Health of Older People in New Zealand

Support and care in the community

Care and support in the community refers to the range of health and disability support services available to older people in their homes to sustain their activities of daily living. The aim is to enable older people to make choices in later life about where to live, and to receive the support needed to do so.

Traditional home based support services (HBSS) comprise household management (for example, help with domestic tasks around the home) and personal care services (for example, assistance with bathing or dressing).

Other key services include support for informal carers (including respite care), environmental support services (such as equipment and mobility aids), day activities and rehabilitation. The provision of these key services alongside HBSS, together with any informal supports a person may have, makes up an overall package of support services available to older people in their homes.

The increasing focus on care and support in the community is occurring against the backdrop of an ageing population, with projected increases in demand for health and disability support services and in cost pressures. At the same time, New Zealand and international research and experience is showing that older people prefer to live at home for as long as possible, and that older people can be supported effectively to live at home. There is growing evidence that such services can prevent or delay premature entry to aged residential care and/or use of secondary services.

In April 2007 an issues paper "Care and Support in the Community for Older People in New Zealand" was circulated to sector stakeholders (including DHBs, service providers, and consumer/advocacy groups). In May and June 2007 the issues paper formed the basis of discussions with stakeholders around the country about:

community-based services and/or programmes that have already been established or are being piloted
the issues and challenges of providing such services and/or programmes
and how the Ministry could provide assistance from a national perspective.

The findings from the discussions are being collated, and a summary will be provided to stakeholders. The findings will also inform the Ministry's care and support in the community work programme.

Page last updated: 20 July 2007