By Donald McMillan, MD at Allmed Healthcare Professionals

The latest population figures show that there are 5.3 million elderly people living in South Africa and at 8.7% of the total population, this is the highest ratio of elderly people on the continent. According to UN research, this percentage will double by 2050, which indicates the need for professional caregivers is only going to increase. In dealing with the fragility and special requirements of daily elderly life, a trained caregiver is of utmost importance to ensure safety and well-being, whether at home or a retirement village. Here, Temporary Employment Service (TES) providers are instrumental in meeting the increased demand for caregivers which will in turn have a positive effect on unemployment numbers through job creation, while contributing to the proper care of the golden generation.

Caring for the elderly is a specialised skill set

Our Constitution and the Older Persons Act of 2006 promises that every elderly person has the right to dignity, respect and safety in addition to have having their physical, emotional and social needs met. These rights form the basis of caregiver training, which makes it possible to give the elderly the care they deserve. As a particularly vulnerable portion of society, a properly trained and qualified caregiver is essential in caring for the elderly and providing individuals and their families with a sense of security, for the following reasons:

• Caregivers who are skilled and adequately equipped with the knowledge and insight on elderly-specific conditions will know how to best manage these.
• Caregivers are able to identify and report abuse, ensuring the protection of our vulnerable seniors.
• Care requirements are unique to each individual, depending on their condition or abilities, which requires specific healthcare training to meet these needs.
• Caregivers are trained to take vital signs, prevent falls that result in injuries and hospitalisation as well as recognise red flags which can immediately be reported if the elderly patient is in distress.

Training caregivers for the elderly

Although caregiver courses usually span a three-month period, adequately equipping caregivers to deal with any elderly resident requires further training and upskilling. While there is currently no shortage of certified caregivers, the challenge lies in the quality of training received by candidates. This can be addressed by partnering with a reputable TES provider. An accredited certification course that specifically addresses the needs of the elderly is necessary, and it is important to work with a TES provider that encourages caregivers to constantly improve their academic qualifications.

Ensuring the proper level of qualified care

In order for families and care institutions to ensure that they source and place caregivers with the correct skills, outsourcing such a task to TES providers can play a critical role in creating peace of mind for all parties involved. This is done by ensuring that candidates can provide a genuine:

• Certified Caregiver certificate accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)
• Completion of Form 7 – Department of Social Development
• Certified copy of ID
• Personal medical malpractice cover
• Criminal Clearance

Positive contribution to the economy

Reputable TES providers require police clearance from candidates before they are placed. The right TES partner has strict checks and screening processes in play to ensure that the candidate is properly qualified and adequately suited for the relevant placement. In addition to handling the recruitment side of meeting the demand for caregivers, TES providers also ensure that the working conditions and relationship is labour law compliant, while monitoring services provided along with staff performance. In this way, involved parties can ensure that our senior citizens get the quality of care and dignity they deserve. Not only does this contribute positively to the economy directly through job creation for caregivers, it also has an indirect positive benefit in that family members can be relieved of their burden of care so that they may fully participate in the economic activities by which they earn their living.