DHBs delay sending letters to elderly

The Otago and Southland District Health Boards have delayed sending letters to more than 3500 elderly people advising them of changes to their home assistance.

Letters were to be sent this week to elderly, who received an hour-and-a-half help or less a week, to tell them the service would be stopped.

However, they had been delayed following meetings with 15 service providers in Southland and Otago.

Southland and Otago regional communications officer Jo Harvey said management was considering providers' concerns before taking the next step.

The Southland board is expected to discuss the cuts and a proposal to introduce a six-month stand-down period for elderly before they can enter a resthome at its meeting next week.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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Michelle   #2   08:06 am Mar 08 2010

While I think that there is an obvious need for home help I don't see why it is up to the DHB's. Also the people who are possibly going to have their services cut are not those requiring rest home care as no-one who gets only a tiny bit of housecleaning would qualify.

eric hewer   #1   01:59 pm Mar 06 2010

shame on the hospital boards wanting to cut out old peoples home help. one breath you are cutting out home help and the next breath you are saying there will be a six month stand down to enter a rest home.who voted national?.the sounds of silence from the bee hive are an insult to old people.

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