As South Africa’s population continues to age, the demand for specialised elderly care is rising sharply. The proportion of citizens aged 60 and older has increased from 7% in 1996 to nearly 10% in 2022—representing over 6 million people. By 2050, this figure is projected to reach 12 million, or 16% of the population.
With around 40% of people over 60 needing assistance with daily tasks—and this rising to nearly 50% for those over 75—the care sector is under mounting pressure. In many households and facilities, domestic workers are increasingly stepping in to support older individuals, often without formal training or recognition. While this highlights their adaptability and commitment, it also underscores the critical need to distinguish between domestic work and professional elderly care.
There is a growing opportunity to bridge this gap through targeted training that equips domestic helpers and facility-based staff with the necessary skills to become competent caregivers. These skills range from understanding chronic conditions and mobility assistance to emotional support and basic health monitoring.
With the right support, these individuals can transition into formalised caregiving roles—improving the quality of care for the elderly while also unlocking new career pathways for themselves. Given that in-home care remains the dominant model due to cultural preferences and limited access to formal facilities, investing in this kind of upskilling is both practical and urgent. It empowers workers, especially women in lower-income households, to secure meaningful employment while addressing a growing national care need.
In this opinion piece, Xx from Allmed will emphasise that upskilling domestic workers into specialised elder care roles offers a viable, scalable solution to strengthening care standards in South Africa. With proper training, these caregivers can meet the needs of an aging population with confidence and competence—enhancing the dignity and wellbeing of older persons in the process. This shift also supports the formalisation of caregiving as a recognised profession, contributing to job retention, economic growth, and stronger communities. While the topic has been covered before, it remains essential to keep these messages visible in public discourse—especially as demographic pressures intensify and the care gap continues to widen.
Talking Points:
· Why is it important to equip domestic helpers with formal training in elderly care?
· What specific skills are needed to care for older individuals safely and effectively?
· How can upskilling domestic helpers reduce the risk of elder neglect or unintentional harm?
· What role can retirement facilities and private employers play in supporting caregiver training?
· How does empowering domestic helpers through skills development benefit the wider economy?
· What are the long-term career opportunities for domestic workers who transition into caregiving roles?
· How can awareness be raised around the value of professionalised caregiving in South Africa?
· What are the 3-5 key messages that you would like to emphasise in this opinion piece?
