Older Māori and aged residential care in Aotearoa Ngā kaumātua me te mahi tauwhiro i Aotearoa

Abstract

This report was commissioned by Health Quality & Safety Commission (the Commission) to serve as a think piece, highlighting current knowledge of care for Indigenous people in aged residential care (ARC), present views and experiences of Māori in ARC and discuss issues of relevance with a future focused view. This report presents: 1. Population demographic shifts and Māori access to ARC in Aotearoa; 2. Quality of care for Māori living in ARC; 3. A narrative review of the literature regarding ARC and Indigenous populations in Australia, Canada, and the United States; 4. Voices of Māori involved in research or care provision for Māori in ARC; 5. Case studies of programmes developed to support Māori living in ARC. It concludes by identifying knowledge gaps, and areas that are important in the ongoing discussion relating to Māori and ARC, with the intention of being both practical and aspirational. Commitment to te Tiriti o Waitangi requires full information on health outcomes for Māori and inequities for older Māori have been described. Inequities in ARC access and outcomes are largely unstudied and this report summarises available information.