17 December 2004

Grey Power Concerns Re; Funding Increase

Grey Power certainly applaud the 6% increase in funding from the Disability Support Services Directorate of the Ministry of Health to the home support providers, as this represents (if it is passed onto the carer) an increase of $1.20 per hour for personal services and 80 cents an hour for household help.

We do however regret that this applies only to those under the age of 65 with disabilities. Grey Power wonder what the elderly have done to deserve being overlooked in this increase, especially as the district health boards have recently offered only a 1% increase to the providers. There are many elderly people residing in the community who are currently receiving inadequate care and an increase of this nature to their providers would help to alleviate this situation.

That the government has recognised that those under 65 need more funds for care is a plus and Grey Power now look forward to additional funds to provide care for the elderly as they are also disadvantaged.

ENDS

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