Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is residential care?

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Residential care is supportive care in a safe, warm and welcoming environment for those who are no longer able to continue living safely and independently in their own homes. 

 

How do I know what level of care I need?

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The level of care you require is determined via assessment by a Needs Assessment and Service Coordination service in your area. There are 3 NASC services in the Hutt Valley. 

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Hutt Valley Service Coordination assesses the older person, and in certain circumstances those under the age of 65.  You can find their website here: www.careco.org.nz/centres/hutt-valley-service

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Those under the age of 65 with a physical, intellectual or sensory disability are assessed by the Disability Support Services (DSS) NASC.  In the Hutt Valley this service is provided by Life Unlimited, and their website is https://www.lifeunlimited.net.nz/nasc/the-nasc-process/

 

There is also a Mental Health NASC whose services are accessed through specialist Mental Health teams.

Some levels of care require assessment by specialist teams before they can be accessed.  Your NASC will be able to outline this for you.  

 

What do I need to do if I wanted to admit someone?

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Once an assessment has been completed and level of care determined then you can make contact with us.  We recommend that you make a time to come and visit our facility, meet our staff and talk through the specifics of your needs.  We will guide you through the admission process to make it as smooth as possible.

 

Who is responsible for funding?

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Once you have been assessed as ‘needing care’ the person who carried out your needs assessment will explain any subsidies that you may be eligible for and how to apply for them.  Depending on your age and financial circumstances you may or may not be required to contribute to the cost of your care.  Your NASC will have further information on what you may or may not be eligible for or alternatively the following websites are useful:

www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/residential-care-subsidy.html

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/life-stages/health-older-people/long-term-residential-care/residential-care-questions-and-answers

 

 

What is Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) for Personal Care & Welfare and Enduring Power of Attorney for Property?

 

An EPOA is a legal document that gives authority, should you not be able to make decisions for yourself for any reason, to the person you would like to make decisions regarding your welfare or property.  Helpful information on EPOA can be found at the following sites:

https://www.publictrust.co.nz/personal/enduring-power-of-attorney

http://superseniors.msd.govt.nz/finance-planning/enduring-power-of-attorney/

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What kind of activities do you do?

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We understand how important being active is, both mentally and physically.  We provide a variety of activities, both within groups and on a one to one basis.  When you join us we ask that you tell us a bit about yourself and your life, work and family.  This enables us to ensure we meet your needs to provide meaningful activities that are important to you.

Group activities may included bingo, board games, exercise, outings, quiz, and our one to one activities include reading, music, shopping, arts and crafts, hydrotherapy in our heated swimming pool, manicures and foot spas.

 

What is Rest Home Care?

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Living in a rest home does not mean losing your independence, but rather that you need help with some things that could not be provided regularly at home.  This may include help with personal cares, ensuring you have regular nutritional food or help getting around.

Our aim is to provide a home away from home for you, maximising your independence, enjoying good company, and being confident that your personal care needs will be met in a respectful and dignified way.

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What is Hospital Care?

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This is a comprehensive high needs level of care and can include End of Life Care, Palliative Care and Short Term/Respite Care.

There are Registered Nurses on duty 24/7 as well as caregivers, to ensure your needs are met.  You may require two or more people to help you move around, shower, assist with personal cares, toileting, dressing and possibly feeding.

We understand that losing some of your independence can be very difficult, so we offer a varied activities programme with groups you may wish to join, or individual programmes ensuring you still get to do what you want, when you want to, whether its going to a local coffee shop, watching a movie, going to a concert or going out in our specially adapted van.  Our staff accompany you so you don’t have to worry about getting around.

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What is Dementia Care?

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Dementia level care are for those who require a safe and secure environment that is easy to get around.  Our unit is managed by specialist staff who have all completed Dementia Care training as set by the Ministry of Health and local District Health Boards.  We have extensive experience in dementia care, and are proud that we have provided care to residents with challenging behaviour for the last 5 years without having to use any restraints to maintain resident safety and dignity.

Residents will have been assessed as requiring some help with personal cares, remembering to take medication and prompting to ensure that they can continue to be part of their communities, feeling valued, respected and safe at all times.

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What is Psychogeriatric care?

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Psychogeriatric care is the highest level of residential care.  This level of care caters to residents who have moderate to severe dementia, and where there may be significant safety and behavioural challenges.  Those requiring this level of care are assessed by specialists to determine this requirement.

 

What is Respite/Short Term Care?

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Regular breaks from a caregiving role are essential in order to allow caregivers to continue caring for their loved one at home.  We are pleased to be able to offer this care to you.  We are happy to accept both subsidised and privately paid respite clients.  You may also require a short period of care while you recover from being unwell or from an injury.  We are happy to work with you, your family and the other health professionals involved with your care to meet your short term care needs.

 

What is Palliative or End of Life care?

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Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach to specialized medical and nursing care for people with life-limiting illnesses. It focuses on providing relief from the symptoms, pain, physical stress, and mental stress of a terminal diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life for both the person and their family. 

Our entire team is skilled in caring for a person at the end of their life.  We have specially trained Palliative Care Link Nurses and our General Practitioners have extensive end of life care knowledge and experience. We maintain close working relationships with the Hospice Team to ensure that only the highest quality end of life care and support is provided to you and your family.  We promote advanced care planning to ensure that your wishes are held at the centre of your care.

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Your questions not answered? Please contact us, we are always available to help.