What is plan for old folk

Where did it all go so wrong?

It's a question many may be asking in the wake of two rest-home closures, albeit for differing reasons.

Firstly, Aubert Home of Compassion closed about a month ago, and yesterday it was the turn of Hikurangi, which revealed it, too, would close.

In the case of Aubert Home of Compassion, the reason cited was the buildings' inability to withstand an earthquake, and the relative cost of upgrading precluded that option.

At Hikurangi, the issues appeared to have been deep-seated financial woes that it couldn't trade through. Among options put to residents' families to continue the service were a debenture bond, cutting maintenance, wage cuts and voluntary payment from residents.

The double-blow in aged care comes less than a year after a Chronicle story warning of a silver tsunami and the economic spin-offs that would result. Expansion plans at New Vista and the development of Broadview Retirement Village by Bupa hinted at a lucrative silver lining to our ageing population.

Now, there must be doubts, at least in terms of the scale of operation needed to survive.

Perhaps the greatest doubts will lie with the residents and their families, who will now be uncertain whether future care needs can be met. With 371 beds available among the 13 rest homes in the health board area, about 95 have been lost in these two closures.

Board member Philippa Baker-Hogan suggested it indicated a crisis in aged care in the region. She may be right in that, and in stating affirmative action needs to be taken.

Whanganui District Health Board claims there is capacity to cope - for now. But what plans are being developed for the long-term sustainability of elder care in our region?

This is an issue every bit as important as provision of maternity services for Wanganui, and Richard Orzecki is spot on when he suggests it is time for the board to show some leadership.

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