Watchdog group supports families

A new advocacy group wants to spread the word that it provides support for families whose members are living in residential care homes.

Robyn Russ and Linda Gill are two members of the newly formed Disability Action Network. Their daughters, who have special needs, went to school together and for the last eight years they have lived in the same Disability Support Services (DSS) home.

Russ was formerly the president of the Nelson branch of the national carers and families’ support group Rescare.

She said Rescare had disbanded over the years, and its Nelson members felt that the name didn’t reflect who they were, so they decided to re-establish themselves as the Disability Action Network (DAN).

Russ said the staff in the girls’ home did a ‘‘tremendous job’’, and the group existed to ensure that this standard of care was maintained across the service providers.

‘‘We are talking about our kids’ homes. We want them to live in safe and secure homes, especially those that can’t talk for themselves.’’

The group would also keep ahead of changes in the care and disability sector, she said.

There are three providers of residential care in the top of the south: Disability Support Services (part of Nelson Marlborough Health), NZCare, and IDEA Services.

Across Nelson and Marlborough there are 56 Disability Support Services homes, 11 NZCare homes and 24 IDEA Services homes.

Linda Gill said it would be great if the organisation had a representative from each home.

‘‘Either a family member or a caregiver who is passionate enough to become involved, just connected to the group so that we can keep an eye on them,’’ she said.

‘‘We want to monitor the standard of care and make sure they are

‘‘We want [our children] to live in safe and secure homes, especially those that can’t talk for themselves . . . we think they deserve it.’’

Linda Gill, Disability Action Network

getting what they need.’’

Gill said the members wanted to raise the profile of the organisation, so that people were aware of its existence.

‘‘A growing body of people has far more strength influencing good,’’ she said. ‘‘What we want is great homes for our young people –

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BRADEN FASTIER/STUFF Disability Action Network member Linda Gill, left, with daughter Lisa, and president Robyn Russ, right. The group aims to advocate for the families of those who are in residential care.