Navigating Aged Care in New Zealand
Navigating Aged Care in New Zealand: Ensuring Quality for Your Loved Ones
As New Zealand’s population ages, families are increasingly focused on finding the best care options for their elderly relatives. With people aged 65 and older expected to make up 20% of the population by 2028, the demand for high-quality aged care—both residential and home-based—is growing rapidly. This shift in demographics is prompting families to consider not only the current needs of their aging relatives but also how to secure the best long-term care options available.
Growing Demand for Home-Based Care
For many families, the preference is for home-based care, where seniors can continue to live in familiar surroundings while receiving professional assistance. Home care offers a level of personal attention and comfort that institutional settings may not always provide. This approach is especially beneficial for maintaining independence and privacy, while still ensuring safety and high-quality care.
Technological advancements, such as wearable devices and telehealth services, are making it easier for seniors to remain at home longer. These innovations provide real-time health monitoring, virtual doctor visits, and medication reminders, all of which help reduce the need for frequent hospital trips. However, the demand for skilled caregivers in home settings is rising, which can make it challenging to find and secure the right professionals (Mirage News)(National Association for the Visual Arts).
Residential Care: A Sector Under Pressure
While home-based care is an ideal solution for many families, there comes a time when more intensive residential care may be necessary. However, New Zealand’s residential aged care sector is under considerable financial pressure. More than half of the country’s aged care facilities are not financially viable, leading to concerns about the future availability of high-quality residential care (Mirage News).
The cost of providing residential care is significantly lower than hospital care, but many facilities struggle to maintain high standards due to underfunding. This is particularly problematic as more older adults require specialized care for conditions like dementia. Families need to be prepared for the possibility of paying out of pocket for services not covered by the public system, such as enhanced medical attention, personalized care plans, and upgraded living accommodations.
Anticipating Future Needs
As the population ages, it’s essential for families to plan ahead for their loved ones’ future care needs. A growing number of older New Zealanders are living with complex health conditions, and as such, demand for both home-based and residential care is expected to rise. To ensure that their relatives receive the best care possible, families should be proactive in exploring the range of services available and understanding how these services are funded.
There’s also an increasing focus on ensuring that aged care services go beyond just basic health support. Holistic approaches that integrate physical, mental, and emotional well-being are becoming more common, offering seniors a better quality of life during their later years (Mirage News)(National Association for the Visual Arts).
Preparing for the Future of Aged Care
With New Zealand’s aged care sector facing financial challenges and rising demand, it’s important for families to be well-informed and plan strategically. Whether opting for personalized home-based care or preparing for residential options down the line, the key to ensuring your loved ones’ well-being is to stay ahead of their changing needs and the evolving care landscape.
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your loved ones receive the highest standard of care in a way that aligns with their values and lifestyle preferences.
If you’re looking to have a chat about your loved ones’ options, don’t hesitate to contact us at AngelCare, we are always happy to help.
Sources:
"New Zealand Faces Aged Care Funding Crisis," Mirage News, 2024 (Mirage News).
"NARI Experts Unpack Home Care Changes for New Zealand’s Aging Population," National Ageing Research Institute, 2024 (National Association for the Visual Arts).
