Elderly Ministries

The aim of the different programs for the aged is to enhance human dignity without compromising on the ability to provide shelter, food, clothing and healthcare services at a high standard and in a caring and non-discriminatory manner. This is carried out through programs for the elderly who are disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable and who may be nearing the end of life. The programs include Centres such as aged care centres and other programs that are provided by corps (churches) in the community.

The Salvation Army operates Aged Care Centres in Durban, Johannesburg, Soweto and Cape Town.

Thembela in Durban accommodates forty eight (48) residents. The Centre provides assisted living where residents look after themselves but have assistance with meals, cleaning washing and other activities of daily living. Emmerentia Eventide Home is located in Johannesburg and accommodates forty (40) residents. The Centre provides assisted living where residents look after themselves but have assistance with meals, cleaning washing and other activities of daily living.

Ephraim Zulu Senior Citizen Centre is located in Soweto and accommodates one hundred (100) residents. The Centre provides a section for nursing care facilities for the frail that cannot look after themselves. There is also accommodation for those that require but have assistance with meals, cleaning washing and other activities of daily living.

Beth Rogelim in Cape Town provides accommodation for eighty eight (88) elderly men. The Centre provides assisted living where residents look after themselves but have assistance with meals, cleaning washing and other activities of daily living. All of the Centres provide programmes that assist the residents in keeping active and help with mental, physical and spiritual aspects of their lives. There are different programmes around the Salvation Army Southern African Territory, within the Corps (church) setting. These programmes support the elderly with feeding, support and activities that aid the elderly to connect with other members in the community. They also assist in their nutrition, physic-social and spiritual support.

The community activities include feeding programs, distribution of food parcels, Soup Kitchens at Pension Points, visiting and assisting the elderly with activities of daily living, such as cleaning, gardening and preparation of meals in their own homes.

Key Words:- The Aged, feeding programs, Aged Care Centres