The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) is investigating allegations of sub-par living conditions at the Beaconvale Frail Care Centre in Mitchell’s Plain.
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Following a series of allegations levelled against the facility on social media and a protest demonstration in mid-October, the department conducted an unannounced oversight visit.
Departmental spokesperson Esther Lewis says walkabouts were conducted to observe the living conditions, care routines, hygiene and cleanliness and general compliance with norms and standards. ‘Group and individual interviews were conducted with residents, as well as staff.’
The findings and recommendations were presented to the board and management for implementation. While the Western Cape DSD does not manage or own any old age homes, it is their duty to register them, monitor compliance with norms and standards, and investigate allegations of abuse.
‘The WC DSD does not manage or own any old age homes,’ says Lewis. ‘These are owned and operated by NPO boards and management teams.’
‘All facilities must have a complaints procedure available to residents and their family members, which details the process. The first step is to approach the facility manager. The next step would be to approach the board.’
‘Depending on the nature of the allegations, residents and their caregivers also have the option to directly approach the board. Where there are serious complaints or allegations of abuse, etc. this can be reported DSD via the toll-free number at 0800 220 250.’
On Wednesday, 18 October, about 50 members of seniors’ clubs picketed outside the centre, including members of Lobelia Seniors Club, Al-Maaana Outreach Programme, Colorado Social Seniors Club, New Lentegeur Senior Social Club, Sunshine Seniors Club and Northwood Health and Diabetic Seniors.
Bernie Galant of Northwood Health and Diabetic Seniors told News24 that they needed to take a stand for the seniors amid the allegations. ‘They have no back-up system for load shedding, people are dying. There is no control. Management must fall and new people must come in.’
In September, a member of the group raised concerns after visiting the centre. ‘She spoke about the smell as if a drain had burst in the facility,’ says Youmna Mohammed.
Mohammed has obtained five sworn affidavits and videos from residents making further claims.
The allegations include:
- Non-nutritional meals
- Someone passing away and their body not being found for days
- Residents woken up at 4am to be bathed
- Receiving breakfast consisting of mielie meal without sugar
- No blankets
- Being bathed with only one cloth
- No toiletries
- Limited nappies
- Restricted meals (allegedly to save on nappies and changing)
- Theft of personal items
- Incorrect medications
- Unkept grass
- Irregular meals
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However, facility manager Raymond Mitchell and board chair Solomon Philander, as well as other members of the board, denied the seriousness of the allegations.
Mitchell confirmed that residents are woken up early due to processes that need to be followed. ‘In any hospital, they have processes that enable them to work and make sure everything is done. We do wake people up at 4am so that everything is not left to the next shift. But no one forces them to stay up and they can absolutely go back to bed after.’
According to Philander, the temporary smell is due to nappies that need to be changed regularly, as some of the residents are frail and incontinent. ‘If they are being woken up, that is good. It means the staff are doing their jobs.’
He noted that meals are kept light in the evening as the lunch is bigger because the residents’ digestive systems work differently, adding that it is a ‘misconception that people are being starved’.
‘Our food bill is the second highest, other than staff salaries. These are serious allegations, and they need to come with proof. We all have a lot to lose as members of this board and we take this very seriously.’
The facility cares for 135 residents, and although people do pass away, a case for negligence has never been registered.
Philander says although there is a complaints box at the facility, no issues have been raised. ‘Are we perfect, no, but we are trying our best with the limited resources we have. I have been in this industry for more than 20 years and abuse of the elderly is something I take very seriously and do not accept. I have people dismissed for less than this.’
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