Research into the home care needs of older adults in the Western Bay of Plenty

Abstract

In Aotearoa New Zealand the population of people aged 65+ is likely to grow from approximately 842, 000 to 1.5 million by 2050 (*Stats NZ, 2022). The anticipated growth in this population underscores the need to gain insight into the varied social and healthcare requirements of this age group.

This community-led research into the home care needs of people 65+ years in the Western Bay of Plenty region was instigated out of concerns held by the Home Care Advocacy Group (HCAG) about the future health, care, and welfare needs of older adults. The HCAG is made up of members from Age Concern Tauranga, Tauranga Rural Women, Grey Power Western Bay of Plenty and the National Council of Women Tauranga.

The research study sought to understand ways in which older people can be supported to continue living well in their own homes (owned or rented). The primary focus of the research is on the formal and informal care needs of older adults who wish to age in place and avoid residential or hospital level care in this region.

The research involved two distinct phases: semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with 26 people aged 65+ years in the Western Bay of Plenty Region, and an online survey completed by 13 needs assessors and care professionals.