Finding an aged residential care bed is becoming harder by the day. For many families, the nearest available care may be hundreds of kilometres away. That can mean an older person leaving their community, right when they need the support of their partner, whānau and friends the most. New Zealand needs a plan that not only protects the aged residential care beds we have, but also builds enough for our ageing population. Because no one should have to travel hundreds of kilometres just to see the ones they love.
Our ask is simple: spread the word as far as wide as you can. We need MPs to hear why this matters from the people in their communities.
Contact your local MP using the web tool at www.thelongdrive.co.nz. Encourage residents, their families and your staff to do the same, sharing why care close to home matters to them.
Share the film below through your newsletters, social media and community networks, and ask others to pass it on.
For families travelling hours to see someone they love, this is about time together they cannot get back. Please help us turn that message into a call for change.
Thank you to everyone who has supported The Long Drive.