Age Concern New Zealand media release

Budget - 17 May 2007

More funding for older peoples' services welcome

We're glad to see the extra allocation for older people in this year's
Budget, says Ann Martin, chief executive of Age Concern New Zealand.

"This will give much-needed resourcing for the government's strategy for
older people's health. It's due to be implemented by 2010. Age Concern New
Zealand has been asking how this would ever happen on the current funding
levels.

"Many older people will be pleased with the extra $20.3 million per year for
home-based support.

"Better resourced well-trained home support staff will mean more people can
remain in their own homes for longer.

"We know from our contact with older people that they want to stay in their
own homes as long as possible. This is good for them and good for their
communities."

The extra $37.5 million per year for residential care (plus inflation and
volume increases) will give much-needed resources for older people who need
this care.

"People are living longer, staying active and contributing to society
longer. This extra funding is needed to help them do this," Ann Martin says.

ends

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