Homes for people with disabilities remain crucial to restoring dignity and hope

In light of October being Social Development Month and with Disability Awareness Month fast approaching, the Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said, “Providing assistance and support to the most vulnerable across our communities, particularly for people with disabilities remains a key priority of the provincial Department of Social Development.

The provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) remains whole-heartedly dedicated to working with its Non-Profit Organisations (NPOS), to provide specialised residential care facilities for people with disabilities.”

Minister Fernandez added, “We are cognizant of the crucial role that these care facilities play in ensuring that this vulnerable grouping is treated with respect and dignity. To this end, we will keep working with our NPO partners to improve the services delivered to those individuals residing in residential care homes.”

In recent years, an increasing number of people with disabilities have opted to live in residential care facilities. These settings are another option for people in need of specialised care. Such a facility provides housing and meals and other activities to residents, such as field trips, sports activities, and transportation services to medical appointments, shopping and entertainment activities.

Presently, the provincial Department of Social Development provides funding to 39 residential care facilities that offer specialised care options for 1673 people with disabilities. Of the 39 funded residential facilities – 5 facilities provide specialised care for children with severe to profound intellectual disabilities.

Residential care facilities are established communities that offer various levels of care, support and guidance for residents. These facilities encourage their residents to grow and live a life of value. Furthermore, all residents are encouraged to decide what they wish to accomplish but are done so under the supervision of dedicated staff and their respective family members.

The Department has budgeted R52. 510 million for the 2020/21 financial years towards these respective facilities.

Minister Fernandez said, “When searching for a residential care facility for a disabled loved one, it is of paramount importance to look for a place that offers full care and training for residents with special needs. Your loved ones ought to live in an environment where they can grow, learn and feel a deep sense of belonging.”

During the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, the Department has implemented a host of measures to mitigate the challenges posed by the virus for people with disabilities who reside in funded residential care facilities.

These measures include:

• Additional funding has been made available for disabled homes for the management of COVID19, over and above existing allocations
• Additional relief staff and transport are provided where and when needed.
• Facilitated the deployment of volunteers to deep clean disabled homes – with a focus on homes in vulnerable communities and hotspot
• Masks, shield masks, bars of soap, Domestos all-purpose cleaner and sanitizers per Home have been distributed to funded residential care across the province.

“We will continue to put the needs of people with disabilities at the centre of all the work we do. Promoting and establishing an inclusive society remains a key priority of the Department and is crucial to building a dignified life for all our citizens in the Province.”