Private nursing homes

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32430, 17 October 1970, Page 16

Private nursing homes

Sir, —In reply to R. P. Creedon, these homes are not run for charity but to make a profit. I should think that they certainly do that. Over . recent years several of my elderly friends have found that they can no longer care for themselves. I know the difficulties that they have experienced in trying to find suitable accommodation that they can afford. Most private nursing homes charge about $3O a week and for that one shares a room with two or three others, and is hedged round with petty restrictions. If night nursing is required, that is an extra charge met by the patient. Many of these old people do pot require medical atten-

tion. They just need a pleasant home where they can be looked after and be reasonably happy in the few years left to them.—Yours, etc., H.C.W. October 14, 1970.

Sir, —In spite of the protestations of officers of the Licensed Rest Homes Association, hundreds of old Christchurch people are being shamefully exploited by keepers of some of the so-called “rest homes.” Fees of $26 to $3O a week are not uncommon. This may be justifiable where professional nursing staff is in attendance, but in many cases the homes are run by middle-aged couples out to make money out of the plight of the homeless aged. The Government should give greater aid to the churches, which have shown their ability to look after the elderly, and not for profit. The Nurse Maude Association with its home-aid service, district nurses, and laundry service is doing a wonderful job in helping keep old people in their own homes, as is the Red Cross meals-on-wheels service, which is staffed by voluntary workers. Old people are happiest in their own homes, and should be kept there as long as possible. —Yours, etc., NEW ZEALANDER. October 16, 1970.