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Brilliant 4.76rating (234)
  • Good Health And Well-Being
  • Reduced Inequalities

Elderly / Frail Care Center

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Volunteer by helping local staff take care of the elderly members of society
  • Gain an in-depth knowledge of how the Frail Care system works in South Africa
  • Enjoy the Mediterranean climate which makes trips in your free time very comfortable and pleasant

Highlights

  • Volunteer by helping local staff take care of the elderly members of society
  • Gain an in-depth knowledge of how the Frail Care system works in South Africa
  • Enjoy the Mediterranean climate which makes trips in your free time very comfortable and pleasant
  • Live in a volunteer house and meet people from numerous countries all over the world
  • Discover the night life and socialize in one of the many bars Cape Town has to offer
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    50+

    About the program

    Volunteer at a Home/Facility for the Elderly and Frail Care Center.

    About the Program

    This Elderly/Frail Care Center opened its doors 1959 and initially only served as basic accommodation for the elderly (who could look after themselves), and offered no additional services. However, this changed in 1994 with the official end of Apartheid and a change of government. ..

    About the program

    About the Program

    This Elderly/Frail Care Center opened its doors 1959 and initially only served as basic accommodation for the elderly (who could look after themselves), and offered no additional services. However, this changed in 1994 with the official end of Apartheid and a change of government. The new government wanted to move away from the institutionalization of the elderly, so this home, and many similar facilities changed their portfolio to frail care centers – this means that they now provide not only accommodation, but 24-hour nursing care and additional services such as Chiropody, Hairdressing facilities, weekly shopping outings, daily cleaning and laundry services and 3 healthy meals per day. Physiotherapy sessions have also recently been brought in, with the goal of eventually recuperating the elderly to a position of being able to help themselves with most daily activities. 

    The facility currently has 70 residents, ranging in ages from 45 – 90yrs. Many of the current residents are unable to live without assistance, and suffer from a wide range of conditions such as Diabetes, various Cancers, Hypertension, Schizophrenia 4, Dementia,  Peripheral Vascular Disease, Huntington’s Chorea, and Korzikoff syndrome. Without this frail care center, most of these residents would be left unattended and on their own. Due to a very limited number of staff, volunteers (both local and international) are always more than welcome to assist in any way possible.

    Typical day

    Depending on the length of stay, the project supervisor tries to have volunteers work in various parts of the facility on a weekly basis in order to get a full understanding of how the center operates. Their main area of work will be with the Carers (nursing staff) on duty, with tasks such as:

    Typical day

    Depending on the length of stay, the project supervisor tries to have volunteers work in various parts of the facility on a weekly basis in order to get a full understanding of how the center operates. Their main area of work will be with the Carers (nursing staff) on duty, with tasks such as:

    -              Bathing the clients

    -              Dressing them and assisting them to the toilet

    -              Feed the clients during meal times

    -              Interact with, and entertain the clients during free time – face-to-face interaction is of key importance

    -              Assist with other daily activities including exercise

    -              Assist in physiotherapy sessions

    -              Kitchen duties: help with food preparation and cleaning

    -              Laundry: Help sort clothing and treat infected clothing

    -              Volunteers who want to learn more about the inner workings of the centre, can assist in the office and reception too.

    Free-time activities

    Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the ...

    Free-time activities

    Cape Town is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations for a reason. Its beaches, such as Camp’s Bay, are world renown, and Cape Town’s beachfront and downtown areas are lively at any time. During the day it is easy to find artisans selling their crafts or outdoor cafes to enjoy the Mediterranean climate. At night, there are many excellent bars, clubs and restaurants where locals and foreigners can relax and socialize.
    There are numerous cultural sites to visit, including the Bo-Kaap neighborhood and the Castle of Good Hope. They reflect Cape Town’s long history and help explain why the city is one of the most multicultural in the word. Robben Island, the infamous prison where political prisoners, including Nelson Mandela, were held during apartheid is a difficult but necessary stop. For outdoor lovers, Cape Town has a wide mix of opportunities. Table Mountain is a breathtaking spot to visit, and there are many nearby hills, mountains and trails that make for great biking, climbing and hiking. Many, like Lion’s Head Mountain, also offer stunning views over the city and ocean below. Join in on tours down the Garden Route and a Game Drive to spot the Big 5!

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    No specific skills are required, however, volunteers need to have a passion for working with elderly people and a willingness to help wherever needed.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:00 - 13:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Placement in a suitable project and volunteer hostel/host family - Placement inventory information prior to arrival in South Africa - Transfer from the airport to the STAY AFRICA house - Transfer to STAY AFRICA office for Orientation - Orientation program, including welcome session and Orientation Session - Meals and accommodation at volunteer house - 

    At additional cost: Access to email, internet and mail holding facility at the STAY AFRICA House; Transportation from the accommodation to the project site and back. 

    Please note that once you have paid the balance of your program fee (typically 1 month prior to your arrival), cancellations will result in a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellation within 7 days of your arrival. No refunds will be issued for early departures - a credit voucher will be issued to you, and you can then return to complete your program at a future date.


    Airport Pickup at Cape Town International Airport

    Volunteers will be collected at Cape Town International Airport on the Set Arrival Date. A representative from the shuttle company will have a signboard with STAY AFRICA VOLUNTEERS on it to meet you. If you are unable to see anyone, please make your way to the information desk in the main terminal as the driver will page for you.

    Accommodation

    Volunteers placed at community projects will reside in a homestay within walking distance from their project or within a short Uber ride. The communities are approximately 30-40 minutes outside Cape Town in working to middle class residential areas. At the homestay, 3 meals a day, 7 days per week are provided and volunteers are responsible for their own laundry. Internet is a luxury and cannot be guaranteed. Volunteers will share a room with fellow volunteers. We always try to place more than one volunteer together, at the host family/project, however, this is not always possible due the specialized nature of the project. Volunteers joining this program need to be comfortable with the idea of living alone with the host family - you will still be in contact with all the other volunteers in Cape Town, via the WhatsApp group, so can plan trips/activities together.

    Food & Beverages

    Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is provided everyday at the homestay. Vegetarians can be catered for. Breakfast is self help and normally includes coffee, tea with bread and cereal. Lunch consist of a packed sandwich to our project and Dinner includes a wide variety of dishes featuring food such as chicken or beef with beans, pasta, vegetable or rice. Dinner may also include a salad or soup.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Our volunteer program commences on every Sunday of the year (closed from mid-December to mid-January).


    We understand that flights may be expensive and you may not always be able to secure a flight to arrive on a Sunday, we are therefore happy to accommodate last minute bookings, or early arrivals, if this helps you to secure an affordable flight. Extra nights are charged at R300 per night.


    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $199 per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 12 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
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    Location

    Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Cape Town

    Meet your project coordinator

    Kevin
    234
    reviews
    4.76
    Brilliant
    1972
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Social Work in South Africa
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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