Increased Funding For Dementia Care

Increased Funding For Dementia Care

Increased Funding For Dementia Care

The New Zealand Aged Care Association (NZACA) welcomed today's budget announcement of an additional $44 million over four years for dementia care.

This will allow for a 7% plus increase in the subsidy paid to providers who look after New Zealand's elderly dementia residents.

"This is great news from the government and is a good start to bridging the 40% funding gap for dementia care identified by the collaborative DHB and NZACA Aged Residential Care Service Review of 2010," said Martin Taylor CEO of NZACA

The 2010 Aged Residential Care Service Review found that in order to build modern, dementia care facilities, the government subsidy would need to increase by 40%, or about $57 million per year.

The review also found that to build modern rest home and hospital beds, an increase in the government subsidy of 40% and 17% respectively would be required.

"Aged care providers understand that economic times are tough and are very pleased with today's increase. However, the fact remains if kiwis want modern facilities built to meet future demand then the government must fundamentally change policy settings around income and asset testing in order to release more money for increased funding.”

ENDS

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