Home and Community Health Welcomes Appointments to Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group

HCHA has today issued a press release in response to Hon Casey Costello’s announcement (https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/aged-care-advisory-group-appointed)

 

Press Release: 

Home and Community Health welcomes appointments to Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group

The Home and Community Health Association (HCHA) welcomes today’s announcement by Associate Health Minister Casey Costello regarding appointments to the Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group. This group will provide expert advice to guide long-term reform of the aged care system. The Advisory Group comprises 10 members, including four representatives with strong connections to the home and community sector-three of whom are part of our peak body: two not-for-profit members and one provider with experience spanning both residential and home care services. Former Minister of Health David Cunliffe, who is currently the chair of the faith-based aged care provider Selwyn Foundation, has been appointed Chair of the Group.

Lisa Foster, CEO states “These appointments help ensure that the voice for sustainable home care is represented, including rural challenges and reinforcing the message that people’s wish to remain at home can be met with skilled, high-quality, and essential care - that upholds independence, dignity, and choice”.

HCHA particularly values the emphasis on a quality workforce and realistic funding models that are appropriate for the true level of cost for quality service delivery and innovation. This marks an important step towards clear recommendations for a fairer, more consistent, and sustainable system that better supports our older generations to live their best life.

The Association notes the scale and speed of the work ahead and the importance of maintaining momentum. “The Group will hit the ground running in the new year to develop the draft report by 17 April and a final report due by the end of May. There is a real opportunity to get this right and offer clear recommendations that create meaningful positive change for older people.”