’Grim future’ for old, disabled citizens

Press, 23 May 1977, Page 2

’Grim future’ for old, disabled citizens

Elderly and disabled citi-li izens in Australia and New ; (Zealand face a grim future; [because of negative com-1 munity attitudes towards them, according to a senior Australian social worker in Christchurch on Saturday. Speaking after the final session of the first New Zealand conference on gerontology and medicine in old age. Miss J, Page, social work supervisor in the medical department of the West Australian extended care service, said that the low community status accorded elderly and disabled people rated old age and disability with inevitable decline. I A more positive attitude terds the elderly and diswould compensate I them for disabilities in a way I which would keep them as ipart of the community. It was vital for the community to recognise that the ■condition of the elderly and ■'disabled was chronic and [could be alleviated but not [cured. Given proper support ! services they could be com- ; pensated enough to allow [them to stay in the comI munity. [ Many groups helping the (elderly and disabled were very frightened of statutory [bodies and saw the State as a “cold-hearted bureauj cracy.” j "Certainly, voluntary groups do have a lot to offer but it behoves State and local body groups to help the voluntary groups to use their efforts efficiently,” Miss Page said. "The State has a responsi-

jbility to give voluntary [groups advice, guidance, and [consultation,” she said. It would be illogical and irresponsible for voluntary organisations to be given State assistance with money matters but to be left to pursue what were often negative lines of action. “The way some voluntary groups drift on even though they get Government help is neither fair to the voluntary groups, nor the consumer. Nor is it fair to the taxpayer because there is little accountability.” In most Australian and New Zealand communities the State has undertaken to provide some services and ideally this should be based on a partnership with voluntary groups which would not just be based on hand-outs. “There is now a great need for voluntary groups to truly work together to avoid duplication,’* said Miss Page.

“These same voluntary groups should also make it mandatory that the people they are set up to serve have a direct say in what services are provided.” Miss Page said that it would be necessary soon to ensure everyone was educated about old age and disability. “Ageing is normal development. It is not something horrible and nasty. Disability is something that can happen to anyone, and a proper understanding of disabilities will remove a lot of irrational fears and prejudices.”