1.   What changes are needed in primary health care? (Please also consider changes to the primary health care workforce)

Greater recognition given to the value of the role of home care workers, better payment and standardised training, will assist in attracting people to the job

Training for care workers must reflect that a higher level of care is being required from caregivers both for those in rest homes and those being cared for in their own homes.

2.   What needs to be done to promote new ways of working?

Training for care workers to standards appropriate to the level of work undertaken

More assessment of individual needs.

Standardisation between services provided for (illness cf accident)

Monitoring of level of care provided

3.   How must education and training change?

There must be wide proactive education (including TV) about positive ageing and why it is important to keep healthy. It is understood that ACC have a programme related to teaching older persons how to avoid falls, including simple exercises which build up muscles. Such education is important if people are to care for themselves to a greater age and reduce the demand on health services.

As mentioned above training for care workers needs to be standardised and readily available around the country.

4.   What are the key recruitment and retention issues?

Low pay, no travel allowance, no status. With low unemployment it is hard to attract workers. In addition the work is often very variable hours which does not suit many people unless there is a core amount of hours.

5.   What are the key issues for Mäori and Pacific people's health?

Cultural sensitivity of care workers important for the wide range of cultures now present in New Zealand .

Targeted education programmes for issues that are of concern in particular groups

6.   What changes are needed in disability support services? (Please also consider changes to the disability support workforce)

Good transport services are essential to get people to services but also keep them active in the community which can provide stimulation and keep them feeling better able to cope.

7.   What changes are needed in mental health services? (Please also consider changes to the mental health workforce) Clients and caregivers (often family members) need the security of knowing that promised help will in fact be there when needed. Better networks and support for rural people.

8.   What are the workforce issues for volunteers?

Unpaid work has no status. With increased training requirements it is likely that there will be a lesser role for volunteers.

Volunteers should not be out of pocket, particularly for travel as this tends to reduce services for people in more remote locations (eg petrol vouchers for meals on wheels)

Insurance coverage