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Funding for the aged care sector across the Wairarapa and Manawatu regions has increased by around $9 million, over the last two years, representing a 20-25 per cent increase, says Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer.
The increase is in line with a massive funding boost in this year's budget, and has seen nationwide aged care funding reach a record $896 million (ex GST). The Wairarapa and Midcentral District Health Boards, each get $10m and $42m respectively in 2005/06, compared with $8m and $35m, two years ago.
"This is great news which reflects the importance we place on the health of older people across the Wairarapa. Both DHBs can now invest in a range of initiatives, from aged residential care to disability support and home-based support services," said Georgina Beyer.
"Older New Zealanders in Wairarapa and around the country have sent government a clear message that they want to stay in their own homes and to be better supported. They don't want to go into rest homes or dementia units early. We're definitely helping them to remain independent."
Georgina Beyer points to nationwide boosts in surgical services for the elderly, with a doubling of orthopaedic surgery announced last year, and $17m in this year's budget, for 7500 extra cataract operations over the next three years.
"Our government is also lightening the financial burden for thousands of older Kiwis in residential care with $93 million to phase out National's much-hated asset testing regime," she said.
Single people and couples with partners in care are able to keep up to $150,000 before contributing to the cost of their care ? a huge increase from $15,000 and $30,000 for couples. This government will keep increasing the threshold by $10,000 every year, Georgina Beyer said.
"The Wairarapa and Midcentral DHBs can spend the allocated funds according to their own priorities because the percentage increase doesn't mean all existing services will go up by that much. As more people need aged care services, it's good to see DHBs looking for more responsive and innovative ways to deliver care to meet these changing needs," said Georgina Beyer.
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