Changing the way we look at aged care

When should older people move into aged care?  No one wants to move too early, or worse – too late. Every year thousands of Kiwis from all walks of life enter the stage when transitioning to aged care becomes something they need to consider.
Yet many of the people who should be factoring it into their retirement plans continue to view aged care facilities with some trepidation, according to new research.
A report commissioned by Oceania – which runs more than 35 retirement living and aged care centres throughout Aotearoa housing more than 4000 people – found around half (49 per cent) of their prospective residents acknowledged that they would one day need aged care, but most (51 per cent) were not looking forward to it.
Despite major advances in the past 30 years, the aged care sector continues to battle outdated stereotypes. Those surveyed were concerned about losing privacy, increased boredom, discomfort, mistreatment by staff, being isolated from family and friends and living in a clinical “hospital-like” environment.
One visit to a care centre would allay those fears, says Shirley Ross, Director of Clinical and Care Services for Oceania, who encourages potential residents to acquaint themselves with the offering – everything from 24/7 nursing access to vibrant social clubs to resort-like shared lounges and dining rooms.
“It’s not so much going into care as relocating to a property that is designed to feel and look like your home, not a hospital,” says Ross. “We work very closely with our architects to make the care centre look like home and we treat the residents as if they are our family. We get to know them really well, which means that as they do become more frail we have an established relationship with them and with their families and we can make sure that the experience for them at the end of their lives is what it should be, because you only get one opportunity to do that right.”
As for the average population at your local aged care facility, that too may surprise. The demographic is diverse. “Our residents are a mix of retired professionals – doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers – lifelong rural dwellers, business owners, farmers, city people, and those who have moved to be closer to their relatives,” says Jodie Schorn, Oceania National Operations Manager. Residents in our villages and care centres range in age from 70 to over 100.
With 25 per cent of Aotearoa’s population expected to be aged 60-plus by 2030, the importance of quality aged care can’t really be overstated. According to Te Whatu Ora, there are around 32,000 New Zealanders in aged residential care while a further 80,000 are supported to live at home with the provision of cooking, cleaning, personal care and respite services. Yet the pressure on the sector to deliver to the growing population is immense and current funding is inadequate.
A review of aged care funding and service models, the Te Whatu Ora report released in January, found that there are significant regional variations in access to aged care and barriers to entry for Māori and Pasifika populations. “High-needs dementia and psychogeriatric care residents are waiting on average, nearly six months to be admitted to an ARC facility after being assessed as high priority for moving out of a home setting.”
Oceania’s research, conducted by Clarity Insight last December, found that most (86 per cent) of those surveyed thought a retirement facility should offer both independent-living residences and dedicated care suites in the same complex.
Sixty-one per cent of respondents believed that being able to transition from independent units to hospital care without moving location was beneficial, and half (53 per cent) thought having access to home-like surroundings when receiving clinical care was helpful. The option of a private nurse to provide care in their residence appealed to 61 per cent of those surveyed.
Other features of aged care that respondents liked included housekeeping services, access to gyms and personalised food plans.
Ross encourages people to move into retirement living while they are still active and well, to enable them to form strong social networks in their new environment and enjoy the freedom that comes from downsizing and letting go of onerous chores. That goes for making the move into clinical care as well – it’s not just for the infirm. She has clients who receive clinical care but are still able to drive and visit friends and family and have the flexibility to make the most of their independence while also feeling reassured that the care they need is always available. This allows for a better quality of life, for longer.
As much as moving to an aged care facility can be a relief for residents, it takes a burden off families too, with children able to let go of the responsibility of caring for their parents. This is good for relationships, says Ross. For couples whose needs differ – one is dependent on help and the other is independent – an aged care environment is ideal. The spouse in care can sleep in their own room, get assistance showering and dressing each day and then spend the day with their partner, eating meals together, socialising with friends and heading out into the community.