HACSU HAS RECEIVED INFORMATION THAT SHOWS THAT THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CLOSE 3 ADULT DAY CENTRES FOR FRAIL SENIORS AND YOUNGER PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY ON THE NORTH WEST COAST.
A DHHS worker has inadvertently seen a statement clearly indicating they are looking to close adult day centres at Latrobe, Ulverstone and Wynyard that provide care to around 140 people and employ 19 staff.
At the bottom of a DHHS intranet page relating to employment at the Latrobe Adult Day Centre, is a comment from a senior manager in THO NW to the Acting CEO of THO NW which starts “If we are serious about closing these day centres…”.
State Secretary Tim Jacobson said, “The information posted on the intranet was obviously put there by accident. However, what isn’t accidental is that the government is intent on slashing state services, with no regard for the impact. There has not been so much as a whisper of consultation with workers or the families and communities that this will impact so severely on.
“This is another hit for the North West coast. People who desperately need work are being tossed out on the street, along with seniors and people with disability who need and deserve social support.”
Numerous studies have shown that socially isolated seniors have an increased risk of early death regardless of their health and demographic background.
Adult day care is a way to counteract social isolation, and also give caregivers a much-needed break. Adult day care centres deliver programs of activities designed to promote well-being though social and health-related services.
“Yet again the Hodgman government is showing its blatant disregard for Tasmanians. The demand for services for the elderly and people with disability is increasing. The Hodgman government’s brain wave is to force people who need support back out into the social isolation they are trying to escape, and increase unemployment at the same time.”
HACSU STATE SECRETARY TIM JACOBSON
