80562 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Associate Minister of Health

80562 (2024). Dr Tracey McLellan to the Associate Minister of Health: What steps has she taken, if any, to address the fiscal and sustainability challenges associated with meeting the growing demand for aged care services, as outlined in the Ministry of Health’s briefing, December 8, 2023?

Hon Casey Costello: A number of steps are being taken to address challenges and improvements with aged care. The coalition agreement between the New Zealand National Party and New Zealand First includes a commitment to undertake a select committee inquiry into the provision of aged care, including supporting people with early onset conditions. This inquiry is underway and is focused on the aged care sector's current and future capacity to provide support services for people experiencing neurological cognitive disorders. Health NZ is also undertaking a review of aged care funding and service models. This review aims to improve the sustainability of aged care services and ensure equity of access and outcomes for older people across New Zealand. The second phase of that review is currently underway, which is focused on developing recommendations for service and funding models that will improve the system of support for older people. I will consider further steps to improve aged care following the conclusion of the select committee inquiry and the aged care funding and service model review.