52591 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Seniors

52591 (2024). Ingrid Leary to the Minister for Seniors: Does the Minister agree with private carer David Tucker that if we expect private carer/family home arrangements to continue to cover the rapidly growing shortages in aged-care beds we need to develop incentives to enable the family home to genuinely the first choice of care for everyone concerned — and to help private care continue for longer; if so, what, if anything, will she do to address this?

Hon Casey Costello: I agree that private and family carers play a critical role in supporting older people to maintain independent living in the communities and places that they are most comfortable in. I am advised that support is available for older people and their carers, including paid whānau and family care, and funding for home modifications. Any further supports would be considered through phase two of the aged care funding and service models review.