Otago and Southland DHBs Review Access Criteria

Otago and Southland DHBs to Review Access Criteria for Older Person’s Community Based Support Services

Otago and Southland District Health Boards (DHBs) are reviewing their access criteria for those receiving community based support services such as domestic assistance – however those most in need of help will continue to receive it.

In Otago and Southland, Disability Support Services have a serious issue with over-expenditure and continue to deliver services at rates above the national average – despite nine months of various initiatives to bring about reductions.

“What this means is that people in Otago and Southland have been receiving a greater level of support than many people in other parts of the country, which can no longer continue,” says Regional CEO Brian Rousseau.

“We need to ensure we are spending money on the people who have been assessed as having the greatest need for services, but for lower needs people only receiving Domestic Assistance we are changing the access criteria for Domestic Assistance.

“Domestic Assistance, which is predominantly house cleaning, is an area we can safely reduce the level of services provided - while still providing a level of care in the community so that people can remain living in their own homes rather than rest home care.”

Otago and Southland DHBs will no longer fund Domestic Assistance for people who only require a house cleaning service.. Where a person’s needs are greater requiring assistance with personal care for example, some level of Domestic Assistance might be appropriate.

“We will be reviewing all people who receive Domestic Assistance only and working through a process to discontinue providing this service unless there are exceptional circumstances,” said Mr Rousseau.

How is this process to occur

• From next week people receiving small amounts of domestic assistance only will receive a letter indicating that this service will be discontinued.

• Those receiving higher levels of domestic assistance only will have a review prior to this service being discontinued.

• Each person’s GP will be included in this process.

Information regarding other services providing support for older people will be provided to all those facing having their domestic assistance discontinued.

Mr Rousseau said it was expected that the process would take about two to three months to complete.

“During this time we are working closely with other key people and organisations involved with providing services for older people.”

The Disability Support Services situation is one of the drivers contributing to the increased projected deficit for Otago and Southland DHBs and the Minister of Health has indicated that the financial situation is not acceptable,

The over expenditure is also driven by the costs for residential care in the region.

“In Otago and Southland there are also relatively more people in rest home care than in other parts of the country, said Mr Rousseau.

“We want to provide more care for people to remain in their homes longer instead of placement in a rest home. We have an increasing demand for services with a set amount of funding.”

" As we manage an increase in the older population we must ensure those who have the greatest level of need receive that care and that we continue to provide an appropriate level of services, on par with the rest of the country.”

ENDS

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