The New Zealand Parliament’s Social Services and Community Committee has recommended the Government investigate establishing a Commissioner for the Elderly.
The incumbent Labor Government pledged to introduce an Aged Care Commissioner in the 2017 general election.
Space had reportedly been provided in the Government’s first budget, but this position never eventuated.
The Committee says a Commissioner for the Elderly would coordinate oversight of the sector, which would include adequate monitoring, protection and investigation, updating standards of care and providing leadership and influence.
This comes as aged care homes locked their doors due to COVID-19, as Auckland re-entered Stage 3 restrictions.
