You want to stay in your home, but have a continuing disability that stops you doing daily chores? You may qualify for financial help and support from the government.
Needs assessment
The first step is to arrange a review with a needs assessment and service co-ordination agency. You can do this through your GP, a physiotherapist or occupational therapist, or a community organisation like Age Concern.
A needs assessor will arrange an appointment with you, visit your home if required and tell you what help is available - such as specialised equipment or modifications to your house, personal care, and assistance with housework. The assessor may refer you to a more specialised assessor or home-support agency. You may be eligible for more than one form of assistance.
If you're eligible for a Disability Allowance - (see Medical care for more information) - you may also get help with the garden or section maintenance from Work and Income.
What's not covered?
You can't claim for:
- modifications that cost less than $200
- modifications you've already done
- soft furnishings or general maintenance
- modifications to your home for work, social or economic reasons.
Who provides the service?
Specialised equipment and housing modifications are handled by Accessable (if you live in Auckland or Northland) or Enable New Zealand (if you live anywhere south of Auckland).
Publicly funded home-support and housework services are provided by a number of organisations, including the New Zealand Home Health Association (NZHHA) - which represents home healthcare providers - and Presbyterian Support New Zealand (PSNZ). Most of the referrals to these organisations are through district health boards (DHBs), ACC, or the Ministry of Health.
As well as providing services under these contracts, many providers also offer private services. You'll have to pay for these.
PSNZ have seven regions offering social services, residential care and community support. Additional services for older people such as Tai Chi, fall prevention and shopping vans may also be available.
Resources
- Accessable 0508 001 002 www.accessable.co.nz
- Age Concern New Zealand www.ageconcern.org.nz
- BRANZ's 'Homes Without Barriers - A Guide to Accessible Houses' (this book contains practical advice on how to modify your home; available from BRANZ for $39.95 plus $8 p&p; phone 0800 80 80 85 and press 2)
- Enable New Zealand 0800 17 1995 www.enable.co.nz
- Ministry of Health www.moh.govt.nz/
- New Zealand Home Health Association www.nzhha.org.nz
- Presbyterian Support New Zealand 0508 8643 57 www.ps.org.nz
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