HBDHB invests in pilot programmes

12 October 2005

HBDHB invests in pilot programmes to support ‘Ageing In Place’

With an ageing population and an international trend towards older people staying in their own homes longer with appropriate support services, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board is investing in a number of pilot programmes aimed at maintaining the health, independence and well being of older people living in Hawke’s Bay.

The three pilot programmes will be featured in presentations to be held in the District Health Board corporate office boardroom on Thursday 13 October from 1.00pm - 3.00pm.

The pilot programmes include:

Community First – Presbyterian Support East Coast

Community First is targeted to older people whose would be eligible for residential (rest-home) care, but who choose to remain in their own home. The personal care component of the current residential care subsidy ($380.19 per week) will be used to provide a flexible package of services, tailored to meet the needs of the client. Support Services could be described in the following categories;

Maintaining Health e.g. medication management, exercise programmes Social Support e.g. retaining social contacts, participation in community groups/activities General Well-being e.g. goal setting, shopping, personal interests etc. Maintenance of Household e.g. bill paying, gardening etc. Food and Eating e.g. support with meal planning, personal hygiene Personal Care e.g. bathing, grooming, dressing etc. Domestic Assistance e.g. help with housework

Kainga Tautoko – Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga

Kainga Tautoko will target all kaumatua (older Maori people). One registered nurse will be employed full time for the duration of the pilot. Each kaumatua will have a care plan that focuses on the individual goals of the client. Kainga Tautoko will also link in with popular fortnightly kaumatua hui held by Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.

Alzheimer’s Society

Dementia can have a huge impact on the lives of clients and family, and this service will aim to minimize the negative impacts associated with this condition. The focus will be on supporting clients and their families who have been diagnosed with early dementia. Support services will be put in place to ensure the client and family can live independently at home.

There are approximately 20,680 people aged over 65 living in Hawke’s Bay at present. In the 2004/2005 financial year, Hawke’s Bay District Health Board’s budget for community services for older people was $20 million.

Population forecasts predict that by 2026 Hawke’s Bay will have 35,760 over 65 year olds.

Numbers in a nutshell In the period 1 July 2004 – 30 June 2005, in Hawke’s Bay: 1061 clients lived in rest homes. 3958 nights in rest homes were funded for respite (relief) care 2,285 hours each week were spent by caregivers carrying out housework for older people 4,989 hours each week were spent by caregivers providing personal care-giving services

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