NEW ZEALAND | MPs are scrutinising the shortage of aged-care facilities for individuals with early-onset dementia and other neurological disorders with the launch of a Parliamentary inquiry.
Health Select Committee chairperson Sam Uffindell has announced that public submissions are now open for this inquiry, which stems from the National and New Zealand First coalition agreement.
The Government's commitment to investigating aged care services includes supporting people with early-onset conditions and evaluating asset thresholds. The committee recognises a shortage of care and facilities for individuals with neurological cognitive disorders in New Zealand.
Uffindell emphasised the importance of this inquiry in light of the most recent census data, which shows an aging population.
The committee intends to examine the following matters relating to people with neurological, and cognitive disorders in the aged care sector:
- Appropriate services for people with neurological cognitive disorders across the care continuum including from home and community care to residential care, to palliative care.
- The funding model, amount of funding available, including best practice and international examples of funding models.
- Resources available and the ability for the health system to provide appropriate care and what support enables 'aging in place', including for priority populations.
- The process of applying for funding and care resources.
- Appropriate and sustainable asset thresholds for people with neurological cognitive disorders.
- Process for diagnosing neurological cognitive disorders and the effects of diagnoses on funding and treatment.
- Projections for future needs for people with neurological cognitive disorders.
Currently, individuals in need of long-term residential care may qualify for a government subsidy if they are 65 or older (depending on their assets and income) or 50 to 64 and single with no dependent children.
What You Need to Know
- Submissions: Your name or your organisation's name will be published on the Parliament website, but keep your contact details separate to ensure they remain private.
- Private Information: If your submission includes private or personal information, contact the committee clerk before submitting it.
- Speaking to Your Submission: If you want to present your submission in person, clearly state this in your submission.
- Guidance: For more information on how to make a submission, follow the 'How to make a submission' link here.
Uffindell expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the public and colleagues to achieve the best outcomes for seniors.
"We welcome your input to help shape the future of aged care for those with neurological and cognitive disorders in New Zealand," he said.
- Deadline for submissions: 11:59 PM on Monday, 19 August 2024
- Make a submission here.
