Budget allocation for dementia care a good start

Budget allocation for dementia care a good start

The extra $44 million budgeted to look after people living with dementia is welcome, but providing for extra beds is only a short-term solution, says national care agency Miranda Smith Homecare.

Health Minister Tony Ryall says the money, to be delivered over four years, is expected to lead to the provision of almost 200 extra dementia beds over the next two years.

Included is $4 million for additional respite care for full-time carers of people with dementia – including in-home respite - and District Health Boards are set to slightly increase their budgets for all aged residential care services.

Miranda Smith Homecare managing director Miranda Smith says New Zealand’s rapidly ageing population will put huge financial strain on the health sector over the next couple of decades.

“It’s pleasing to the issue is not being ignored, and that money is being specifically directed at dementia care,” she says.

However, while the creation of extra dementia beds is welcome, Ms Smith says continuing to go down that path is not a long-term solution.
She says health boards need to focus on keeping the elderly safe and cared for in their homes, rather than admitting them to hospital, and such care generally ensures good diets and promotes physical activity, along with early red-flagging of any serious problems.

“Having care at home and having support for those carers should be made apriority,” Ms Smith says.

www.mshomecare.co.nz

ENDS

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