The Rehoboth and G.H. Starch Centres are situated across the road from each other in Hanover Park. The daily realities of this community are rooted and woven into the tragic tapestry of South Africa’s apartheid’s past. Sadly, the aftermath of forced removals is still evident today.  In this demographically youthful society, the old are marginalized due to everyday pressures of households to survive. Abuse of the aged and their social pension has become an every day occurrence. Petty and violent crimes rules in turfs controlled by gangs and drug lords. Communicable diseases like Tuberculosis and HIV Aids are an increasing challenge.  Dependent children constitute the largest segment of many households, placing the care burden on older women, whose pensions also support the household.

Housing is formal, low cost and high density with many 3-storey block flats. Informal backyard squatting contributes significantly to overcrowding. Only 4% of people have access to hot water – older persons who are frail and incontinent, battle to maintain simple personal hygiene. Many of this community’s stroke-disabled live in high-rise flats – they do not only have the physical and environmental challenges to access rehabilitative services but their dependence on a social pension denies them access to therapy services.

The lack of community resources and support structures make it difficult to maintain a satisfactory level of dignified support and care to the frail, disabled and chronically ill. However, The Rehoboth and G.H. Starck Centres are committed to the rights, dignity and development of older persons.  They strive to provide innovative community geriatric care to face the challenges and opportunities of ageing.

The Rehoboth Centre accommodates 82 permanent well-elderly residents, while a further 150 residents from the community access the services at Rehoboth. The G.H. Starck Centre is a frail care home to 66 permanent and 12 hospice care residents who receive around the clock care.

2 Way opportunities:
- Assisting with personal care such as cleaning and feeding residents
- Organise outings and activity days for residents
- Assist with current activity programmes
- Assist with residents’ coffee shop
- Participate in community outreach programmes and home visits
- Visit the children at the nearby informal settlement