Intervals of Care Need: Need for care and support in advanced age: LiLACS NZ

Published online: 
21 April 2017
Intervals of care need: Need for care and support in advanced age.

Summary

The report Intervals of Care Need: Need for care and support in advanced age: LiLACS NZ provides research findings from the first waves (2010) of the Life and Living in Advanced Age: a Cohort Study in New Zealand – Te Puā waitanga O Ngā Tapuwae Kia Ora Tonu (LiLACS NZ). This study is a population-based sample of people in advanced age living in the Bay of Plenty, who are taking part in a longitudinal study of advanced ageing.

This report describes the intervals of time in which care is needed in advanced age and examines the proportion of people within each interval by residential care status who receive formal support services. The report further estimates future care needs to 2026 for Māori and non-Māori of advanced age.

The report is available on the LiLACS NZ publications website.

Overview of key findings

  • Both Māori (17%) and non-Māori (15%) required daily assistance for personal care and household tasks with at least half needing help almost weekly. Although fewer Māori accessed housework assistance, the proportions of care required weekly were similar for Māori and non-Māori.
  • Despite having a daily need for care, a small proportion of Māori (12%) and non-Māori (5%) received no residential care or support services.
  • It is projected there will be a large increase in the older population of New Zealand, particularly Māori. By 2026, the estimated need for care will increase substantially; the number of Māori needing care more than daily may increase by more than 200%.
  • The previous LiLACS NZ results showed that 80% of care givers were immediate family members (a spouse or child). This is having, and will continue, to have a significant policy impact on models of care, policy, regulation and funding decisions by 2026 as shifting resources and care to the home becomes increasingly important.

This information, in combination with the other LiLACS reports, will assist the health and social sectors, including iwi and Māori health providers to paint a more complete picture of the health and wellbeing of older Māori. The research findings are useful for planning and providing adequate preventive health care, community support, social care and treatment for illness and disability.

For more information

Further information about findings in this report and LiLACS NZ is on the LiLACS NZ website.

Publishing information

  • Date of publication:
    21 April 2017
  • Citation:
    Kerse N, Lapsley H, Moyes S, Mules R, LiLACS NZ. 2017. Intervals of care need: Need for care and support in advanced age: LiLACS NZ. Auckland. School of Population Health, The University of Auckland.
  • Ordering information:
    Only soft copy available to download
  • Copyright status:

    Third-party content. Please check the document or email the Web Manager to find out how to obtain permission to re-use content.

Back to top