Action Society supports the changes made in the Older Persons Amendment Bill as it appears to move to a more decentralised position which is a change we have been advocating to see. Action Society is particularly in support of clause 3 of the amendment, which fosters an environment of decentralisation and clause 9 which demands care-givers are provided with the required training to provide high-quality care where it is needed most.
The Action Society team has first-hand experience of the challenges that the elderly face during legal processes. These include lengthy and frustrating postponements, limited capacity, untrained personnel, and inadequate facilities at the courts among many others. The elderly are also less likely than their younger counterparts to report a crime due to lack of support structures.
“Action Society supports the introduction of a bit of devolution through the inclusion of stakeholders and provincial governments in the coordination and implementation of the Act. By requiring all organs of state and stakeholders to implement the Act in an integrated, coordinated, and uniform manner, the amendment recognises the importance of collaboration across different levels of government and service providers. This inclusion fosters decentralisation, which is critical for tailoring services to the unique needs of older persons within different communities,” says Juanita du Preez, spokesperson for Action Society.
The prioritisation of older persons in public service facilities and service points, is a welcome step. This ensures that older persons receive the attention and care they need when accessing services, making the system more user-friendly and efficient. However, to avoid the risk of the process becoming overly bureaucratic, it is crucial that the integration and monitoring of these services remain practical and flexible, allowing provinces to adapt to their specific circumstances while ensuring accountability.
“We fully support the requirement for caregivers providing home-based and frail care to receive prescribed training. This amendment is crucial for ensuring that caregivers have the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care to older persons, who often require specialised attention. By standardising training requirements, the amendment promotes a uniform level of care, helping to safeguard the dignity and well-being of older persons across the country.”
Action Society appreciates the efforts made through the Older Persons Amendment Bill, 2022, to strengthen protections for older persons. “We support many of the provisions but believe that further decentralisation and reliance on professional bodies for oversight can enhance the effectiveness of these amendments. Additionally, it is vital that the broader challenges in the criminal justice system are addressed to ensure the practical realisation of these protections,” concluded du Preez.
