Health & beauty

Home support

Updated: 05 Feb 2008
Home-support-hero

Introduction

Staying in your own home may be the ideal when you're older. With the right support it can be easier than you think.

There's a lot of help available so older people can stay in their homes. The problem is finding out about it or knowing where to start. We provide a guide to what's out there in 5 key areas:

  • home-based support
  • medical care
  • transport
  • finance
  • socialising

Plus, find out how to age-proof your home with our handy free checklist.

Home-based support

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

Medical care

The easiest way to receive cheaper healthcare is by enrolling in a primary health organisation (PHO) - your local GP will probably belong to one.

According to our 2007 nationwide survey of GP fees, the usual PHO fee that someone over 64 could expect to pay varied between $22 and $29 per visit.

Government assistance is also available through Work and Income or the Ministry of Health. Some of this is income-tested, but not asset-tested.

  • The SuperGold Card is a discount and concession card for all New Zealanders aged 65 and over, and those who would otherwise qualify for New Zealand Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. It provides access to government concessions and discounts for everyday goods and services. The SuperGold Card replaces the New Zealand Super Card issued to people receiving Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. When a person is eligible for a Community Services card as well as a SuperGold Card, their Community Services Card details are included on their SuperGold Card.

  • The Community Services Card is available to low- or middle-income earners to enable them and their family to access subsidised health services. It reduces the cost of doctors' visits and prescription charges, but it's income-tested and you'll need to find out whether you qualify.

  • A High Use Health Card has the benefits of a Community Services Card but is not based on income. This card is available to people who have had 12 or more GP consultations in the last year for an ongoing medical condition.

  • You may be eligible for a Disability Allowance if you have a continuing health condition or disability that's likely to last for at least six months. This allowance helps with the costs of doctors' visits, hospital visits, medicines, transport, housecleaning, and gardening if these costs are directly related to the disability. It's income tested.

  • A Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card (available from pharmacists) helps reduce the cost of frequent prescriptions. It can't be used in addition to the High Use Health Card or Community Services Card, though. Its purpose is to help people who face high prescription costs but who do not have one of these other cards.


Resources

For complaints or concerns about quality of care:

  • Health Advocates 0800 555 050
  • Health and Disability Commissioner 0800 11 22 33.
  • Your local district health board (DHB) (see the green section of the White Pages)

Transport

Driver relicensing

Older drivers no longer face a mandatory on-road driving test, but they must pass a medical examination at 75 and 80 to certify they're fit to drive. After that, they're required to undergo a medical assessment every two years: this may place restrictions on their driving or require them to sit a practical test. The cost of an older driver's licence application renewal fee and any driving test is partially subsidised.

Land Transport New Zealand funds local community organisations such as Age Concern and REAP so that these organisations can provide free "Safe with Age" courses for people over 65. "Safe with Age" courses bring people up to date with the road code and improve their driving confidence. There's also a free voucher for a one-hour practical coaching session with an approved driving instructor.

Total Mobility Scheme

This provides subsidised taxi fares to people who have disabilities that substantially hamper their mobility. The scheme is partly funded by Land Transport New Zealand and operates in more than 50 towns.

Details vary regionally, but most provide taxi vouchers with a 50 percent subsidy on taxi fares up to a preset limit. The scheme is provided through approved local "Total Mobility" agents - community organisations that provide eligibility assessments for their members. There may be a charge for this.

Resources

Finance

Most people aged 65 and over qualify for either Superannuation or the Veterans Pension. If you're single and living alone, you can expect to receive $554.12 a fortnight before tax. Couples receive $511.40 per person a fortnight before tax.

If someone over 65 has a spouse or a partner who is under 65, the younger person can also get Superannuation. But it'll be income-tested. The maximum amount you'll get if one partner is under 65 is $486.56 each per fortnight (before tax).

Older people may be entitled to extra financial support from Work and Income - these extras are income-tested and asset-tested.

  • An Accommodation Supplement can help with mortgage payments, rent, board and other essential housing expenses. This is a non-taxable benefit.

  • A one-off Special Needs Grant is available for emergency needs (food, medical treatment, or dental treatment). Your need must be urgent and you must have no other way of paying for what you need.

  • Advance Payments have to be paid back, but they provide for essential items or services that people need immediately. They can be used for bedding, rent, or housing modifications.

  • Temporary Additional Support can help pay for essential items. It's a temporary measure to help you out while you're-organising your finances.


