Media release from Home Instead Senior Care NZ

Recent home support service cutbacks by District Health Boards are just the start of a worrying trend that's growing internationally says a leading care provider.

Home Instead Senior Care NZ general manager, Neil Farnworth says he is concerned that vulnerable elderly people may take risks to live alone in their own homes.

"New Zealand is not alone in having to reduce services to elderly people.  As an international organisation we're seeing this trend in many developed countries.  With double-digit growth in New Zealand's elderly population over the next decade the Government just can't keep pace with demand and is passing on the responsibility to the community and families."

He says the danger here is that elderly people and their families may end up hiring carers who are either untrained or unscrupulous, and expose themselves to risk. Alternatively, elderly people who "don't want to be a bother" will try to soldier on without the help they need and may have accidents or not be able to care for themselves properly.

Mr Farnworth advises elderly people and their families to talk to Age Concern or their district health nurses about their options for private home support services.

"They should ensure the provider conducts Police checks on carers and ensures they are properly trained and supported. That way they will have peace of mind that they are dealing with a professional provider."

Home Instead Senior Care is a provider of non-medical home help and services for older people.