DHB cuts leave elderly vulnerable

DHB cuts leave elderly vulnerable

Wellington, New Zealand - September 22, 2010 - Cuts to Government-funded in-home care could see the elderly ripped off by off-the-street opportunists, warns a collective of in-home care agencies.

Capital and Coast District Health Board has begun means-testing applicants for its in-home care service, and from December will reassess nearly 3000 recipients, providing home help only to those with Community Service Cards or in need of personal care.

Three Wellington home-help providers, Elder Family Matters, Home Instead Senior Care and Miranda Smith Homecare, say the change could leave elderly susceptible to off-the-street individuals offering home help without proper vetting or oversight from an agency.

They also warn of a rise in injuries, illness and social isolation should elderly be left without home help.

“These people target the elderly, offering to do housework or tidy up the garden, and can pressure vulnerable seniors into agreeing to unreasonable prices,” warns Elder Family Matters general manager Lawrie Stewart.

“These unscrupulous individuals are already a regular complaint, and this will no doubt increase as more seniors are left without in-home care as a result of Capital and Coast’s decision.”

Miranda Smith Homecare manager Helen Swiney agrees: “In some cases these individuals charge seemingly cheap hourly rates, but can take hours to complete simple tasks, or fail to finish the task to a satisfactory standard.”

Mr Stewart says Capital and Coast DHB offers a list of providers to non-eligible seniors. “By offering this list Capital and Coast needs to ensure only quality and reputable providers are recommended.”

Home Instead Wellington owner Belinda Giles fears a rise in accidents and illnesses if seniors are left without care, leading to longer, more regular and more expensive hospital stays.

“Sometimes simple tasks such as changing the bed sheets can be difficult for the elderly. Without help they could slip and fall, or skip the task altogether.

“We urge the elderly not to forsake their quality of life should they miss out on in-home care funding.

“It is critical seniors have a compatible and reliable carer to support them with tasks they find difficult.”

For many seniors a visit from their carer may be their only form of social interaction, says Mrs Swiney. “Elder isolation is a serious issue. Maintaining social interaction is vital to a healthy body and mind and a continued quality of life.

“Sometimes a chat over coffee with a carer is the highlight of the week for seniors living alone.”

All three agencies urge seniors and their families not to forsake their quality of life should they miss out on in-home care funding but to look for providers that guarantee consistent care from vetted carers and offer a 24/7 on-call service and access to an agency manager.

ENDS

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