Disabled by system

Like the 94-year-old woman left without home care for six weeks (October 22), I am a client of home disability support services. I formerly received satisfactory home support for six years.

About 18 months ago there was a sharp decline in the reliable arrival of, and communication concerning, my care. As I sat in my dressing gown waiting for a shower, talking to machines, I moved from having a disability to becoming disabled by the system.

I have not named my care providers, as the main fault lies with government funding priorities. Disability support funding has signally failed to keep pace with the ageing of the population. Yet the system conveniently allows the Government to blame district health boards and care providers for its own failures.

DHBs have been forced to accept lower and lower tenders, and providers to cut administration and communication costs and carers’ pay to the bone.

The temporarily able-bodied majority need to consider their own futures and their interests as taxpayers when they question next year’s election candidates on their spending priorities.

Supporting people with disabilities in our homes remains infinitely cheaper than frequent hospital visits caused by falls and poor hygiene, and premature institutional care. KAREN PETERSON BUTTERWORTH

Waikanae