While there are a large number of retired and elderly who have either already received advice or have not got to the point of needing it, there is a substantial group in the middle ground requiring help.
A number seeking advice are already attending retirement village open days and pointing them in the right direction is key.
Many are not aware that the government provides just such a service called the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) that provides a case manager from the area DHB or a home care agency.
Recommending this service by retirement villages can offer a prelude to gathering new residents if used judiciously. Although it may provide a support service for older people to remain in their homes, it does pave the way with good advice on a lot of issues for when a home stay is no longer required or practical.
And while numerous services in the home, at the end of the day it also provides assistance with moving into a permanent retirement home, along with dementia and hospital care if required.
For more information call Senior line on 0800 725 463 or visit www.seniorline.org.nz.
ADVICE TO ELDERLY ON THE BRINK OF CARE
