How To Start An Old Age Home In South Africa

Below is How To Start An Old Age Home In South Africa

If you want to register an older persons’ residential facility or old age home as an individual or organization, you must apply at your nearest Department of Social Development office.

What you should do

Go to the social development office nearest to where you live.

Complete application form 9.

After submitting your application you will be given an acknowledgment letter as proof of your application.

A social worker will invite other role players such as the environmental health practitioner and a medical officer to investigate and assess the intended residential facility.

After the assessment visit by the role-players, a report of the findings will be submitted to the Department of Social Development where your application will be either approved, approved conditionally, or not approved.

If you disagree with the decision, you must appeal to the Minister of Social Development within 90 days of receiving notification.

How long does it take

It may take four weeks to process your application.

How much does it cost

The actual application is free but you will pay for other certificates such as the environmental health certificate.

Forms to complete

The application forms are available from your nearest social development office.

About applying for admission to an older persons’ residential facility

If you are an older person in need of 24-hour care who wants to live in an older persons’ residential facility, you can apply at your nearest social workers’ office or older persons’ residential facility.

To qualify for admission, you must be:

in need of full-time attendance

60 years or older and destitute

a South African

receiving an old-age grant or pension fund.

Please note: No one can admit you to a residential facility without your consent unless a medical report proves you are mentally unfit to give consent and a court order is issued. In case of an emergency, a medical report issued by a registered medical practitioner suffices pending the issuance of a court order.

What you should do

If you do not know of any residential facilities, go to your nearest department of social development office to find a residential facility.

Complete and return application forms at the residential facility.

Submit:

your South African identity document (ID)

medical report.

You will undergo a screening test to determine if you qualify for admission and a subsidy.

If you are too old or sick to travel to the office to apply, ask a family member or friend to apply on your behalf.

A social worker will arrange a home visit to assess your current living condition.

If your application is not approved you must be given a reason in writing and you can appeal to the Minister of Social Development.

Please note: Admission to an older persons’ residential facility is subject to availability of beds.

How long does it take

Your application will be processed within 14 days. You will get a response within 30 days of you applying for admission.

How much does it cost

Costs may vary.

Forms to complete

All forms are available at the older persons’ residential facility.

Who to contact

Customer Care Services: 012 312 7727

Department of Social Development provincial offices