November 14, 2022
Māori rest home population set to grow
A Māori health researcher looking at end-of-life care says it’s inevitable more whanau will place their loved ones into palliative or rest-home care.
Dr Tess Moeke-Maxwell, from Te Ārai Research Group, says while only 3-percent of Māori are now in rest homes, that number will grow.
She says caring for high needs elderly whanau is challenging, and fewer people are mentally and physically prepared – ,or for the clash with jobs or family care needs.
Her own whanau is grappling with the issues.
“Lucky we have a big whanau so we can wrap around our kuia, who is 89 now – living independently but nonetheless the time will come…and if she is not able to live independently at home, she has already indicated to us that she would like to get 24/7 care,” Dr Moeke-Maxwell says.
She says with many younger whanau moving to Australia for work, there are fewer, and often older, relations left behind to care elderly relatives.