By Maria Smit*
Most of us don’t like thinking about getting older, especially when it means we might need help. But talking about it and planning ahead can take a huge weight off your shoulders – and your family’s.
Planning for long-term care is not just about your future. It’s also about making things easier for the people who care about you.
The real cost of growing older
Getting care in later life is expensive in South Africa – and it’s only getting worse. Private frail care homes can cost between R20,000 and R40,000 a month. If you want to stay at home, a carer could cost you anywhere from R8,000 to R25,000 per month.
And that’s before you add the cost of medication, adult nappies, walking aids, or even just getting to the doctor.
It’s easy to see how this can overwhelm families, especially if your savings have taken strain or haven’t grown enough to keep up with rising costs.
Why this is a bigger problem in South Africa
The state is simply not equipped to provide quality long-term care to its ageing population. State-run old age homes are few and far between, with long waiting lists and underfunded facilities.
The SASSA old age grant – currently R2,180 per month – doesn’t even begin to cover the cost of basic needs, let alone professional care. Medical aids offer limited support, especially for non-medical daily assistance.
Hoping the government will step in or that your children will somehow manage is not a realistic plan. With limited resources and increasing demand, the public system cannot be your fallback.
If you want reliable, dignified care in your later years, you need to provide for this yourself.
In years gone by, many South Africans had the expectation that they’d be caring for their parents in old age. But modern life has made this harder. Adult children are often juggling jobs, raising their own families, or living abroad. And the reality is that they probably don’t have the time, skills, or resources to manage care themselves.
This places a heavy emotional and financial burden on families. Caregiving without proper support often leads to burnout, strained relationships, and unplanned debt.
Steps you can take now
It’s never too early – or too late – to prepare for care. Here’s a 7-step plan that offers practical ways to start:
- Talk about it: It’s not always easy but have the conversation. Tell your spouse or children what kind of care you’d want, where you’d like to live, and who you trust to make decisions if you can’t.
- Include care in your retirement plan: Don’t just plan for travel and groceries. Talk to your financial advisor about the cost of care and how to build that into your retirement plan.
- Create a care fund: Set aside some money just for future care. Use tools like tax-free savings or a living annuity. You could also look at offshore investments to protect against the ups and downs of the local economy.
- Look at your funding options: Long-term care insurance isn’t common here, but you can still plan. Hospital plans, gap cover, and flexible income from investments can help. A trust can protect your assets and make sure your care is paid for.
- Sort out your legal documents: Make sure you have a Will. Set up a Power of Attorney while you’re still healthy. A trust can also help if you can’t manage things later on. Ask a legal or financial expert for advice.
- Check your medical aid: Does it cover the kind of care you might need? Look for things like palliative care, step-down facilities, or disease management. If your current plan falls short, consider upgrading while you’re still in good health.
- Think about your home: Is it safe and easy to live in as you get older? Would a retirement village with on-site care be better? Downsizing now could free up money for future medical needs.
It’s not selfish, it’s responsible
Planning for care doesn’t mean you’re giving up control. In fact, it’s the opposite. You’re making sure your wishes are known, and your family isn’t left to guess – or struggle – later.
Plan now, choose later
We can’t predict the future. But we can make choices today that will give us more options tomorrow.
Start now. Your future self, and your family, will thank you.
* Maria Smit CFP® professional is an advisor at Brenthurst Pretoria
Megan joined the Brenthurst Wealth team in March 2026 as an Administrative and Fiduciary Services Assistant at our Val de Vie Office in the Western Cape. Prior to joining Brenthurst, Megan gained three years of experience in the retail sector, where she developed management and client service skills.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Esmarelda Isaacs-Andreas joined the Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch office in October 2025, taking on the dual role of Receptionist and Fiduciary Administrator.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Ashley joined Brenthurst Wealth in January 2025 as Office Administrative Assistant and Receptionist for the Stellenbosch Office.
René Heystek joined Brenthurst Wealth in November 2023, as receptionist and administrative assistant in the newly established George/Garden Route office.
Michelle Heystek has built a career in the financial services over the last two decades, after obtaining her B.Com degree in Financial Management in 2005. Once she joined Brenthurst in 2006, she continued her academic journey, obtaining her Certificate in Wealth Management from INSETA in 2007, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. In 2008, she earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
Anelle joined Brenthurst Wealth as a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to Brian Butchart in the Cape Town office in December 2023. She has a wealth of knowledge from working as a liaison between Financial Advisers and clients at TMA and Absa Investment Management Services (Aims) since 1998. She obtained her B. com degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in 1997.
ADMITTED ATTORNEY | FINANCIAL PLANNER & HEAD OF BRENTHURST FOURWAYS
Sanet was appointed in April 2020, joining our Cape Town team as an Executive Administration Assistant to Renee Eagar. She has been in the financial services industry since 1990. Her previous experience includes positions at Sanlam, BJM and ABSA. She spent her last 12 years working at Alexander Forbes Private Client Wealth as a Senior Wealth Management Assistant. She has received numerous accolades over the years which include but not limited to, Alexander Forbes Client Service Excellence – Silver award in 2014,2015 and 2017. Sanet has also obtained her Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5) in 2012 and achieved “Best Student of the Year” from Moonstone.
Maria Smit is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry.
