Elderly / Frail Care Center

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

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


  • 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

    Services by Stay Africa Volunteers

    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. 


    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

    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

    2 weeks (min. stay) 476€
    3 weeks 654€
    4 weeks 833€
    5 weeks 1,007€
    6 weeks 1,190€
    7 weeks 1,368€
    8 weeks 1,547€
    9 weeks 1,725€
    10 weeks 1,814€
    11 weeks 1,865€
    12 weeks (max. stay) 1,961€
    Average fees 201€/week

    Program fees

    201€ 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

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with Stay Africa Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Stay Africa Volunteers

    Excellent 4.8 rating (190 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 1972

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Kevin

    Spoken languages: English

    About the project

    Stay Africa is a non-profit organization providing high quality, affordable Volunteer programs in Cape Town.

    Meet your organization

    History

    STAY AFRICA (previously known as SASTS Working Adventures) was set up in 1972 to provide affordable travel opportunities for South African students. It was the travel division of NUSAS, the National Union of South African Students, whose activities took root in the days of Apartheid. STAY AFRICA has played an integral role in facilitating student and youth travel for over 40 years and is well equipped to help students realize their travel dreams. Working with reputable and internationally recognized partners and being members of international associations. STAY AFRICA programs are run in accordance with guidelines put in place by these international organisations. Over the past 11 years, STAY AFRICA has branched out to include exciting opportunities for foreign travelers to experience South Africa by implementing Work South Africa, Volunteer South Africa, Groups and High School South Africa. 

    Volunteer Programs

    There are a vast number of interesting volunteer projects available and most of them are in the local communities surrounding and in the beautiful city of Cape Town. Volunteers can make a valuable contribution in many different facets of childcare, teaching, social, environment and medical placements in and around Cape Town. Whilst on the STAY AFRICA volunteer program, participants will stay with local host families and eat the local meals prepared by the family. They also have the option of staying in the City in a Volunteer House and eat in a local restaurant as well as use local minibus transport to their volunteer project. As a not for profit organisation run by staff of the local communities, we have extensive knowledge of the various communities of Cape Town and South Africa which enables us to offer first hand experience and advice of volunteering in the local communities. STAY AFRICA will provide a real insight into Cape Town’s culture, history, landscape through orientation and local community placement and provide the opportunity for genuine interaction with the local people.

    STAY AFRICA's aim is to offer quality, affordable volunteering experiences and the opportunity to be immersed in a local culture for clients interested in discovering Cape Town. As a non-profit organisation, STAY AFRICA is dedicated to providing young people, from all over the world, the opportunity to come to South Africa and experience our cultures and people. 

    Respect for the locals, their cultures, religion and environment are essential to operate a successful volunteer program. All our Volunteers placed in the local community have to abide by our Code of Conduct by respecting the local culture.  

    Volunteers also have the opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of South Africa whereby we offer tours of Cape Town and Western Cape. Local guides and agencies are used with the understanding to offer a true cultural experience. 

    Community Development 

    STAY AFRICA works very closely with the local communities of Cape Town, to provide sustainable on-going partnerships. As a not for profit organisation, the program costs goes toward running of the program. Subject to available funding, STAY AFRICA assists community projects with donations to assist with various programs such as feeding scheme, a laptop was donated to a Daycare centre in the Farming community, end of year school functions, sports equipment for Schools etc. 

    Volunteers in the local community are placed with Community host families, within walking distance from their volunteer project. Host families are paid a stipend to cover meals and accommodation, thus STAY AFRICA giving back to the local communities by placement of volunteers at both project and host family.  

    All of our families we use are local host families and community projects started by the local people of the community that has identified a need within the local communities. Volunteers are placed at much needed community projects, NGO’S, public schools, Women run day care centres, Orphanages etc. All community projects are screened prior to placement of volunteers and factors such as economic responsibility, environmental, social responsibility and safety of the client are considered prior to approving local community projects for placement of our volunteers. In many cases volunteer assistance to these projects will assist the local people via ongoing placement of volunteers at both host family and projects. 


    190 reviews · rating4.8

    Romy rating4.8

    2019 at Elderly / Frail Care Center

    I stayed in the volunteer house for 9 weeks and had the best time of my life! Cape Town is an amazing city and the local people are very warm and welcoming! The Stay Africa staff were amazing and their organization of the program was great. I also met so many amazing people and learned so many new ...
    Jessica Serrano Moriana rating5

    2024 at Childcare at a Creche or Kindergarten

    Wonderful experience! Something you muss do at least once in your life! Kevin and Noel were always there to help you. ...
    B. Sally Boluka rating5

    2024 at Wildlife Supporter

    It was honestly incredible, beautiful, fun and a very social environment. I had an amazing time, I would definitely go back. There were people from all around the world so it was culturally rich. We were taught many things regarding the South African big 5 and temperament specifically. Great ...
    Emma Vezzaro rating5

    2024 at Childcare at a Creche or Kindergarten

    This was among the best experiences I have ever had in my life. I only did it for 3 weeks, so relatively little, but I felt at home. The house is very clean and comfortable, the people I met were always available, especially the contact persons who were always ready to help us volunteers. I had a ...
    Celina Wiedemann rating5

    2024 at Teaching at Primary School

    I’ve been in Cape Town with StayAfrica for three months and had the most beautiful time over there 😍 everything was very well organized - I loved the work at the primary school and after school and on the weekends we had enough time to explore Cape Town and its surroundings 🌞 I can ...

    Location


    You might also be interested in

    Contact Kevin
      Very high response rate
    English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Kevin
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Enjoy our services for dedicated volunteers!

    Enjoy a Refund Guarantee, Free Flex Option, and Emergency Assistance. Our Price-Guarantee ensures unbeatable value, and our Support Team is ready to assist.