Statutory controls in the care of the aged

Legislation for the control of care of the aged in South Africa is examined with a view to its applicability to its purposes. The cornerstone of a comprehensive service for the aged is undoubtedly Act No. 63 (The Health Act) of 1977, but a great deal of voluntary community activity and previous legislation have contributed to making this possible. The delegation of responsibility from the National Health Policy Council via the Health Matters Advisory Committee to its Subcommittee of Health Services for the Aged and, finally, to the Regional Coordinating Committees is described. Unfortunately community services have not yet been developed to a capacity to meet all current needs, and various models for the delivery of care of the aged within the community are briefly discussed in attempting to seek a meaningful role for the Regional Coordinating Committees. Improved pensions or the introduction of compulsory contributory comprehensive social security for the aged are, in conjunction with improved home care facilities, essential factors in making care for the aged a community responsibility as far as possible.