A private care provider is calling for a national think tank to identify the best ways to ensure elderly are adequately cared for as the population of that demographic grows.The call follows an announcement this week by the Otago and Southland District He
A private care provider is calling for a national think tank to identify the best ways to ensure elderly are adequately cared for as the population of that demographic grows.
The call follows an announcement this week by the Otago and Southland District Health Boards (DHBs) that they were reviewing access criteria for those receiving domestic assistance.
About 3000 people receive the domestic assistance in the Otago and Southland region.
The DHBs will not longer provide assistance to people who only require a house cleaning service, unless under exceptional circumstances.
They will receive a letter indicating the service will be discontinued, and many may receive a telephone reassessment.
The process is expected to be completed in two to three months and is being undertaken as part of an attempt to claw back on over-spending.
It has been criticised by Age Concern and the Public Service Association (PSA) as a dangerous road to take as it could lead to isolation, falls as a result of elderly trying to do their own work and potentially more hospital admissions.
"It will tip the elderly out of their homes into expensive residential care," the PSA said.
Miranda Smith Homecare, which runs private care agencies in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, said the government needed to work with all providers -- public, private or volunteer -- to find ways to reduce health system debt without compromising the quality of care to the elderly.
Managing director Miranda Smith said an aging population in New Zealand meant there were serious problems on the horizon in regard to the public sector's ability to care for and manage the elderly.
It was crucial that elderly people stayed in their homes for as long as possible, removing the dependency on an over-stretched hospital system, she said.
Mr Smith said a short one hour "housework" visit every week could help to identify potential or developing health problems and allow for quick intervention.
"It's time the government, independent providers and community services developed a strategy together to reflect the overwhelming desire of the elderly to remain independent in their own homes."
Health Minister Tony Ryall said he had been assured that no one would be unsafe or unable to stay in his or her home as a result of the changes.
