19 August 2024 – Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand

The New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) has formally submitted to the government’s Inquiry into the Aged Care Sector’s Current and Future Needs, calling for urgent improvements in speech-language therapy services across aged care settings.

NZSTA’s submission highlights the critical role that speech-language therapists (SLTs) play in supporting the communication, cognitive, and swallowing needs of older adults, particularly those with neurological cognitive disorders such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. The submission underscores the importance of integrating SLTs into multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) to provide comprehensive care from diagnosis to end-of-life support.

"With the rapidly ageing population in Aotearoa, the demand for specialised services like speech-language therapy is growing. Our submission calls for increased funding, workforce development, and the establishment of minimum standards for speech-language therapy in aged care," said Siobhan Molloy, Executive Director of NZSTA.

Key recommendations in the submission include embedding funded SLT positions within aged residential care (ARC) facilities, improving access to services in rural and underserved areas, and enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure holistic, person-centred care. The submission also points to the significant return on investment that SLT services offer, including reduced hospital readmissions and improved quality of life for older adults.

NZSTA is committed to ensuring that the voices of older New Zealanders are heard and that they receive the high-quality care they deserve. The Association looks forward to engaging further with the Select Committee to discuss these vital issues.

Contact:

Siobhan Molloy
Executive Director, NZSTA
Email: executivedirector@speechtherapy.org.nz
Phone: 022 409 1535