The Otago District Health Board should be strengthening home support services, not cutting costs, so more elderly can remain safely in their own homes, Presbyterian Support Services for older people Otago director Maurice Burrowes says.
He told this week's disability advisory support committee meeting the board should be being brave, bold and innovative, not trying to do less "of the same".
Both Otago and Southland district health boards are trying to cut their overall spending on community services for the elderly to bring them into line with national rates.
In a presentation representing home support service providers Presbyterian Support, Health Care New Zealand, Dunedin Home Support Services and the Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre, he was critical of the board's failure to pass on funding from the 3.116% increase the board received to allow for overall price and wage increases.
Employees within the board's own services would receive pay increases this year, but those working for the outside providers would not, a situation which was not reasonable.
The providers acknowledged the economic situation of the Otago and Southland boards and agreed with the moves to support people living in their own homes longer.
They estimated the board would save $2.77 million in the next financial year on home-based care if it met its targets.
This would require, however, a more skilled workforce which would be catering for people with complex needs, and pay rates which fairly reflected the nature of the work.
The providers wanted to be listened to and they wanted action on funding and helping to plan new services.
He was concerned the board's own assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for the elderly were not being subjected to the same restraints.
Committee member Peter Barron asked where the money would come from.
Healthcare New Zealand southern region general manager Kathryn Jones said reducing the number of people turning up at the emergency department and being admitted to hospital for conditions which were preventable was one area where money could be saved.
It was also suggested rest-homes could provide a greater role in supporting short-term care for people who could then return to their own homes.
Acting committee chairwoman Helen Algar said the board should work with providers to look at new ways of doing things.
The committee was also addressed by Age Concern Otago representatives, who said they were in a position to work with the board on services to the elderly and urged the board to involve them when developing policy.
