Concerns after elderly neglect complaint

Age Concern Wanganui has expressed its concern over allegations of Wanganui Hospital providing inadequate care to a 93-year-old woman.
The elderly woman's caregiver has lodged a complaint with the Whanganui District Health Board saying she was appalled the woman was sent home when she was unwell and needed hospital care.
The woman was seen by hospital staff but then sent home in a taxi. The driver had to carry the woman to her home, but within a few hours, she was re-admitted.
Yesterday Age Concern Wanganui manager Tracy Lynn said she was disappointed to read about the alleged lack of care of the elderly woman.
"While this may not necessarily constitute abuse as we know it, it certainly falls under the category of neglect and that is something we need to take very seriously.
"We must remember that the elderly are people that are older just as children are people that are younger and we all know what public opinion is when a child is found to have been neglected," Ms Lynn said.
She said her organisation spent a lot of its time encouraging the positive aspects of ageing and trying to discourage "ageist attitudes" in the community.
"To think that someone may not receive an appropriate level of care due to their age is disappointing and it is hoped the investigation into this incident may prove otherwise," she said.
The district health board has confirmed it is carrying out an investigation. Ms Lynn said while that was reassuring and processes may be reviewed as a result, the drafting of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Policy needed to be given a higher priority.
Meanwhile, Age Concern's national office has called on both the government and district health boards to take a serious look at the affordability and suitability of after-hours care provisions for the elderly.
Liz Baxendine, Age Concern's national president, said a report from the Auditor-General identified that older people had particular problems getting to medical services at night or on the weekend.
She said cost was also an issue and after-hours visits to GPs had become unaffordable for many on low or fixed incomes.
"After-hours fees can be $100 or more, which represents about a third of their weekly income and that's without additional transport and prescription costs," she said.
"Older people tell us what they really need is to have the option of affordable GP home visits if they fall ill at night and are unable to get to their medical centre. Unfortunately this option is not available in most areas of the country, so it's important to have a plan."