First Post!

Election 2011 is fast approaching - these are some questions Age Concern New Zealand is suggesting you ask of candidates.
1. Some older people can’t afford to go to their GP or to the dentist. What will you do to make essential health care more affordable?
2. Elder abuse and neglect can cost older people their independence, life-savings, health and security. What will you do to help Age Concern combat elder abuse?
3. Older people in hospital and in residential care are not always treated with dignity and respect. What will you do to promote dignity in care?
4. Ageist attitudes lead to elder abuse. What will you do to challenge ageism and promote respect for older people? 5. Age Concern’s specialist elder abuse prevention services are stretched to capacity. What will you do to help Age Concern cope with demand for our services? What will you do to help us establish services in areas that do not have one?
6. Loneliness and social isolation can cost older people their health and independence, and more than 40,000 older New Zealanders are severely and chronically lonely. What will you do to help them stay socially connected?
7. Some older people can’t afford to eat well or keep warm. What will you do to help older people in hardship?
8. Older people want home support that allows them to live safely and with dignity in their own homes. What will you do to ensure older people get the home support they need?