Disability Support – Investment For the Future
Providing disability support to those in need has been placed high in the priorities of healthcare outcomes in New Zealand. This is represented by a massive injection of funding for disability support services, totalling an extra $93 million to be released over the next four years. According to Health Minister Tony Ryall and Disabilities Issues Minister Tariana Turia, the aim of the increased funding is to improve access to disability services. The funding has been separated to target certain areas of disability support, including home and community support services, residential services for people with intellectual disabilities, supported independent living, respite care and other disability support services.
The reasoning for the increase in funding includes a new focus on assisting those with disabilities to experience fulfilling lives, with the assistance being provided aimed at empowering those affected by disabilities to do so. The provision of high quality health and disability support services is essential to ensure that disabled people can achieve optimum participation in the community and live an ordinary life.
The newly created Disability Strategy for New Zealand focuses on a system where long-term support systems are built that centre on the individual, their specific needs and the assistance they require to enjoy a full life and participate in the communities which they are a part of. Those charged with the responsibility of implementing the strategy include the Ministry of Health and Social Development in conjunction with the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
The strategy highlights the need for additional, qualified and experienced personnel to deliver the front line objectives of the strategy. This will result in an increased demand for suitably skilled nurses, doctors and other medical staff. According to the Ministry of Health, the type of worker suitable for this environment is one that is caring, compassionate and dedicated to facilitating the process of restoring, enhancing and actualising the potential of those suffering from mental and physical disabilities. As many of those who require such assistance suffer from mental anguish, trauma and other life challenges, individuals employed in the care of such patients need a diverse range of skills. Being able to combine professional with personal skills and interpersonal communication qualities is a trait suitable for a successful disability support worker.
If you are a health professional who is experienced in providing assistance to disabled individuals or a health care worker who desires to branch out into disability support, the new focus and investment in these services in New Zealand means that there will be ample employment opportunities. Enquire with a reputable healthcare recruitment specialist to see what the future may hold for you.
