From the press room
Turner: Elderly in care cannot be forgotten in hard economic times – 2008-10-30
UnitedFuture deputy leader Judy Turner said today the elderly must not be forgotten in the difficult economic times ahead for New Zealand.
"UnitedFuture believes subsidies paid to the elderly in care should be automatically indexed to the CPI to ensure the quality of care does not deteriorate as costs increase," said Mrs Turner.
UnitedFuture also supports pay parity between aged care and DHB nurses.
"We want funding for the aged care sector to adequately cover staffing costs in both residential services and in-home care, to improve certainty, transparency, and quality of care. To make this happen we will seek to increase the elderly aged care's entitlement by 2% each year for three years.
"These commitments will help stabilise the aged care sector so that it can embark on much needed strategic planning. Firstly, by updating the 2001 aged care costing model, and second, by more accurately estimating future demand for services so that the elderly receive the care they need when they need it.
"UnitedFuture also supports the industry training organisation for aged caregivers but would insist upon fairer sector representation involving private stakeholders on the board that sets the ITO’s direction, as currently they are not included.
"If after the election UnitedFuture is in a position to be part of the next government, we will be strongly advocating for these commitments to the elderly in any support of coalition negotiations," said Mrs Turner.
Ends
Contact: Judy Turner MP
021 309 803