13324 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health

13324 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Associate Minister of Health: What actions, if any, does the minister propose to support smaller aged residential care facilities in the regions?

Hon Casey Costello: Health New Zealand are undertaking a review of the Aged Care funding and service models which aims, over time, to improve the sustainability of aged care services, and ensure equity of access and services across New Zealand. Phase one of the review has been completed and outlines the current state of aged residential care and home and community support services. Phase Two is underway and is focused on developing recommendations for redesigning the funding and service models. It is anticipated that this will be completed by September. In addition, 58 small facilities in rural areas benefited from Health NZ's decision last year to increase funding for isolated rural aged care facilities by $5 per day per occupied bed, at an annual ongoing cost of $3 million to $4 million.