Respite care ‘at or near full capacity’ in North Canterbury
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
An aged care advocate has fired back at claims there are enough respite care beds in North Canterbury's rest homes.
The NZ Aged Care Association says it is concerned Te Whatu Ora Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which are not always equipped to deal with the demand.
Health NZ has confirmed it won't offer respite care at the Rangiora Health Hub after decommissioning four flexi-beds for the service.
A Health NZ spokesperson said respite care is offered by aged care facilities in North Canterbury, ‘‘where the appropriate level of care can be maintained’’.
The agency said it understood there were four aged care providers in Rangiora which offered respite care, while there are two providers in Kaiapoi.
But the New Zealand Aged Care Association said the claim there is adequate capacity within aged care facilities is ‘‘misleading’’.
‘‘While North Canterbury does have several aged care facilities, only one of these says it has a single bed dedicated to respite care.
‘‘Many of these providers are already operating at or near full capacity, and the availability of respite care is always conditional on beds being vacant between long-term residents.’’
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said the community needed reassurance services were available in North Canterbury.
He said he was disappointed to learn there was just one bed dedicated to respite care, despite assurances from Health NZ.
‘‘I will be approaching Health NZ to find out why this is the case and ask them to explain the situation.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he was concerned to hear the number of respite beds available in Waimakariri is decreasing.
‘‘I will be looking into this. It seems families are having to navigate this issue at what is likely the worst time of their lives.
‘‘I would like to see something done to streamline or simply this process to ensure loved ones are able to remain close to family and in their communities at this final stage of life.’’
Information provided by the New Zealand Aged Care Association, and available on the Ministry of Health website, shows there are eight aged care facilities in Waimakariri which provide respite care, and two in the Hurunui district.
Three rural hospitals also provide respite care.
There are different types of respite care, including ACC, rest-home, hospital, palliative, dementia and end of life care, with aged care facilities licensed for different types of care.
Health NZ regional manager ageing well Mardi Fitzgibbon said respite care is funded by Health NZ and is allocated by the Needs Assessment Service (NASC) following a review of the person’s needs.
"It is generally provided up to 28 days per year, to give the person’s main carer a break.
"The level of respite is need dependent and may be for rest home, hospital or dementia levels of care."
It can also be funded through other agencies such as ACC, or families can make private arrangements.
Bainswood on Victoria home manager Lucy Farley said the process of applying for respite care can be complex.
‘‘It can be a minefield for people, particularly when they are going through this big life change.’’
Palliative care can be available for younger people and end of life respite care is also available, she said.
Charles Upham Retirement Village manager David Cartwright said the village has 120 care beds for both short and long term care, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
‘‘Unlike a hotel, we may have a resident who comes in for 14 days, but they may be up and fit after seven days, or they may need 21 days, so it can be very difficult to try to allocate beds.’’
Holmwood Rangiora Lifecare care home manager Elsie Evans said a needs assessment is completed before a resident is admitted.
But the ability to offer respite care is subject to beds and staff being available.
■ Respite care is also available at Bainlea House and Ballarat Care Home (Rangiora), Annaliese Haven Rest Home (Kaiapoi), Ultimate Care Karaden (Oxford), Oxford Hospital, Bloomfields Court Retirement Village (Woodend), Adriel Resthome (Amberley), Amberley Resthome and Retirement Village, Waikari Hospital and Te Hā o Te Ora Kaikōura Health.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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New Amberley cricket ground gets green light
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Amberley is set to get a new cricket ground, despite some community opposition.
The Hurunui District Council approved plans to allow the development of the Amberley Village Green (formerly Eastern Reserve), to the east of the town centre, which will include a cricket ground, at a council meeting on Tuesday, November 26.
Around 120 submissions favoured the development of recreation in the reserve over a cricket ground, during the council’s recent reserve management plan consultation.
At Tuesday’s meeting, councillors approved a plan to install an irrigation system, with water sourced from a submersible bore pump.
Staff have been authorised to tender for the development of a playing surface, excluding the wicket block which will be developed by the Amberley Cricket Club.
A pathway around the perimeter of the reserve and public toilets will also be developed.
A cricket ground was first mooted for the reserve a decade ago when the land was set aside by the developer.
A budget of about $900,000 has been set aside, with 90% from development contributions.
An updated concept plan tabled at the meeting makes provision for other sports and activities such as basketball, a scooter track, a playground and car parking.
Several councillors expressed reservations about the proposed size of the cricket ground.
Councillor Garry Jackson said proposed the cricket ground was close to international standard and could be reduced by 20 percent and still be ‘‘appropriate as a village green club cricket ground’’.
While she acknowledged Jackson’s concerns, councillor Pauline While said the council needed to move forward, and councillor Fiona Harris said the cricket club had been ‘‘patient for long enough’’.
Councillor Robbie Bruerton said ‘‘it is being talked about as if it is only going to be used for cricket, but it can by used for any sport’’.
Councillor Vanessa McPherson voted against the proposal as she said the process had been ‘‘undemocratic’’ in the beginning.
‘‘I am concerned there is not enough funds for a decent children’s playground. I am angry and frustrated by this. It is so unfair.’’
Earlier in the meeting Amberley ratepayer John Weyers urged councillors to vote against establishing another cricket ground.
He said cricket is already being played at the Amberley Domain and ‘‘there is no reason why cricket and football cannot co-exist’’.
While there had been a dispute between the cricket and football clubs, he believed it has now been resolved.
‘‘Amberley is growing and we have an ageing population and a growing number of young families, but we are lacking spaces for recreation.’’
Councillors noted there has been confusion about the name of the new reserve, between the Village Green and the Eastern Reserve.
Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said ‘‘Village Green’’ was the name put forward by the council’s south ward committee.
Dobbie said the council’s reserve management plan will be presented to councillors at a future meeting for adoption.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Toxic algae
We've had early reports of toxic algae in some of our awa/rivers. Unfortunately, dogs like to seek out the algae and eat it, causing serious harm.
We monitor water quality at recreation sites over summer for toxic algae, however, site assessments are based on the risk to human health. It is not always possible to observe small amounts of toxic algae that could still be dangerous for dogs.
If you’re ever in doubt about the water quality, then keep your dog on a leash and away from the water’s edge.
It's vital to know what to look for to keep your dogs safe 👉 www.ecan.govt.nz...
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