Senior citizens living alone or experiencing neglect in Ga-Rankuwa can access companionship and care through the Korwe Multipurpose Centre.

Registered on June 28, 2009, the non-profit organisation was established after concerns that many older people were spending their days alone at home, with some reportedly experiencing abuse from their children and grandchildren.

Centre manager Seanokeng Kgosana said the organisation aims to promote independence, health and social engagement while providing a welcoming environment for friendship, group meals, game days, arts and crafts, and club activities to reduce loneliness.

The centre currently serves about 120 beneficiaries from across Ga-Rankuwa, offering programs that address their physical, emotional and social needs.

Home-based support and health screenings

Beyond its daily activities, Korwe provides home-based care to frail and semi-frail older people, enabling them to receive assistance while remaining with their families.

The services include help with personal hygiene, bathing, grooming, dressing and moving safely around their homes.

The organisation also conducts community awareness programs on the protection of older people, covering physical, emotional and financial abuse, as well as sexual abuse and exploitation.

Healthcare support forms another part of its work. Through its partnership with Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, beneficiaries can access health screenings, physiotherapy, awareness programmes and referrals.

The centre also provides free transport for beneficiaries travelling between their homes and the facility on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Daily routines and community partnerships

A typical day begins at 08:00 with arrivals and wellness checks, followed by prayer, breakfast and gentle physical exercises.

Activities include gardening, social programmes and aerobics, while lunch is served before beneficiaries depart at 16:00.

Kgosana said the staff also strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where older people feel heard and supported.

The centre occasionally receives visits from Beauty Hub, which provides massages, hairstyling and haircuts to beneficiaries. It has also assisted people caring for orphaned children with applications for foster care grants.

Social development officials recently visited the centre to monitor its program and assess the building. Kgosana said the officials commended the staff and encouraged the organisation to reach more beneficiaries.

The centre hopes to increase awareness of its services and improve transport access for older people who need to attend chronic healthcare check-ups.

Through its combination of care, social engagement and community support, Korwe Multipurpose Centre continues working towards ensuring that older people in Ga-Rankuwa are not left to face the challenges of ageing alone.

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