“Seniors should not die lonely” – ward councillor
Some seniors in old age homes are without funeral policy and families, and die lonely.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – The plight of senior citizens has once again been highlighted. This time, the focus was on when they pass away, alone in old age homes, leaving nothing behind to ensure that they have a proper burial.
Ward 124 councillor Sidney Radebe told the COURIER that he has seen this concerning trend increasing. Radebe would like to encourage readers to get involved since numerous elderly people, from different homes, have died and left no money to ensure decent funerals for them.
“I want to highlight the plight of elderly people living in these old age homes. Some do not have families who look after them. They eventually get lonely and some become sick. Most of the elderly citizens at these retirement homes, are without a funeral policy and some are without families.
“Recently, an elderly man, who was living alone, died from cancer and was found dead in his room. As a community I think, where we can find the families of the sick and elderly, we should urge them to step in and look after them,” said Clr Radebe.
The councillor is worried about the elderly citizens who do not have funeral and insurance cover because, when they depart, there is not enough money to give them decent funerals. Clr Radebe explained that when they cannot trace any family members, he then has to to apply for indigent funeral service at social services, which normally takes a lengthy two weeks.
People wishing to assist can contact Clr Radebe on 082 773 8169.
