18 November 2009
Media Statement

Aged Care inquiry urgently needed

The inquiries underway into two Palmerston North rest homes further highlight the need for a proper parliamentary inquiry into the state of aged care in New Zealand, says Labour’s Aged Care spokesperson Luamanuvao Winnie Laban.

"With the approaching crisis in care for the elderly, which will only be magnified by our ageing population, and with increasing concerns about the poor quality of care being experienced by vulnerable elderly people – as highlighted by the distressing Palmerston North case - it is imperative that the Government make the decision to support my request for an inquiry," Winnie Laban said.

“Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner Rae Lamb provided more evidence of the need for an inquiry today, when she noted there has been a ‘significant increase’ in rest home and aged care related complaints over the past year.

“Of further concern are ACC’s plans to reduce home support services for the injured – among which the elderly feature disproportionately – and to cut mileage payments for home carers, which will make them more difficult to recruit.

“There is also evidence that some District Health Boards are reducing home care support services, which together with the ACC changes could force more elderly people into residential care at a greater cost to the taxpayer.

“The health select committee inquiry I am proposing into the quality of health care for older people would focus on whether the health needs of older people are being properly addressed in rest homes, long term hospital level care, and through home-based or community support services.

"It is time we raised the issue in the public domain for all New Zealanders. This issue potentially affects every family and every ethnic group,” Winnie Laban says.

"There are currently around 28,000 older New Zealanders living in aged residential care and a further 60,000 older people receive home support services. That number will increase greatly over the next few years.

"Everyone I have spoken to on this matter, from health professionals, to care providers, to elderly people themselves, agree that an inquiry into the state of aged care in this country is urgently needed. It's time the Government agreed.”

ENDS

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