Improving outcomes for older people: Restorative support in practice

District Health Boards around the country are looking to partner with agencies who can deliver restorative support to people over 65.

In 2009 HealthCare NZ will be one of four agencies enabling Auckland District Health Board to deliver goal-based, restorative services to people in their community.

Northern Regional Manager Scott Arrol explained how important the Auckland contract is. “We’re very pleased to be one of the agencies delivering this contract. We’ve worked hard to provide a model that improves health outcomes for people over 65. By delivering a goal-based, restorative service, we will support Auckland District Health Board to make a difference to older people living in Auckland.”

An assessment tool is used to decide the level of support. Agencies are then expected to be flexible in how that support is delivered in order to meet each individual’s needs. Household management and personal care may still form part of the service, but the support won’t be exclusively based on this.

Auckland District Health Board has made these changes in response to their own strategy planning and to meet the Government’s National Health of Older People strategy.

As more District Health Boards require this type of service we look forward to working with them, making a difference to older people around New Zealand.

“It makes all the difference in the world!”

Maytel and Fred Moynihan

When asked what difference our support makes, Maytel Moynihan’s response is immediate: “It makes all the difference in the world!”

Maytel and her husband Fred have received our services since they first moved to Oamaru more than seven years ago.

The pair, who used to own the Dansey’s Pass Hotel, are now in their eighties, but are able to live independently in their own home thanks to the support they receive.

“It’s great knowing that they’re there,” Maytel explains. “There have been times when Fred has had falls – and of course you panic. You don’t think clearly straight away. But our coordinator has known just what to do and who to contact. It’s been great. We’re very lucky to be born in a time when, at our stage of life, such care is available.”

Each day a support worker helps Fred get up and dressed in the morning and then ready for bed at night. Another support worker visits their home two days a week to help Maytel with the housework.

Both Fred and Maytel own mobility scooters, so shopping hasn’t yet been an issue. “We’re a couple of the lucky ones. We have friends who also get support from HealthCare NZ and need much more than we do.”

Over the past seven years, the level and nature of Fred and Maytel’s support has changed, but they said the quality and responsiveness had stayed the same. “It has all been change for that better.”

Fred and Maytel described the Oamaru team as “a great band of people – we feel we can ask them anything, they’re so helpful.”

But it’s Maytle’s concluding comment – made with a ready smile – that sums up the value she and Fred place on their support: “As long as he keeps like he is, and we keep getting the help we’re getting, we’ll be pretty right!”