Care of Canterbury elderly set to soar

Demand for care of Canterbury elderly set to soar warns provider

An aged care provider in Christchurch is preparing for a soar in demand for carers as elderly Canterbury residents face up to an inevitable return to their homes.

Miranda Smith said currently many residents were being cared for by neighbours or family however there was acknowledgment that this situation would be short-lived.

"We are hearing stories about residents needing night care in their homes, just to cope with the after shocks and the uncertainty that the tremors are bringing them.'

"It's particularly frightening for those people on their own, even if they are basically fit and well, " she added.

"We have carers now who are prepared to get out of their homes to get to the elderly needing assistance, and we are readying for a huge increase in demand."

A number of elderly residents had been receiving temporary care at Princess Margaret hospital but making sure their return home was as comfortable as possible was top of the list for care providers.

"We're fortunate to have a large number of carers available and we are able to respond but we envisage we will need more carers."

Ms Smith said people keen to help should have some nursing experience however this was not always essential.

"We're hearing that there are people wanting to help out and this could be a good way to lend a hand."

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