EXTRA DEMENTIA FUNDING POSITIVE

MEDIA RELEASE May 1, 2013 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. Visit www.mshomecare.co.nz for more information about this agency.