The Aged Care Advisory Group’s recent report: A Place to Grow Old: Securing the Future of Aged Care includes 40 recommendations across six areas of reform. Many issues have been raised repeatedly by Grey Power. This new document again tackles failings in aged health care with the hope that most will be remedied.
Every New Zealander deserves to age well with dignity and choice.
Those words from David Cunnliffe, Aged Care Advisory Group chairman on its recent report, sums up what Grey Power strives for every day.
“But that won’t happen unless we fix the existing system, which is fragmented, hard to access, and underfunded. While many older people receive good care, we have a system that is outdated and unaffordable.
“The cracks are starting to show in bed shortages, some services closing their doors, and some carers unable to cope. As our population ages, those pressures will only multiply, and costs are expected to nearly double in the next 20 years.”
With the report foreseeing older people suffering and families struggling because of health care shortages, including strained general practices and overcrowded hospitals, Mr Cunliffe said this was not the future New Zealanders want.
“The Government set up this independent Advisory Group to find solutions to build an aged care system that is stronger, fairer and more affordable.
“It includes a more integrated care pathway, greater support to help more people live at home for longer, a new approach to how people contribute toward their care costs, and targeted funding to help build more standard residential beds.”
Because many older people want to remain independent and close to family, with the confidence that formal care will be there if needed, Mr Cunliffe said this would mean scaling and enhancing in-home care, better support for carers and whānau, and creating a pipeline of new beds.
“We don’t have all the answers, but one truth we’ve faced is the potential cost to Kiwis. New Zealand’s population is ageing and care costs are climbing. Unless we rebalance how costs are shared, aged care will not be affordable in the future.
“Those who can contribute towards the costs of their own care should do so, fairly and transparently, so the system is still there for our children and grandchildren when their time comes.”
The report recommends that governments commit to the full structural reform programme as it is set out. Read the full report: www.health.govt.nz/publications/a-place-to-grow-old-securing-the-future-of-aged-care and also on the Grey Power website: www.greypower.co.nz.
