Call to improve safety for elderly
Greater police visibility, personal safety classes, and the building of more old age homes are just some of the things that could help to improve safety for the elderly, say leaders of seniors clubs following the killing of an 87-year-old woman in her Tafelsig home.
Ellen Malan was found strangled to death around noon on Saturday September 28 by her grandson-in-law Dimitri Karelse, who lives nearby. She was killed during Older Persons Week, which runs from September 26 to October 2.
Beatrice Leng, chairperson of the Kilimanjaro Seniors in Tafelsig, says it’s important to educate the elderly about personal safety and gender violence.
“The recent murder of the 87-year-old woman in Tafelsig was a big shock for our seniors. She is not the first senior that has been killed in her house.
“The government must put more safety measures in place for our seniors, including more police visibility. We also need personal safety classes for our seniors so that they can learn how to protect themselves. Our seniors are going through many things and must be loved and not hurt.
“We often host GBV workshops offered by Networking Opposing Abuse to educate our seniors. Most of them are victims of abuse but are in denial about it. Every Tuesday when we meet, we speak to our members about the abuse they suffer, even at the hands of our kids,” Ms Leng said.
Lorraine Fernandez, 75, chairperson of Omega Social Club in Rocklands, encouraged the elderly to avoid living on their own.
“Seniors should not live alone, there should be someone with them to care for them, especially older women. Windows should rather be kept closed because we don’t know who can climb through. Gates and doors should be locked or someone should sit in an open door to keep an eye on who enters the home.
“We depend on God to protect us, but we must also do our part to stay safe as seniors,” Ms Fernandez said.
Nurunesa Frank, 63, chairperson of Sunshine Seniors in Tafelsig, called on the community to unite in support of the elderly.
“Sunshine Seniors would like there to be unity and for people to take care of our elderly. Many seniors fade away in their homes because no one cares for them. They go without food and no one goes to visit them. If you know of elderly neighbours that are sick, go and check up on them. Take them food or do exercises with them,” Ms Frank said.
Arthur Pillay, 72, chairperson of the Ageing Gracefully Association in Beacon Valley, said the elderly were soft targets and often abused by the very children and grandchildren they cared for.
“They are the marginalised ones looking after their grandchildren and many are wheelchair bound, don’t get invited to free lunches and excursions or receive food parcels. Many of our seniors are molested and abused by addict children and grandchildren.
“There are those who do not have wills, which is problematic because when they pass away their kids fight over their belongings. Or they are financially exploited by children who take out loans in their names and force them to pay their debt.”
Mr Pillay said elderly people sometimes took in their struggling children or grandchildren only to be swindled out of their homes and possessions by them.
“I have seen parents evicted by children and grandchildren. Many are in denial and will claim that they know their children would never do that to them. If elderly parents give their homes to their children while they are still alive, they should at least include a clause in a contract to say that they will live in the house until they close their eyes [die]. That way they are protected.
“I would love to see more senior accommodation facilities being built. We don’t have enough old age homes in Mitchell’s Plain. You need two pensions to qualify to live at the facility in Westridge, the one in Montclair does not cater for you if you are over 65, and the Beacon Valley facility is only for the frail,” he said.
Mr Pillay said there were elderly people who also struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues.
“We have quite a few elderly ladies on tik that have split personalities, and there is nothing we can do when they throw in the window, etc. Some struggle with domestic violence and alcohol. We have reported many of these issues to local social development office but don’t get any reports on what has been done.”
Mr Pillay said seniors clubs in Mitchell’s Plain should consider opening their membership to people from 50 years onwards.
“They should not wait until people turn 60 to open their doors to younger seniors who are stronger could help those in wheelchairs or frail when they go on excursions, etc.,” he said.
