Government lacks compassion for seniors

The latest Ministry of Social Development report, The Business of Ageing, firmly illustrates that the National Government is more focused on pressuring seniors to contribute to the economy than their overall health and wellbeing, says Labour’s spokesperson for Senior Citizens Steve Chadwick.

“The report is another wasted opportunity; its focus is distorted and based on the premise that all elderly are willing and able to put their financial needs, and the country’s financial needs, over and above health requisites.

“I am told again and again at Grey Power meetings that it is cost of living pressures driving seniors into eating poorly and suffering through winter in cold homes.

“The Labour-led report into Aged Care has been ignored by the Minister of Health. He has only tinkered around the edges of Aged Care policy while services to the elderly have been cut and quality of care has been compromised to save money,” Steve Chadwick said.

“Where, for example, is there any discussion in the Ministry’s report of issues such as the establishment of an expert working party which would cost and apply recommendations such as government funded training for all aged care staff, minimum staffing levels for nurses and caregivers and pay parity for aged carers?

“These are practical measures aimed at supporting the sector which enables our senior citizens to be fit and able, not only to contribute to the workforce where they choose to, but importantly to enjoy their well-earned retirement in good health.

“The Government has again shown a lack of compassion for seniors and their support networks, and a lack of understanding as to the motivations which see seniors enter the workforce,” Steve Chadwick said.