Health Select Committee To Look Into Aged Care

The Health Select Committee has agreed to undertake an
inquiry into aged care provision, the scope of which will
include the current and future capacity of the sector to
support those experiencing early onset neurological
disorders like dementia and ensuring appropriate asset
thresholds for sustainable services, says Health Select
Committee Chair Sam Uffindell.

This fulfils a
Coalition Agreement between National and New Zealand First
to undertake a select committee inquiry into aged care
provision to include supporting people with early onset
conditions and what asset thresholds are
appropriate.

“New Zealand’s population is aging
and life expectancy is climbing. It’s the right call for
our committee to look into a range of issues related to the
aged care sector,” Mr Uffindell says.

“The inquiry
will investigate the current aged care sector’s ability to
provide care and services to the current and expected number
of seniors who are and will suffer from early onset
conditions. The scope of the inquiry will look at whether
the funding model has been updated to reflect current best
provisions for these conditions.

“The Ministry of
Health is beginning Phase Two of the Aged Care Funding and
Service Model Review which is aimed at improving service
sustainability and ensuring equitable access and outcomes.
However, the select committee inquiry will have a focus on
the early onset provision and could provide valuable
insights to support a funding model change.

“This
inquiry will begin before 1 July 2024 and the Health
Committee may expand its scope to consider other
areas.”

NZ First MP on the committee Jenny Marcroft
welcomes the inquiry, which was agreed to in the National
– NZ First Coalition Agreement.

“We owe it to our
seniors to explore a range of issues around aged care and
how we can best support New Zealanders as they age,” Ms
Marcroft says.

“There are challenges in the current
aged care provision for those with early onset dementia, and
an increasing number who are under 65 also require
support.

“Dementia can impact couples who would
normally live together but have to be separated due to
individual care needs and this is an issue that requires our
attention.

“We are pleased to see progress on this
commitment from the National – NZ First Coalition
Agreement.”

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