Thursday, 5 August 2004

Key aged care conference begins in Auckland

Under the motto “When I’m old I want to…!” the NZ Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS) Conference 2004 begins today in Auckland. The two-day conference brings together managers and executives from the aged care social services of the six main Christian denominations in NZ (Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Presbyterian and Salvation Army) as well as others involved in the aged care sector.

The conference has a strong focus on developing consumer responsiveness in aged care. In a rapidly changing environment, being creative and innovative in service provision means not losing sight of the perspective of health care consumers.

The aged care sector in New Zealand is facing a difficult transition period as it implements the government’s Health of Older People’s Strategy. The role of religious and welfare, not-for-profit organisations is a key issue in a sector strongly impacted by private retirement village property development and government funding constraints.

The two days of the conference include the following topics: The current and future environment for health and social services and asking the question about the future of residential care Strategic direction in funding and policy and its implications for older people Case studies of innovative ways of delivering on the new expectations in both residential- and community-based settings. Connecting consumer responsiveness with values-driven Christian organizations Change management analysed both from a strategic and frontline perspective.

Keynote speakers include Associate Health Minister Ruth Dyson; expert in change management, Wayne Cartwright; and broadcasting personality Kerre Woodham.

ENDS

© Scoop Media