elderly

Lying has become somewhat of a pastime for Dick Johnston, although he and University of Otago researchers are not sure if he gets away with it.

Leith House and Rest Home is no more, as its new owners have given the rest-home a new name, and a plan to introduce hospital-level care.

Unlike physical abuse, where bruises, cuts, scratches and other marks tell the story, emotional abuse is a lot harder to diagnose - and much harder to protect a victim from.

They spend their lives working hard, raising a family and keeping a home, and in their later years our elderly have a right to enjoy their retirement. Unfortunately, all too often they are hurt - in many ways - by the very people who should be protecting and caring for them: their families.

Elderly patients are the most likely to be having long stays in Dunedin Hospital's emergency department, clinical leader Dr John Chambers says.

St Kilda pensioner John Currie said he was so worried about his housework help being cut to 30 minutes a week, he ended up in hospital.

The housework cuts being imposed by the Southern District Health Board have spurred a Dunedin elder activities group to extend its services.

A good night's sleep is important at any age. But what constitutes a good night's sleep for people over 65?

Stickers identifying drivers aged over 75 have been withdrawn by the Dunedin City Council, amid concerns they could be ageist and spur safety fears.

The Otago and Southland district health boards will monitor rest-homes which may be struggling with lower occupancy rates, planning and funding regional general manager David Chrisp told the disability support advisory committee yesterday.