Insider Guide: The Cost of Frail Care in a typical Old Age Home

Since 1999 TOTALCARE has done research and gained knowledge about the retirement, old age home and frail care industry in South Africa. Nearly thirty years ago the cost of frail care ranged between R10 000 and R30 000 per person per month. You can imagine how this figure has changed since 1999.

Let’s start by differentiating between four types of frail care facilities. In the South African landscape, you will find; your typical old age home, a standard care centre, luxury care facility and a care community.

When we say old age home, you have a clear idea in your mind of what it looks, smells and feels like. No need to say more. A typical old age home like the one you are imagining now will cost between R7000 and R15000 per month for accommodation in a shared room with a communal bathroom. You will typically pay ‘extra’ for care, meals and activities.

A standard care centre room is usually an extension of a retirement village and might contain approximately ten rooms allocated for residents who live in the retirement village. This room’s cost will range between R15000 and R25000 and will include care, meals and amenities such as arts and crafts.

A luxury care facility’s cost per month will typically be between R30000 and R60000 per month. This type of facility will include all amenities such as 24-hour care, all meals and snacks, physical and mental activities, medication management, hygiene, laundry and housekeeping.

When you are part of a care community you will benefit from a holistic approach to care and community. The cost of this care approach can range between R35 000 and R65 000 per month. You will benefit from 24-hour care, all amenities and services, access to a medical practitioner and multi-disciplinary team as well as companionship and a personal care plan.

24-hour nursing care
Care Companion
Assistance with activities of daily living
Accommodation
Three meals a day
Two snacks a day
Access to doctor
Medication administration
Communication channels
Social activities
Physical activities
Biokinetics
Physiotherapy
Hand and foot care
Housekeeping
Laundry
DSTV
Wi-Fi
Panic button
Security
En-suite rooms
Private or shared rooms

TOTALCARE can offer expert advice on the Cost of Care. Feel free to be in touch with your care questions.