Despite receiving $132million in spending increases from the 2013 budget services for older people continue to fall short, says Age Concern New Zealand.

Age Concern New Zealand national president Evelyn Weir says there is nothing new for the widespread issues of elder abuse and neglect prevention or addressing social isolation which Age Concern works to address through its nationwide services.

The 2013 Budget allocates $33.2million in aged residential care subsidies over the next four years.

But Evelyn still welcomes the Budget's announcements including an additional $70 million for aged care and dementia services, $48 million for more elective operations such as hip replacements and cataracts, and $14 million extra towards the SuperGold Card off-peak public transport concession scheme.

She says it goes some way to recognise New Zealand's ageing population - with the number of people 65-years-old and over estimated to double by 2028 - but still falls short after years of under-funding.

'The new money will help in some parts, but not others in desperate need, such as elder abuse and neglect prevention and addressing social isolation.”

Age Concern New Zealand has long been pushing for improved services for older people, including access to healthcare, and the $48 million increase for more elective surgery recognises this growing need.

The $70 million extra for aged care and dementia services includes $20 million for home-based support services helping older people live in their homes longer, with fewer people treated in residential care.

It also includes $33.2 million in aged residential care subsidies over four years and $12 million extra for dementia-bed subsidies encouraging further investment in the beds.

Evelyn also commends plans to develop a Housing Warrant of Fitness system with standards to help ensure rental properties are warm, dry, safe and healthy.

The Government will trial the system on 69,000 Housing New Zealand properties, before plans to extend it to other social housing providers.

'Many older people throughout the country rent their homes and will benefit from moves to ensure they are up to standard.”