By Tova O'Brien
There are calls for urgent action to ensure New Zealand's rapidly aging population is properly cared for.
A review launched this morning shows if changes aren't made soon, the country will be woefully ill-equipped to cope.
New Zealanders are getting old, and fast. Over the next 16 years rest homes will need to accommodate up to 20,000 more people.
"The number of New Zealanders over the age of 85 will increase from nearly 50,000 to more than 125,000," says Minister of Health Tony Ryall.
The review commissioned DHBs and the aged care sector recommends increasing the number, size and workforce of care facilities
But Aged Care NZ says quantity won't come at the expense of quality.
"People shouldn't be concerned at all," says Martin Taylor. "There's been some moves recently by the Government with spot audits supported by the sector and as the report confirms, aged residential care in New Zealand is of a high quality."
By 2026 New Zealand will have nearly 1 million over-65-year-olds, and DHBs say their care is a national responsibility.
"I think it would be a travesty if New Zealand saw the report as a report for DHBs and providers to deal with," says DHB Health of Older People CEO Chris Fleming. "We all are affected by aged care at some stage in our life."
The review cost $1.2 million, but it's too early to tell how much more needs to be spent to ensure our elderly get the quality care they're entitled to.
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