The Aged Care Commissioner says look out for older neighbours

The Aged Care Commissioner says with a large population of older people living alone in Aotearoa New Zealand, the festive season is a good reminder for people to look out for their older neighbours.

“Many of us are busy and we may not think about our vulnerable older neighbours, but touching base with them could make all the difference, or indeed save a life,” said Carolyn Cooper.

Ms Cooper’s comments come as a new social change campaign, the Hello Project, is launched to raise awareness and prompt simple actions to support older people in our communities.

“Checking in with your older neighbours, being aware of their routines and noting any changes to those routines, such as closed curtains during the day, the lights or television being left on, or calls not being answered, could trigger much needed help,” Ms Cooper said.

“Older people who live alone can be vulnerable and if injured, unable to support themselves and that’s where an aware neighbour could be the difference between life and death.”

The Hello Project was created by Greg Partington following the loss of his mother Mary after discovering her alone at home 20 hours after suffering a stroke.

Mr Partington said all the signs were there but they were not picked up. Had people living nearby been more familiar with his mother’s normal routines they may have been able to seek help sooner.

The Hello Project encourages people to find a way to connect with older neighbours by making a plan, sharing contact details or adding a regular check-in to their calendar.

Ms Cooper, says the launch of the Hello Project campaign is a great reminder that ongoing awareness and a few simple actions can make all the difference in protecting older people.

“If you are worried about a neighbour but don’t want to knock on the door, you can request a welfare check from your local police. And please don’t give up – follow up if you haven’t heard back and let’s make sure we are all cared about this festive season,” Ms Cooper said. 

– The Code applies to all health and disability services in Aotearoa New Zealand.

– All people have the right to make informed decisions and give informed consent about their treatment, and to receive an appropriate standard of care that meets their needs and upholds their dignity and mana.

– The Aged Care Commissioner sits under the Health and Disability Commissioner as a Deputy Commissioner, with many of the Commissioner’s functions delegated to the role.

– While the role sits in HDC, it will complement the work of other agencies who provide a broader focus on the wellbeing of all older people, such as the Ministry of Health, HealthCERT, the Office for Seniors, the Human Rights Commission, the Retirement Commissioner, and the Ombudsman.

Aged Care Commissioner’s responsibilities

– Monitors services and works to ensure that older people, their friends and whānau have confidence in the quality and safety of health and disability services.

– Provide strategic oversight and leadership, and encourage cross-agency collaboration to promote systemic change and drive improvements across the entire health and disability sector and be a recognisable figure for investigating complaints.

– Works to ensure aged-care services are provided in a consistent and culturally appropriate way for all New Zealanders, particularly our Māori and Pacific communities.

– Report on emerging issues and thematic improvements in the aged-care sector and for older people using the health system.

– Advocate for better services on behalf of older people and their whānau.

– Support the Government’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The Hello Project is a multi-platform national awareness campaign aimed to encourage Kiwis to stop, think, reflect and connect with our kaumātua to help broaden the circle of care and improve access to tools and technologies to those in need.