EASING the burden of loneliness, helplessness and boredom for those over 55 is the ethos behind Presbyterian Support Services new Kandahar House development, unveiled yesterday, at Colombo Road, Masterton.
"Social isolation is a real plague, people get bored and lonely. Kandahar House has been developed so that people over 55 can
have the companionship of others but still live independently.
"It's communal but independent living," Presbyterian Support Services Central communications manager Liz Inch said.
The new residential care development, aimed at older people who may otherwise be living in isolation, has 12 rooms linked to a communal living area.
"Kandahar House will add to the continuum of care provided by Kandahar's existing facilities, meaning residents can then access the other services at Kandahar, in that sense it's an entry point," she said.
The initiative allies the Government's Positive Ageing Strategy, which aims to combat social issues unique to an ageing population and "reduce loneliness, helplessness and boredom for older people in the community and rest homes", Ms Inch said.
A karakia from Archdeacon Hariata Tahana formally began proceedings and was followed by a keynote speech from Minister for Senior Citizens Ruth Dyson.
"Kandahar will help to ensure social contact and an enjoyable lifestyle and creates a friendly, sociable environment by having a shared living area for the residents.
"In addition, it will also support people to continue to enjoy an independent, active lifestyle, but still have the peace of mind that having assistance close at hand brings," Ms Dyson said.
Prospective residents can view the complex at the first Kandahar House open home this Saturday.
