Directorate Enforcing Older Persons Rights (DEOPR) caring facility was filled with a celebratory mood as it celebrated its first anniversary over the weekend.
The day’s programme was packed with loads of performances and attendees were treated to mouth-watering treats. Artist Jon Delinger was in attendance.
In September 2021, Hennie Els, a veteran, who for the past 24 years lobbied for the rights of older persons was informed that the Johannesburg Association For The Aged (JAFTA) was closing doors after 60 years of serving the aged.
DEOPR then took over the care of older persons who remained on the premises, following the birth of DEOPR caring facility.
The facility houses about 220 people and is growing.
“In the past year we registered a holding group and registered the Care Givers Council and will lobby so that government would recognise ‘caregiving’ as a profession and allow caregivers to work at government hospitals,” explained Hennie Els, CEO of DEOPR.
He said they would also ensure that caregivers have proper training, due diligence and background checks and ensure the verification of ID documents is conducted.
“ECS Corporate, a company specialising in professional care services, will be managing caregivers placed at caring and frail facilities. We registered a training academy where caregivers from various colleges would do their practical and basic OHSA. We registered and established an investigation division that would investigate acts of elder abuse as the justice and legal system failed older people worldwide,” said Els.
DEOPR has also started developing a high-care section with professional and highly trained staff.
Els said it was not an easy road but they made it through the guidance and blessings from God.
He said they aim to develop a home away from home and they have succeeded in many ways.
“The board of directors and I thank the management, staff, our residents’ committee and service providers that carried us through some difficult times, residents, family members and all the companies and individuals that made this day possible. Your support gives us strength to go the extra mile for the older persons we have to serve,” he said.
