Senior Housing Waitlist
The Times-Age followed up the CE’s report regarding the waiting list for senior housing. Their questions and our answers below are attributable to Corin Haines, Manager Community Facilities and Activities:
1. Is MDC looking at increasing its supply of Senior Housing? Where is it currently at in doing so?
The Council is not looking to increase its supply of senior housing but as a result of the LTP amendment, we are in the process of making the land beside Panama Village available for development for social housing by a private developer.
2. How many of the 60 people have been on the waitlist since 2019?
Five. (As discussed the reference to this being the majority is not the case.)
3. How big is this “recent spike”?
A total of 30 people on the waiting list joined the list in 2022.
4. What is the estimated wait time for Senior Housing?
We have no estimated wait time as it is totally reliant on housing becoming available and we do not have any influence over this.
5. What options are available for seniors in need of housing?
MDC provides senior housing in its portfolio. Trust House also provides housing in the Masterton area and Kāinga Ora is in the process of providing housing in the Masterton District again. There is also a private supply of housing.