Greens call for long-term investment in aged care

The Green Party is calling for long-term investment in aged care following the release of a report examining the future of the sector.

The party has welcomed the report, A Place to Grow Old: Securing the Future of Aged Care, saying action is needed to support older New Zealanders to live and age with dignity.

Green Party seniors spokesperson Lawrence Xu-Nan says people should be able to receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

“Successive governments have not addressed the real issue of aged care, such as in-home care and aged residential care, and have continued to kick the can down the road.”

He says the report outlines potential solutions to shortcomings in the aged-care system and the costs of failing to act.

“The Green Party believes those who work in aged care must be respected and rewarded, with secure conditions that enable them to provide high-quality, compassionate support.”

Xu-Nan also criticises the coalition government’s approach to the health workforce, claiming it’s “undermining the rights of our doctors, nurses, health care assistants, and the broader aged care workforce”.

“The Green Party are committed to a long-term vision where seniors thrive with dignity and autonomy in vibrant intergenerational communities, ensuring that ageing is a positive process.

“To achieve that, we need to ensure that our system is fit for purpose.”