The Community Services Team is at the heart of Mowana's services to older adults. 

Their expertise and input span the continuum of Mowana's services and it is this which contributes to the special Mowana difference. The professionalism of this small but important team ensures we continue to meet that goal of helping older adults and their families to find a way through a maze of problems and challenges, and to explore different options to best meet each individual’s circumstances. We see every older adult we assist as part of the family, whether based in the community or in one of the residences.

The team is called on by families and community members to deal with a multiplicity of situations and needs, and their knowledge of both the Mowana resources and those available in the community ensures insightful guidance. All interactions with older adults and their families are handled compassionately and in the strictest confidence.

On an individual basis we:

• Counsel on the various aspects of the ageing process.
• Investigate and intervene in cases of abuse, abandonment and neglect.
• Follow up in case of emergencies, e.g. we will check on your relative should you live out of town and are concerned about his/her wellbeing.
• Offer advice on the rights of, and benefits for older adults
• Offer limited financial advice.
• Offer advice on accessing state pensions.

Home-Based Care & Rural Club Programmes

Our Community Services Team oversee the Home-Based Care (HBC) programme which comprises more than 41 volunteer carers assisting over 800 older adults in the rural communities in the Greater Msunduzi and uMngeni regions (from Wartburg to Sweetwaters to Elandskop, Pietermaritzburg, Hilton and Howick). These carers are in touch with the needs of the older adults in their communities and are a vital link in keeping us aware of the plight of many older adults.

The Community Services team also oversee the rural clubs and their role includes:

• affirming older adults’ value in terms of their roles as caretakers, crafters and a resource to their community,
• undertaking social outings to give them a reprieve from their difficult circumstances,
• above all, building the capacity and strengthening the resilience of these seniors.

Social Clubs

Mowana oversees several Social Clubs. The programmes can help combat the loneliness that is evident in many in this age group. The clubs are volunteer-directed and older adults from the community or our residences are welcome at any or all our Social Clubs.

These clubs offer the opportunity for older adults to participate in a range of activities or hobbies, experience mental stimulation, engage socially and enjoy the company of their peers.

Mowana Events

Mowana promotes empowering ageless living through events such as the Mowana Sports Day.