Parliament Unveils Recommendations for Aged Care Reform in New Zealand

The New Zealand Parliament’s health select committee has released a comprehensive report addressing the urgent needs of the aged-care sector, focusing particularly on neurological cognitive disorders. The inquiry, which began over 18 months ago, involved visits to 11 facilities, including Peacehaven Village in Invercargill and HealthCare NZ. The committee, which includes Labour MPs Ingrid Leary and Ayesha Verrall, received significant cross-party support for its recommendations aimed at improving care for the elderly.

As the population ages, the necessity for reform becomes increasingly apparent. Currently, approximately 17% of New Zealand’s population is aged 65 or older, a figure projected to rise to 20% by 2026. By 2040, it is expected that 1.3 million people, or a quarter of the population, will be in this age group. According to research from Alzheimers NZ, around 70,000 New Zealanders were living with dementia in 2021, a number that could swell to approximately 170,000 by 2050. Alarmingly, an estimated 50%-80% of individuals with dementia may never receive a formal diagnosis, highlighting a significant gap in care.

The inquiry was initiated as part of a coalition agreement between the National Party and New Zealand First, emphasizing the need for timely action. The committee has put forth 14 recommendations that aim for practical solutions rather than idealistic fantasies. One key recommendation is for the government to explore various funding mechanisms to increase the availability of dementia beds, as 80% of aged-care beds are held by the private sector, which faces challenges due to the high staffing requirements associated with dementia care.

The report also highlights a looming crisis, forecasting a shortfall of 12,000 beds in the aged-care sector by 2032. To address this, the committee suggests a range of financial tools including capital grants and consent relief to facilitate the development of new aged residential care beds.

A philosophical divide poses a challenge in the reform process. Some members of Parliament advocate for means testing and private sector solutions, while others support universal access to public health provisions. The issue of pay equity in the predominantly female aged-care workforce remains critical, as many workers are being attracted to better-paying positions in both the private and public sectors. The committee acknowledges that while adequate pay is vital for retention, the reality has not aligned with expectations.

Some recommendations aim to streamline processes, such as allowing aged-care providers to conduct needs assessments. Currently, only specialized assessors can determine the level of cognitive impairment for funding purposes, and the scarcity of assessors creates delays. In Southland, for example, assessors must travel from Christchurch, causing significant delays in appropriate care placement for patients with dementia.

The report also suggests establishing a regular respite care program, recognizing that many elderly individuals with cognitive impairments are cared for by spouses or family members. Providing these caregivers with occasional breaks is essential for sustaining the aged-care system.

Looking ahead, the government has 60 working days to respond to the report’s recommendations. A parliamentary debate will follow, and unless addressed urgently, any legislative action may coincide with the upcoming election. Should the government choose to politicize this issue, it risks delaying necessary reforms that have already been long overdue. Care for seniors should be prioritized, and a collaborative approach may foster the bipartisan support required for effective change.