Needs assessment - what to expect? A needs assessor will visit you and work through an assessment with you. Whānau/support people are welcome to attend the assessment. The assessor will then identify which needs will require support from formal services. Needs assessors can also refer for specialist assessments, e.g. occupational therapy and physiotherapy to ensure that your abilities are maximised. The assessment will include: health conditions personal care household cleaning mobility communication support networks recreational, spiritual and social areas caregiver support

After Your Needs Assessment Once your needs assessment is completed, we will advise you on the services you are eligible to access. Where appropriate, we will also work with you to develop a support plan designed to help you maintain maximum independence at home. If it is no longer possible for you to live safely at home, we can discuss alternative care options with you and your whānau or support person, including a possible move to a residential care facility. Support Services Available a) Domestic Help – assistance with housework, laundry, and shopping. To be eligible for domestic help, you must have a Community Services Card. If you do not have one, you can apply through Work and Income New Zealand. (Note: Personal care assistance does not require a Community Services Card for those who meet the health or disability criteria.) b) Personal Care – support with bathing or showering, dressing and undressing, and getting in and out of bed. c) Social Support – opportunities for social interaction such as visiting companions, craft groups, and activity sessions. d) Caregiver Support – including respite care and caregiver support groups.

The Respite Care programme provides relief for caregivers and helps reduce the risk of older people needing to move into permanent residential care. Respite Care is a formal scheme offering a higher level of relief care than that provided by Carer Support — both in terms of the number of days available and the level of funding. This programme supports very dependent older people who live at home with their family or whānau. Some individuals may receive assistance through both the Respite Care and Carer Support schemes. The Respite Care programme is best described as an enhanced support service for families who find that Carer Support (issued by NASC) does not provide sufficient breaks throughout the year to enable them to continue caring. Caring for someone with high needs at rest home or hospital level can place significant strain on both the caregiver and the caring relationship. The Respite Care programme offers more frequent, planned breaks to help sustain caregivers in their role. What to Expect Rest home–level care: a planned break every 8 weeks Hospital–level care: a planned break every 6 weeks The programme is not means tested and is available to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria. These regular, structured breaks help caregivers maintain their wellbeing and continue providing care at home for longer before permanent residential care becomes necessary. Most referrals to the programme are made by the NASC service, which may already be involved with the family and providing other forms of support. However, referrals are also accepted from GPs and individuals. Once accepted onto the Respite Care programme, families can remain on it for as long as it continues to meet their needs. How Respite Care Differs from Carer Support While Carer Support is often referred to as “respite,” the Respite Care programme operates differently. Programme staff coordinate facility placements and manage an ongoing system of monitoring involving the client’s GP, the family, and Respite Care staff. This collaborative approach ensures the best possible outcomes for both the client and their carer.