Local councils operate a Rates Rebate Scheme, with a rebate of up to $500. The scheme's designed for low-income homeowners - and many people who live on Superannuation could be eligible.

Some councils also offer "rates postponement", which allows ratepayers to defer paying their annual rates until a future date. Ask your council if they have such a scheme, and what its rules are.

Resources

Socialising

Social isolation is one of the major problems associated with ageing. Local community organisations for older people offer a range of social centres, transport services and support networks.

  • Age Concern operates the Accredited Visiting Service, which arranges for accredited volunteers to provide company and support to older people who live alone.

    Age Concern has 35 offices and they're listed in the White Pages. They also have a number of pamphlets, brochures and other resources with helpful tips on ageing.

  • Your local council will be able to tell you about other social groups and activities for older people in your area.

  • SeniorNet offers computer courses for older people - teaching everything from wordprocessing to surfing the internet. The courses range from introductory courses for people who've never used a computer to more specialised workshops on digital photography and genealogy.

    Courses usually have no more than six people under the guidance of two tutors who are the same age as those on the course. The courses are run through the network of 84 learning centres. To attend you must sign up to a centre for a year, which costs about $35.

  • U3A runs short courses for older people using the internet. Courses are for enjoyment and interest; tutors are retired people who have an interest in the subject. Courses run for about eight weeks and can cost as little as $30. New Zealand has 53 groups, mainly in the North Island.


Resources

Other useful websites:

Age-proofing your home

Here are some practical steps people can take to help themselves live independently:

Living area

  • Make sure rugs and carpets lie flat and are secured to the floor - use double-sided tape, velcro or carpet tacks. Or remove rugs altogether.
  • Place cords close to the wall or install extra power points to make sure walking areas are free of electrical cords and wires.
  • Make sure your armchair is easy to get out of. Higher chairs with solid armrests are better.
  • Keep a list of emergency numbers by the phone.
  • It's a good idea to have two phones in the house. Make sure they can be reached from the floor, in case you fall. And make sure there's one phone close to your bed - you may need to call for help during the night.
  • Use shades on central lights to disperse light evenly.
  • Install smoke alarms and have one or more escape routes planned.

Bathroom

  • Install a raised toilet seat or a safety frame on the toilet.
  • Install handrails in the bath or shower.
  • If possible, install a shower unit that has no lip or rise.
  • Use non-stick flooring for bathrooms.
  • Keep personal items in a small storage unit that attaches to the bath or shower.
  • Use night lights to light the way from bedroom to bathroom.

Bedroom

  • Make sure you can get in and out of bed easily by having the bed at the right height. A firm mattress provides better support.
  • Make sure you can reach a light switch, eyeglasses and telephone from your bed.
  • Keep a torch by your bed in case of power failure.
  • Keep a portable commode or urinal near your bed at night.

Stairs

  • Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
  • Consider putting handrails on both sides of the stairs.
  • Repair any loose or damaged treads.
  • Ensure good, even lighting over stairs.

Kitchen

  • Keep the most used items in your cupboard within easy reach.
  • Never use a chair or a cupboard shelf as a step-stool or ladder.
  • Keep a mop or broom handy to clean up spills as soon as they happen.
  • If you have trouble seeing things on the table, try using a plain dark tablecloth.
  • Use oven mitts rather than tea towels to remove items from the oven - a dangling tea towel is a fire hazard.
  • Put things back in the same place each time you use them.
  • Organise and store medications so they can be easily identified.
  • Note "use by" and "best before" dates on food and medications.
  • Use kitchen utensils with large soft grips.

Outside your home

  • Install handrails on stairs, preferably on both sides of the steps.
  • Make sure steps are visible by painting a contrasting colour along their front edge.
  • Keep footpaths clean and free from moss and leaves.
  • Consider installing sensor lights.
  • Fit security latches and deadlocks on doors and windows.

More help

Extra help from Age Concern

Ageing is Living booklet from Age Concern

Age Concern has a wide range of fact sheets, resources, and publications available through its branches or online at www.ageconcern.org.nz/?/infocentre.

Its free booklet 'Ageing is Living' (pictured) has helpful advice on planning ahead for successful ageing.

Your nearest Age Concern regional branch can also tell you about support and services available locally - you can find phone numbers in the White Pages or through www.ageconcern.org.nz/?/local.

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Report by Catherine Hutton