Elderly woman dead in home for days

At least one elderly Tauranga woman has lain dead in her home for days before being found this winter, as neighbours and family members failed to miss her.
As the winter chill bites, a Greerton police officer is making an impassioned plea for people to look out for their elderly neighbours and loved ones.
Constable Leanne Fairbairn of Tauranga South Police said the cold weather meant elderly people tended to stay indoors, meaning it was not as easy to spot whether your neighbour was in serious trouble.
"There's been a few times lately where we have attended a couple of deaths where elderly people have lived alone. There was one where a lady wasn't found for a few days."
Though she did not want to give details to protect grieving family members, Ms Fairbairn said it was a timely reminder for people to watch out for the elderly.
"We have been called to a few incidents where people have been concerned about their neighbours because they hadn't seen them for a couple of days. But a couple of days is too long - if they are unwell, they need help straight away."
Ms Fairbairn said elderly people tended to stay home in the colder months.
"In the summer they are out in their gardens, they will wander around. At this time of the year people tend to stay in their house. We don't expect them to be out and about as much."
People shouldn't be afraid of being a "nosy neighbour", and should reach out to their community, Ms Fairbairn said.
"Just let them know that you are not being nosy, you are caring. Wave to them over the fence, and if you haven't seen them for them for the day, knock on the door. See if they want to come over, invite them over for a cup of tea. Just get to know them, and whether they are well."
Grey Power Western Bay of Plenty vice-president Jim Pringle encouraged people to set up Neighbourhood Watch groups.
"The only way to (solve) it is for neighbours to be neighbourly. Sadly, in our computer age, we are living in the era of communication but we are forgetting how to interact with each other."
Ms Fairbairn was also worried that elderly people tended to suffer in the cold rather than turning on heaters.
"Some of our elderly people are really struggling with the cold. A lot of homes we are going into are actually really cold - I don't know if it's because they are being careful with money.
"It's very sad."
Mr Pringle agreed the elderly tended to stay home when it was wet and cold. He hoped the Government's $323 million Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart would soon be introduced in Tauranga.
Under the scheme, people who live in houses built before 2000 will be eligible for a 33 per cent Government subsidy towards the total cost of installing ceiling and underfloor insulation, up to a maximum of $1300.
But Mr Pringle emphasised the elderly also needed to take responsibility for themselves.
"I'm in my 80s, but I don't feel the cold because I'm so active. It's what people do for themselves. We want to point out to people that a lot of the remedy is in your own hands."