| Pensioners losing out in cost of living index Canberra: It has been a great financial crisis in which to have a job. The latest tailored ''employed persons'' cost of living index shows that prices facing Australians who had jobs actually fell 1 per cent in the year since September 2008. It's the biggest fall in the decade since the figures have been compiled. By contrast the living costs facing aged pensioners climbed 2 per cent and those facing self-funded retirees rose 1.6 per cent. Fri 27 November 2009 / Subscribe #361 / 25-11-09 |
| Superannuation savings too low for retirement Canberra: Raising compulsory superannuation contributions from 9 per cent to 12 per cent would lift men's retirement savings by a quarter over the next 30 years, but help women less because they are more likely to work part-time. But this substantial increase in retirement savings would only partially bridge the gap between how much Australians are putting away from retirement and what they need to maintain their pre-retirement lifestyle. #360 / 25-11-09 |
| Robot joins New Zealand retirement home staff Auckland: Residents of an Auckland retirement village now have a robot helper, thanks to new research into inexpensive robotic assistants for the elderly. The Korean YUJIN robot will work alongside human staff at the Selwyn Retirement Village in Pt Chevalier, where its tasks will include taking vital signs and giving reminders. The robot is on trial following a University of Auckland study into older people's attitudes towards robot helpers. #359 / 23-11-09 |
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Health group denies health system is in crisis
Perth:
The Health Consumers Council has described as redundant claims by the WA Opposition that the health system is in crisis. The Opposition Health Spokesman Roger Cook has renewed his attack on the Government's three per cent efficiency cuts, saying the system is in crisis and patients are suffering because of delays. Full story in Aged Care Housing Weekly / Fri 27 November 2009 / Subscribe #358 / 23-11-09 |
| $2.5 million extension for aged-care hostel Maryborough: Building permits issued in Victoria's north-west jumped by 46 per cent in the September quarter, according to new statistics - the second-strongest growth rate in the state, Commissioner Sarah McCann-Bartlett said. The largest rises in the north-west had come from the hospital and health-care sector. The massive jump in health-care permits was largely due to a $2.5 million extension to an aged-care hostel in Maryborough. #357 / 12-11-09 |
| Stockland appoints new Chief Financial Officer Sydney: Property group Stockland has appointed Tim Foster as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), replacing Hugh Thorburn, who is retiring. Managing director Matthew Quinn said he was pleased to have identified such a strong successor to Mr Thorburn. "Tim is an experienced CFO and I look forward to him joining our executive team," Mr Quinn said in a statement. Full story in Aged Care Housing Weekly / Subscribe #356 / 02-11-09 |
| $58 million deficit hits home for elderly, ill Christchurch: Hundreds of sick and elderly people are having their home health checks and personal care hours cut as the Canterbury District Health Board faces a projected $58 million deficit. The board is reassessing people receiving home help for housework and personal care. The board's annual plan put this year's projected deficit at $58m. It said $40m of cost increases would be avoided and another $8.3m saved to deal with the financial pressure. #355 / 15-10-09 |
| Adelaide court told of nursing home assaults Adelaide: A nurse has gone on trial accused of bashing patients at an Adelaide nursing home. It is alleged an elderly woman fell to the floor when she was pushed onto a toilet by Amanda Louise Manuel, 30, of Greenwith. A co-worker told the court she also saw Manuel cause a 90-year-old man to fall by pushing her foot behind his knee. She said he was then dragged across the floor which caused him a carpet burn. Fri 16 October 2009 / Subscribe #354 / 12-10-09 |
| Christchurch care home denies understaffing Christchurch: Another Christchurch rest home is being watched after claims of "disgraceful" staffing levels in its hos- pital wing. The Canterbury District Health Board confirmed it was working closely with the Windermere home. Concerns were raised by a staff member about staffing levels at the home. Windermere is owned by the Oceania Care Co, which rejects the claims. Chief executive Geoff Hipkins said staffing numbers quoted were a "crock". #353 / 12-10-09 |
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