Claims cutting back household help for the elderly will have a raft of unintended consequences

Hawke's Bay District Health Board has apologised after it sent letters to hundreds of elderly and disabled people informing them they'll lose their home help services.

Public Service Association National Secretary Kerry Davies says there should be more care not cutbacks.

She says the help enables people to live a more independent life at home, rather than be forced into hospitals or rest home early.

The DHB says those who consider the service essential can have their situation reassessed.