Key Takeaways
- The CARE Village in Rotorua is a pioneering aged care facility that challenges traditional models of care by grouping residents by lifestyle similarities rather than care needs.
- The facility has been recommended by Parliament’s health select committee as a model for "alternative aged care models" that could improve residents’ and families’ experiences.
- The CARE Village has 13 houses for 81 residents, with care staff working in the homes all-hours and cooking and laundry done in each home.
- The facility is operated by the not-for-profit Rotorua Continuing Care Trust and has been in operation since 2017.
- The Government is considering the committee’s findings and is open to innovation in aged care, with a Ministerial Advisory Group to be established to provide independent advice on the aged care system.
Introduction to the CARE Village
The CARE Village in Rotorua is a unique aged care facility that has been gaining attention for its innovative approach to caring for older adults. Unlike traditional care facilities, the CARE Village groups residents by lifestyle similarities, rather than the level of care they need. This approach allows residents to live in a more homely environment, with care staff working in the homes all-hours and cooking and laundry done in each home. Residents are able to participate in these activities if they wish, which helps to promote a sense of independence and dignity.
The Benefits of the CARE Village Model
One of the key benefits of the CARE Village model is that residents do not need to move to a different facility if their care needs change. For example, if a resident moves in at rest-home level and later requires secure-level dementia care, they can remain in the same facility. This provides a sense of stability and continuity, which is essential for older adults who may be experiencing cognitive decline. The CARE Village model also allows for a more personalized approach to care, as residents are grouped with others who share similar lifestyle and interests.
Parliament’s Health Select Committee Recommendation
Parliament’s health select committee has recommended that the Government consider enabling "alternative aged care models" similar to the CARE Village. The committee’s report on its inquiry into the aged care sector’s capacity to support people with neurological cognitive disorders noted that the CARE Village was one of the first facilities in the world to pioneer a new approach to aged care. The report also highlighted the need for more innovative and flexible approaches to aged care, as the traditional models of rest home, hospital, and secure care levels may not be meeting the needs of older adults.
The History and Development of the CARE Village
The CARE Village was formerly known as Whare Aroha Care and was located on land owned by the Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust. When the lease ended, the board decided to build a new facility on a different site. The chief executive of the CARE Village, Thérèse Jeffs, was instrumental in developing the new facility, which was inspired by the De Hogeweyk Dementia Village in the Netherlands. Jeffs visited the village in the Netherlands about 11 or 12 years ago and was convinced that this was the right approach to aged care. The CARE Village has been in operation since 2017 and is operated by the not-for-profit Rotorua Continuing Care Trust.
Expert Opinions on the CARE Village Model
Aged Care Association chief executive Tracey Martin has praised the CARE Village model, noting that it is an example of how far care for those with dementia has come. Martin believes that the model could be replicated in many different ways, including apartment-style living in multi-storey buildings. However, she notes that it is essential to have an accurate understanding of the person needing care, including their past and present, and how they interact with others. Committee chairman and Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell has also praised the CARE Village, noting that it provides a sense of dignity and freedom for residents.
Government Response and Future Plans
The Government is considering the committee’s findings and is open to innovation in aged care. Health NZ ageing well acting director Mark Powell notes that while New Zealanders generally have access to good quality care services, there are challenges in the aged care sector, including an outdated funding model and a lack of cohesive and integrated care systems. Powell welcomes innovation in aged care and notes that Health NZ has contracts with several aged residential care providers delivering unique models of care. The Government is establishing a Ministerial Advisory Group to provide independent advice on the aged care system, which is expected to report back with recommendations by the middle of next year.
