Poor Elder Care a Significant Problem (New Zealand)

Poor elder care 'big problem'

The Press Saturday, 09 August 2008

Poor residential care of the elderly is a significant problem, says a report presented to the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) yesterday.

The report, prepared by chief medical officer Nigel Millar, also said staff in the sector had long been frustrated by poor funding levels.

The report stated it was an overall picture of risks arising in aged care, and did not "relate specifically to any recent events in Christchurch".

Millar's report cited abuse and neglect of the elderly by family and professionals as a risk, as well as the poor care they may receive.

The report said "less than optimal care" may be a result of registered nurses supervising a large number of elderly, and unregistered carers.

Other difficulties relating to the workforce included relying on "low-paid carers with a high turnover" and threats to education programmes presented by budget pressures.

Millar said he did not want the report to appear "gloomy".

"On the whole, the quality of care is excellent ... The risks I have outlined here are around how do we manage and pick up when quality does fail or when there's abuse of older people," he said.

Although audits are carried out on certified homes every three years, and can be done by the home's funder when they feel necessary, the public cannot obtain a full copy of these audits.

Board member Jo Kane said elderly-care workers were "some of the lowest paid workers in the whole sector, but when we look at what they do, it is really important".

Meanwhile, the CDHB yesterday released an update on its work with Christchurch rest home Villa Gardens.

Last month, concerns were voiced about the level of care at the rest home.

Villa Gardens management had agreed to address issues that had been identified. This included CDHB continuing to work with Villa Gardens management and clinical staff on a daily basis.

SOURCE: StuffDotCo NZ
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