NZCCSS President Opening Address Rod Watts 8th May 2014 The theme of this conference “The Next Stretch” carries on the theme of previous NZCCSS conference, as we seek to look ahead, respond to changes that are happening. We are continuing the shared journey that all of all us involved in the sector are part of, working beside older people as they seek to live better and more fulfilled lives. This is rewarding but also challenging work and it is indeed a “stretch” our capacity to meet workforce, service development and financial challenges of our day-to- day work

Services for Older People Policy Group Nicola Turner (Convenor), Presbyterian Support Central Gillian Bremner, Presbyterian Support Otago, Dunedin Shirley Hennessey, Home of St Barnabas, Dunedin Louis Fick Tamahere Eventide, Hamilton Rod Perkins, Selwyn Foundation, Auckland Alison Jephson, Anglican Care Christchurch John Murray, LifeWise, Auckland   Thanks to former policy group member: Meng Cheong Salvation Army HomeCare (Sept 2013)

The Next Stretch Acknowledge the past Looking back 10 – 15 years: Government policies providing direction and alignment health for older people ageing in place Consistency in funding approach and mechanisms National service requirements, standardisation, access mostly the same Large, medium, but mostly small providers owner operated rest homes localized community support Slide 2 The next stretch Acknowledge the past Looking back 10 – 15 years Government policies providing direction and alignment health for older people ageing in place Consistency in funding approach and mechanisms National service requirements, standardisation, access mostly the same Large, medium, but mostly small providers owner operated rest homes localized community support

Looking back 10 – 15 years unknown workforce, poorly paid untrained workforce, not qualified inadequate quality assurance throughout the sector high staff turnover, gaps in community services poor employment conditions little if any career pathways little if any professional development Looking back 10 – 15 years unknown workforce, poorly paid untrained workforce, not qualified inadequate quality assurance throughout the sector high staff turnover, gaps in community services poor employment conditions little if any career pathways little if any professional development

The Next Stretch…Assess the present increase in trained and qualified staff lack of policy framework inconsistent funding approaches & mechanisms improved employment conditions, but still low wages improved quality assurances throughout the sector large providers, increasing in size, providing options stress to ensure sustainability reduction of small providers increased prevalence of part-charging the next stretch: Assess the present increase in trained and qualified staff lack of policy framework inconsistent funding approaches and mechanisms improved employment conditions, but still low wages improved quality assurances throughout the sector large providers, increasing in size, providing options stress to ensure sustainability reduction of small providers increased prevalence of part-charging

the next stretch… Strategic considerations Service provider OR Business activity Values and dilemmas about part-charging Sustainability and an increasing competitive environment Investment to remain competitive How to plan without a policy framework How to plan amidst substantial challenges What about access to high quality services for all Impact of an ageing workforce & increasing older population the next stretch Strategic considerations Service provider OR Business activity Values and dilemmas about part-charging Sustainability and an increasing competitive environment Investment to remain competitive How to plan without a policy framework How to plan amidst substantial challenges What about access to high quality services for all Impact of an ageing workforce & increasing older population

the next stretch… What is stretching? Gap between rich and poor 285,000, or 27% of NZ children live in poverty Older people impacted by increasing inequality Home ownership is decreasing; will impact in the future How to lift wages of support workers? Can we ensure a living wage? Can we offer high quality to all, OR Can only those who pay extra utilise what’s best? the next stretch What is stretching? Gap between rich and poor 285,000, or 27% of NZ children live in poverty Older people impacted upon by increasing inequality Home ownership is decreasing; will impact in the future How to lift wages of support workers? Can we ensure a living wage? Can we offer high quality to all, OR Can only those who pay extra utilise what’s best?

Suggestions to help for the future the next stretch... Suggestions to help for the future Avoid the ‘stretch too far’, or ‘stretch to the end’ A government policy framework that is resourced An older person centred approach Offering choices, options - sustainably provided Localised, helping to build communities of engagement Funding methodology that is consistent, fair, reasonable Providers of quality have flexibility to ensure best outcomes Mechanisms for collaboration are developed the next stretch Suggestions to help for the future Avoid the ‘stretch too far’, or ‘stretch to the end’ A government policy framework that is resourced An older person centred approach Offering choices, options, that are sustainably provided Localised, helping to build communities of engagement Funding methodology that is consistent, fair, reasonable Providers of quality have flexibility to ensure best outcomes Mechanisms for collaboration are developed

the next stretch… What is stretching? Central to the way forward is: - What is best for clients - A trained and qualified workforce - Workers who at least attain a living wage - Access to quality services not determined by the ability to pay