Services:

• Older People
• Youth, Children & Families
• Mental Health
• Elder Care Canterbury

OLDER PEOPLE DEVALUED AND NEGLECTED, SAYS PRESBYTERIAN SUPPORT

The UN International Day of Older Persons on October 1 will not be a day of celebration for some older New Zealanders, says Gaynor Duff, Christchurch Regional Manager of Presbyterian Support. “Society devalues older people. The public perception is that older people may increasingly become an economic burden. They have lost their status in society and many feel that life has lost its meaning, and suffer depression as a consequence.”

The social worker at Presbyterian Support’s Campbell Centre is finding increasing elder abuse and neglect, as the trend continues for older people to remain in the community. Many have no family support and become socially isolated. Others are dependent on spouses or families, which can lead to stress on relationships. “Carers are often ill-equipped or unwell older people themselves,” Gaynor Duff says. “The person who is being abused may fear the consequences of reporting abuse.”

She is also concerned that as society ages, the prevalence of dementia is increasing, putting an increased burden on carers, but the community is under-resourced to meet these people’s needs. Presbyterian Support’s Harakeke Club is the only stand-alone facility of its kind in Christchurch and always has a waiting list.

Despite these realities, there is cause for celebration in the many older people who are contributing in significant ways to society, as volunteers, caregivers and grandparents, Gaynor Duff says. “These people are the unsung heroes in our community.”

Presbyterian Support has for many years provided specialist services enabling older people to live at home with dignity and purpose.