Tackling the problems of an ageing population

Press, 12 July 1983, Page 26

Tackling the problems of an ageing population

The idea of old age as a promise, not a problem, lies behind the Presbyterian Social Service Association’s work with the elderly in the community. Through its various services relating to aged people’s care, the association is looking for ways of helping the elderly to stay with, and be recognised by, the rest of the community. The Church, it believes, can help to re-educate society into recognising and using the strengths of its older members instead of closing them off in a drab and lonely world of their own. Wherever possible, the association believes in keeping the elderly in the communities where they spent their lives, allowing them the' independence and dignity of their own homes and possessions, and the ability to make their own decisions.

Residential care, ideally, should be for only those so frail that supervision is essential and for those whose health is failing. Presbyterian Social Services have homes for the aged in Ashburton, Blen-

heim and Rangiora as well as two in Christchurch, and these provide both hospital and residential beds for more than 200 people. While the standard of care in these homes is high, so are the operating costs, and alternatives are being eagerly explored. One option is the provision of “sheltered housing units,” more commonly referred to as “flats,” in the grounds of the homes. These give the owners the security of being close to professional help, if it is needed, while being able to maintain their independence in a comfortable self-contained unit. “Flatters” can join in the activities of the residents whenever they choose, are provided with meals if they are unable to cook for themselves for a short period, and are connected with the homes by telephone or bell for emergencies. The association plans to build four new sheltered units this year at each of the Ashburton and Blenheim homes, as well as another four next to the Public Hospital in Kaikoura, where

there is no accommodation of a similar nature. The project is in line with the association’s goal of providing a “continuum of care” for the elderly, helping them to move gently through the twilight years without unnecessary upheavals. If the time comes when a “flatter” is too frail to continue living alone, he or she already knows the staff and the routine of the nearby home and there is nothing frightening about moving in as a resident. In some cases the process is actually reversed — residents of a home have been known to progress far enough to become independent in one of the units. Another alternative in the care of the aged is the provision of day care rather than full residential care.

About 20 old people in Christchurch and Rangiora are involved in a project which allows them to keep their own homes but use the facilities and take part in the activities at one of the homes.

They attend as often or as seldom as they wish, with transport being provided either by their families or

by parish volunteers. The day care concept means that those involved can go on outings with residents, take part in craft nd social groups, have meals provided and can bath and have their hair washed at home. The system gives families caring for an elderly relative regular breaks from that responsibility and also allows for the family as a whole to become involved with activities at the homes. Once again, when the time comes for full-scale residential care, the barriers against moving into a home have been broken down. The day care scheme is being introduced gradually to the association’s homes, but it is expected to be one of the major growth areas in the future.

The most innovative development in the care of the aged is a pilot scheme to help elderly mentallyconfused people.

This condition is becoming more common as people live to greater ages and is caused by either a severe emotional trauma or by a

physical deterioration of the cells of the brain.

Elderly mentallyconfused people are particularly demanding to care for and many families find it hard to cope on their own. Psychiatric hospitals are not the place for elderly mentally-confused people, but at the same time they are a disruptive element in residential homes. The Presbyterian Social Services is preparing a special care unit specifically for the elderly men-tally-confused, geared towards meeting their particular needs while at the same time giving as much freedom, fun and security as possible. The new unit will cater for 10 residents and the results of the programme will be carefully monitored to make sure the care is appropriate to their needs. Research shows that elderly mentally-confused people get along well together without disturbing each other and the association is optimistic that the special care unit will be the forerunner of a successful new approach to their care.