Call to get tough on rest homes 

Nurses say given the state of the elder care sector is in, it is not surprising many people are worried about putting their loved ones into homes.

Temporary managers have been appointed by District Health Boards to a further three rest homes this week - the latest being Birkenhead Lodge on Auckland's North Shore.

Birkenhead followed temporary managers being installed at the Ranfurly Manor Rest Home in Feilding and at the Villa Gardens Home in Christchurch.

The DHB says the temporary manager will be at Birkenhead for at least three weeks, while concerns about management and quality of care are scrutinised.

Quality of care issues were also central concerns at Ranfurly and Villa Gardens.

Nurses Organisation spokeswoman Lynley Mulrine says it is a scary thought to many what might be going on behind some closed doors.

She says tougher auditing is needed so people know what kind of place they are putting their relatives into.

But the body which represents rest homes is denying there is any systemic problem in the aged care sector.

HealthCare Providers chief Martin Taylor says one case of elder abuse is always one case too many, but he believes it is wrong to think there is a widespread problem.

He says the number of homes under temporary management is less than one percent of all the facilities across the country.

Taylor says while there is no evidence of a systematic failure, it is important to stay vigilant.

---

---