Planning for Māori Futures: A Scoping Review of Experiences, Priorities and Opportunities for Culturally Informed and Appropriate Aged Care Design

ABSTRACT
Objectives

Developing models of aged care that align with Māori aspirations has been identified as a national priority in a recent report by the New Zealand (NZ) Aged Care Commissioner. We aimed to identify key considerations useful for informing Māori aged care and to identify known gaps and proposed solutions, which could be prioritised in health and social service design, delivery and implementation, and for investigation in future research.

Methods

We undertook a critical review of peer-reviewed academic and grey literature to identify relevant studies. Studies were grouped into three pre-defined areas: components and values of care models; physical spaces of care; and infrastructures of care.

Results

We included 45 articles that focussed on diverse areas including broad experiences of older age, quality of life and well-being, frailty, housing and aged residential care. Findings relating to care models highlighted the aspiration for holistic care models that supported maintaining independence and included meaningful activities. Connection to place and community was important within physical spaces of care and a cross-sectoral approach that allowed for connected and informed decision-making and appropriate resourcing was an important infrastructure consideration.

Conclusions

By identifying relevant knowledge relating to models, physical spaces and infrastructures of care, this review provides an evidence base for future health and social service development and identifies gaps in knowledge, which require further research.