THE impact of reduced funding of Tafta homes and services would be devastating to the senior community in Durban.
*Rinesha Naidoo, is a 74-year old stroke survivor who lives in the Overport community, an area supported by TAFTA.
Although she is mentally alert, Rinesha’s stroke affected the left side of her body leaving her bed-bound and requiring round the clock supervision.
Rinesha’s husband, Jared has taken the responsibility of taking care of his wife but Rinesha requires a caregiver at least six days a week.
The couple receive old age pension which is only enough to have the caregiver come six days a month.
Tafta filled in the gap and now Rinesha is receiving caregiver support five days a week. Rinesha was found to have bed sores which the caregiver is attending to.
“Since the caregiver support was implemented, so much progress was (has been) made by Rinesha, from being bed bound she is now able to sit up with support. She still has a long way to go but she has proved that with a little help and support, recovery and improvement is possible,” said Femada Shamam, Chief Executive Officer of Tafta.
The health precautions that come with trying to prevent a Covid-19 outbreak like buying masks, personal protective gear, sanitisers and unexpected related expenses left Tafta in the red.
Tafta’s service centres, which are subsidised by the Department of Social development provide a number of services to promote and support the well being of elders throughout the year.
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They host education awareness events, elder celebrations and intergenerational programmes throughout the year.
TAFTA has been informed that as per through their latest service level agreement that their service centres will receive a drop in funding from five days of utilisation to three.
The Association for the Aged caters for many elderly citizens who would lose their livelihoods should the organisation go under.
With President Cyril Ramaphosa announcing the country will move to Alert Level 1, Tafta is now preparing to welcome visitors to their homes since March.
Lorna Smith, 76, a social member at Tafta said a possible reduction of the centres would be “absolutely terrible”.
“I have been going to the homes for a very long time. As a social member I visit once or twice a week where I sit and talk with the ladies. We have tea parties, games, dance and shows, so it would be a real pity to the Durban senior community if they closed down,” she said.
Femada Shamam, Chief Executive Officer of Tafta, said they just have three active Covid-19 case now.
As of 21 September, Covid-19 stats for Tafta 69 positive, 61 recovered, five deaths and three active (staff and residents).
“Their loss must remain a reminder to us that while we are seeing a drastic reduction in cases, we do remain in the midst of a deadly (pandemic) and as the president stated, we must ensure that we protect our homes from a resurgence in infection,” she said.
To donate to Tafta, visit their website tafta.org.za/donate.html
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