Association calls for planned approach to home support services

17 December 2009

The New Zealand Home Health Association (NZHHA) agrees with the conclusions of a recent study that an overhaul of elderly care is needed, and is calling for a more planned approach to services.

The study, by the University of Auckland, found that the number of rest home and private hospital residents in Auckland with high dependency issues has risen, requiring a different approach to their care. NZHHA Executive Officer, Jane Cumming says the Government must take a close look at the needs of older people both in the community and in residential facilities.

“The Government is in favour of increasingly caring for people in the community – which has a number of positives. But to ensure that a consistently good level of care is provided, both the home support and residential care sectors need adequate funding and a well-trained workforce.

“Currently there is an ad hoc approach to home support, and the funding can vary markedly across the country.”

She says the demand for home support services and residential care will only increase as people live longer and need more care.

“As a sector, we need to plan now, so that in the future we can continue to provide adequate care to more people, with greater needs.”

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