Holistic Approach to Well-being of Council Housing Tenants

The Waitaki District Council has initiated a new service for elderly people living in community housing throughout Oamaru.

The council has entered into an arrangement with the Oamaru branch of Age Concern whereby two Age Concern welfare officers will call on council housing tenants four times a year as of July 2009.

“This is an Oamaru initiative and a first for New Zealand,” said Waitaki District Council’s Property and Parks Manager, Dougall McIntyre. ”It’s a holistic approach designed to see how well Council housing tenants are coping. Do they need help? Are they receiving the right benefits? Are they lonely?”

Age Concern will relay the information back to the Council.

Age Concern will also introduce pensioners to one another on a one-to-one basis and then in small groups to enhance their social lives.

“Our priority is the welfare and quality of life of the tenants,” said Ruth Drummond, Chairperson of Age Concern. “This initiative shows that Council does have a heart and we’re delighted to be part of the programme. We feel quite honoured that they decided to approach us.”