May 1, 2013
Extra Dementia Funding Positive
An extra budget allocation of $70 million for aged care and dementia is a positive sign that the Government is
continuing to address under-funding in the aged care sector, says national care agency Miranda Smith Homecare.
The government announced yesterday that $70 million over four years would be allocated to aged care and dementia
services, including $20m for home support services to ensure more elderly can stay in their own homes longer.
Miranda Smith Homecare managing director Miranda Smith says New Zealand’s rapidly ageing population will require huge
resources and extra beds in coming years, and dementia is a major concern for an already starved health system.
“One of the pleasing aspects of this is that extra home support services funding will ensure family members or other
unpaid carers will have more support and relief,” Ms Smith says.
“It’s great to see the need for more home-based care is being recognised, but with the rate of dementia increasing at 4
percent a year, the strain on the health system will continue to grow. The demand for dementia care will continue to
outstrip funding.”
Miranda Smith Homecare believes that industry support throughout all health providers needs a more collaborative
approach to tackling care for a fast growing elderly population.
ENDS