STATUS REPORT ON CASA MIA, BEREA, JOHANNESBURG TO THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE
ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Background
An article appeared in the newspaper Sunday Times (date unknown) in it was
revealed that there were problems at a block of flats, which housed older
persons. It was reported that the building was dilapidated and that there was
water leakages resulting in the collapse of the ceilings. The report confirmed
that Johannesburg Metro Region 8 managed the building. The Department of Social
Development submitted a report to the MEC Social development in June 2006,
after the regional and provincial office of Social Development conducted
investigations.
Casa Mia is a private assisted living facility, caring for older persons and
registered with the Department of Social Development, Gauteng. Casa Mia was a
hotel, built in the 1940's, which was purchased from the owner with the
intention of providing accommodation for Senior citizens who are able to care
for themselves. This facility was managed by the Housing Department of the
Eastern metropolitan Local Council. In 1998 the facility was transferred to the
Social Services Department (EMLC) due to administrative problems been
experienced under the Housing department at that time. In 200 I during the
EGOLI restructuring process it was transferred to the management of Region 8
Social services, Johannesburg Metro.
Presently, the occupants pay a monthly rental of R227 per month per room, to
the Johannesburg Metro for the hire of the flat. The facility accommodates 128
residents. The residents receive a subsidy from the Johannesburg Metro for
meals and accommodation; they pay R150 per month for 3 meals per day. The
Johannesburg metro Council subsidizes this amount as well so as to maintain a
minimum standard of nutrition as per the varied dietary requirements of the
residents. The facility is run on similar lines to a retirement village and has
no frail care section. There is a manager who lives on the premises and there
is a 24-hour security service however there is no nursing service. The facility
does not comply with conditions of registration and they do not have a
management committee who manages the facility.
Frail residents
it is expected that residents are able bodied and self-sufficient a problem has
arisen when they become frail and in need of constant nursing care which is not
provided at the home. Many of the residents refuse assistance in this regard
and are unwilling to leave the home.
Financial support to Casa Mia from the Johannesburg Metro Council
The
JMC pays the following costs which include:
·
Electricity R32 000 per
month
·
Gas R 2 000 per month
·
Staff Costs R 140 000 per month
The costs do not include stores and materials for the day to day management of
the facility.
Structural concerns of the Casa Mia building.
The building is a high-rise 8-story building, which is not suitable for frail
older persons. The building is prone to power failures and lifts are not
operational during this time. Concerns have been raised about the maintenance
of the building. The current fittings i.e. ceilings carpets, doors are old and
flammable and could exacerbate a fire. The JMC has attempted on numerous
occasions to upgrade the facility, however it requires a total refurbishment.
They have spent a total of R2, 5million over the last five years. It is the
intention of the JMC that if the facility is to be maintained for older
persons, there would be major refurbishment costs. The budget that has been
requested is in two phases, namely R3m is requested for phase 1 and RI2 to RI4m
for phase 2. The Johannesburg Metro Council is awaiting approval from the
Mayoral Committee and the meeting will be held on the 13 September 2006.
2.
The Department of Social development will assist with the relocation of
the residents if the above option is
accepted.
3.
If the above option is not approved then the facility will be
deregistered and arrangements will be made for the closure and relocation of
the residents.
4.
The residents will be assessed for their frailty in terms of DQ 98 and
placed appropriately.
5.
The other residents will be placed in JMC facilities that cater for
able-bodied older persons
Report compiled by Mrs. Margot Davids
Chief Director- Statutory Social Development
Date- 5 September 2006