By ROSALEEN MacBRAYNE
New asset testing legislation that is meant to be good news for older people has a hidden sting, says Age Concern chief executive Kerry Dalton.
The charitable group wants the Government to be "open and honest" about what the Social Security (long-term residential care) Amendment Bill means financially for
elderly in resthomes and hospitals.
"Potentially it is giving with one hand and taking away with the other," Ms Dalton said.
"The changes in asset testing will see more older people qualifying for public funding, but what that funding covers may actually be reduced under this legislation."
The bill brought in a new definition of what public funding covered, called "specified care services". Outside those, the recipient was liable to pay.
She said the $636 limit also related only to specified care.
"It all comes down to what is covered by 'specified care services', which may well vary from one district health board to another.
"Anything outside of specified services, the older person can be charged for, to an uncapped amount."
Age Concern thought the changes had the potential to put the elderly, particularly those on low incomes, at significant risk, Ms Dalton said.
"They may be in danger of not having essential health and disability needs met because they are unable to pay for them.
"There is also the risk of financial exploitation.
"Our understanding is that such things as transport to and from the specialist, as well as ambulance costs in certain regions, and the cost of customised equipment, will be charged for.
"These are not luxuries. People need these things and should have them regardless of their ability to pay."
Ms Dalton said Age Concern would be making strong recommendations today in its submissions to the social services select committee.
She said Age Concern wanted all political parties to make a commitment to abolish asset testing for the elderly needing long-term care.
