Health Select Committee chairperson Sam Uffindell. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The shortage of aged-care facilities for those with early-onset dementia and other neurological disorders is coming under scrutiny from MPs with the launch of a Parliamentary inquiry.
Health Select Committee chairperson Sam Uffindell said public submissions were now open for the inquiry, which was part of the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First.
It will examine the aged care sector's current and future capacity to provide support services for people with neurological cognitive disorders.
"The most recent census data shows the population continues to age," Uffindell said.
"It is important that our committee does the work to investigate a range of issues related to the aged care sector, particularly for those with neurological cognitive disorders."
The terms of reference include:
- Appropriate services for people with neurological cognitive disorders across the care continuum including from home and community care to residential care, to palliative care
- The funding model, amount of funding available, including best practice and international examples of funding models
- Resources available and the ability for the health system to provide appropriate care and what support enables "ageing in place", including for priority populations
- The process of applying for funding and care resources
- Appropriate and sustainable asset thresholds for people with neurological cognitive disorders
- Process for diagnosing neurological cognitive disorders and the effects of diagnoses on funding and treatment
- Projections for future needs for people with neurological cognitive disorders
Currently, people in need of long-term residential care may qualify for the government subsidy if they are aged 65 or older (depending on their assets and income), or if they are 50 to 64 and single with no dependent children.
Uffindell said he looked forward to working with the public and his colleagues "to get the best outcomes for our seniors".
Submissions close on 19 August.