Saturday, May 12, 2012

Challenges of Ageing

It was International Nurses Day this week (May 12th) and I had been invited to attend a function at an aged care place, where I used to work.  While not a nurse these days, I certainly identify with much of what they talk about, and I found it very interesting.

One area that was of particular interest was about 'retirement living' - one of the speakers spoke of the 5 Elements that she believes are important for quality living for those who are ageing.  The lady is Choicee who development a wonder retirement place called "Elements" -- I remember going there when it was a bare patch of early with a small office in the front - as they were already selling off the plan.

I am going to visit her place next week, on her invitation, and I look forward to it as housing for me is of big concern.  I don't know where I am going to live after my house sitting comes to an end.  I can't afford to rent, and I can't afford to buy.

In the Courier Mail this morning was an article about the government housing woes in this state (Queensland).  The new government since the elections in March is coming to grips with some of the challenges they have - with a state that is financially troubled, with many issues that need a big spend - and there is little $$$'s to do so.

The Labor government, which one would think should put more funds into housing those who are unable to afford their own homes for whatever reason, and who are usually Labor voters as they believe that Labor governments will do more for them that the so called 'elitist' conservatives.  (Liberal or in Queensland they are called the Liberal National Party).  Well, folks, you are wrong.

The article reports that "There is no state Budget allocation for a single new house" - that is that the Labor government had no plans to build anymore state houses when there are 68,000 "battlers" waiting for social housing - and that they will wait in vain.    Also that there are more than 13,000 single people living in three-bedroom family homes owned by the state.

On point of interest is that there was "more money put aside for literary awards than new public housing."  And didn't many scream when the new Premier scrapped the Literary Awards as a cost saving measure.

So Labor governments look after the 'workers' and the lower 'class'?  NOT.