HOMES FOR AGED

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30740, 3 May 1965, Page 10

HOMES FOR AGED

Grants Review Wanted

The Christchurch Methodist Central Mission supports the recent claim of the Methodist Social Service Association that Government contributions to the building of old people’s homes and hospitals should be increased.

The superintendent (the Rev. W. E. Falkingham) says in a mission publication that present rates were established about six years ago. Since then, he says, rises in building costs have made the Government contribution worth only about 75 per cent "of reasonable costs.”

If, as expected, the contribution to the mission's proposed eventide home in Papanui was made at the maximum rate of £2400 a bed, this would be about 80 per cent of the latest estimate of the cost. Mr Falkingham says. The plans had therefore been pared down considerably to come nearer expected funds. The Methodist Social Service Association has suggested to its members that representatives on area aged peoples’ welfare councils urge the National Advisory Committee on the Care of the Aged to press the Government to review its rate of contribution to such undertakings in the light of increased building costs.