older persons in rural and urban areas;
(f) promotes the prevention of exploitation of older persons;
(g) promotes the respect and dignity of older persons;
(h) ensures that older persons receive priority in the provision of basic services;
(i) ensures rehabilitation and the provisioning of assisted devices to older persons, and
(j) ensures, as far as practicable, that services and facilities are accessible to older persons.”
Let us all respect those rights. And I suspect other residents are tired of being classed as second-class citizens, unable to make decisions in their own lives.
Chris Branken
NOW READ: Ensuring transparency and fairness at the upcoming Shepstone Place committee elections
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