Aid service runs down

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32783, 7 December 1971, Page 6

Aid service runs down

Regret for the diminishing strength of the Department of Labour’s homeaid service was expressed yesterday by Miss P. Carter, the department’s longest-serving home aid.

She believes many young mothers whose health breaks down under the strain of coping with children continuously need the aid service to “give them a break.”

After Miss Carter retires this week, the Christchurch department will have only two home aids. In 1949, when she joined the department, there were 30 home aids, and the number sometimes reached 60.

In the five years Mrs J. Peart has been home-aid supervisor, only two home aids have been employed. Those leaving have not been replaced.

“This has been part of the economy measures since the 1968 recession,” said Mrs Peart yesterday. “Apparently the service is out in Dunedin, and they have only one home aid in Wellington.” “CANT AFFORD IT” The economic situation had also affected demand for home aids. "People just can’t afford it any more,” said Mrs Peart. Because the department’s home aids were subsidised, the rates could be kept at $lB per week, or 45c per hour. Mrs Peart and Miss Carter think manv people are unaware of the reduction available in certain circumstances to those whose earnings are below a specified level.

“I think the Government is economising at the wrong end,” said Miss Carter. “They must be paying much more to keep women who break down in hospitals and clinics.”

Miss Carter has acquired many “families” in Christchurch. A fortnight ago, she spent some time at a home to which she first went when the son was a baby. He is now 20, and is not by any means the only young person who has grown up with a little help from Miss Carter. She has a high regard for today’s young generation. “They are much more independent than we were, and are really very nice,” she said.

’■i i it 11 I t 1 5 ? RftWSWi A liking for people, the ability to adapt to different surroundings, a sense of humour, and plenty of tact and discretion are the attributes Miss Carter says are necessary for a successful home aid. She might also have added practical efficiency to the list. In her time as a home aid, Miss Carter has taken over in households where the children have been “anything from four days old onwards.” She keeps house and cooks the meals —“that’s an Al priority,” added Mrs Peart. Home aids help out with each family for periods from a week to a month. “We gain a great deal in friendship. You would have to work with these families to realise the kindness of some people,” said Miss Carter.

The department will hold a staff function for Miss Carter on Wednesday. “She will be very much missed,” said Mrs Peart.