Who Stands to Benefit?    Although Help Seniors does not render any services, all beneficiaries are Older Persons in need. Our esteemed Service Partners ensure that funds will go where most needed and will support projects that do not receive government subsidy and promote Successful Ageing: Financial support for projects which help older persons to live independently in the community Support for needy Older Persons: ubused and/or abandoned, neglected, lonely,  homeless and   destitute, in need of frail- or homebased care Support for Older Persons who take care of children (Empower an Older  Person and children also benefit) Financial support for entrepeneurs- or self help projects.   This is the forgotten generation which we want to empower. We want to give them back  their dignity, ensure Successful Ageing and that they "end well".   Several housing schemes offer a home and dignified life to around 400 Older Persons. Residents live in single-  or double rooms and  pay their rent  with their old age pension; not nearly  enough for management to sustain  the facility.  Several activities, a library,  talks on matters concerning Older Persons, meals, entrepreneurs' projects, sheltered labour, etc are offered to residents.  Residents fulfill several duties  themselves.     Demographics and the Challenges faced by Older Persons : The number of Older Persons in South Africa is the fastest growing in Africa. In South Africa, persons older than 65 years are approximately 3.5 million. Persons older than 80 years increased with 79% in the past ten years, while those older than 100 increased with 79% in the same period. The growth in the number of Older Persons between 1996 - 2006 reached 16,5%. The demographic picture above will change over the next two decades with a steady increase of the number of older persons to  beyond 5 million, an increase of over 80%. Unemployed family and children depend heavily on Older Persons for survival. It is estimated that 20% of all households are headed by Older Persons (mainly women).  A large number of frail Older Persons are forced to remain in community as old age homes and care facilities are inaccessible to them. An extremely serious problem is the abuse, exploitation and neglect of Older Persons, especially to those who do not live in protected environments. Between 20 - 30% of all older persons will need substantial help to survive. At present, about 141 Older Persons (older than 65) live in the Tshwane Metropole - nearly 5% of the total population of Tshwane. Of these, some 14 000 need support and/or assistance to survive.  Around 6 000 are in very dire straits. Challenges therefore include: inadequate safe, affordable housing, inaccessible medical treatment, exploitation and/or abuse by care givers and family, limited access to institutions,  a variety of disabilities, prematurely depleted resources and care of grand children and unemployed family members.     Some 2  500 Older Persons benefit from the  hands-on Community Service: service centers, housing, emergency relief,  entrepreneurial projects, home-based  care and social work are some of the many activities.   They also have an early learning facility in Olivenhoutbos.  At the service centers  activities include primary health care, exercises, educational talks on matters concerning Older Persons, meals, entrepreneurial projects, etc.  Volunteers play a vital role in the sustainability of these services.

Around 1 000 Older Persons gather at luncheon clubs once or twice a  week to do handicrafts, be lectured  on various topics concerning Older Persons, plan and expedite their  entrepreneurial projects, etc. They also socialize and have a meal, probably the only decent one for the week.  The greater part of their  old age pension is spent on taking  care of family members, i.e.  orphans and the unemployed. They also reach out to other Older Persons in need, with what little they have.        For 80 destitute Older Persons  this home is the last resort.   Accessibility to institutions is not  an option.  Here they receive  shelter,  three meals a day   and care.  Residents, who receive an old age pension, pay rent.  Residents who can, will perform  most of the chores themselves.  There are around 14 who  need frail care. Sustainability of the facility is severely threatened  by the lack of funds,  and at the same time the demand for their services increases.    The community is developed  through clubs/service centers where 1 500 Older Persons are given opportunitiesto enhance their quality of life by getting  involved in educational talks,  entrepreneurial projects, socializing, etc.  Advocating and  lobbying for the rights of  Older Persons play a vital role in this  organization's activities            A frail care facility, home-based care,  service centers and an early centre are some of the services offered    to around 400 Older Persons and children.  Activities at centers are aimed at community development: training,  education, vegetable  gardening, handicrafts,  exercises, entrepreneurs projects etc.  are some of  the activities offered.            Eersterust  This facility offers care to around 45 Older Persons. Some residents are semi-frail and most are destitute.  Where possible, residents are involved with the day-to-day tasks of the house.  Management and residents  alike are very proud of the vegetable garden.  Residents receive three meals a day, medical care, stimulation   and lots of love.