Health of older people — Wellington, Hutt and Kapiti

As you age you are more likely to have one or more medical illnesses, and to have other difficulties as a result of these illnesses.

We provide treatment in the community and at outpatient clinics and hospitals.

During your treatment you may:

• see the geriatrician or other health professional at an outpatient clinic
• be visited at home by one of our doctors, nurse practitioners or other health professionals
• be admitted to hospital if you require treatment that cannot be provided in the community.

What to expect from your appointment

Outpatient appointments

You will be contacted by the booking centre to arrange an appointment and receive a follow-up letter confirming the date and time and who you will be seeing.

Your first appointment will be about an hour and you may need to have tests or x-rays following this, depending on your condition. Allow extra time when you plan your appointment.

You are welcome to bring a whānau member or support person with you. It is helpful for the team if you also bring your medication with you.

Home visits

We may need to visit you at home depending on your condition, or if we need to see how you manage in your home. We will contact you to make an appointment.

The initial visit will take about an hour and you are welcome to have a whānau member or support person with you.

Coming to hospital

You will be referred to hospital if your healthcare provider thinks you would benefit from undergoing assessment of your condition or for rehabilitation in hospital.

• Acute services for older people are based at Wellington Regional Hospital.
• Services for older people requiring ongoing care in hospital are based at Kenepuru Community Hospital.

There is a specialist rehabilitation ward at Kenepuru Community Hospital for people recovering from a stroke or other neurological condition. Other areas are dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of older people who have broken bones (known as orthogeriatrics).

The time you spend on the ward will depend on your condition and if you would benefit from rehabilitation. Rehabilitation helps restore and relearn lost abilities. You will be expected to do as much for yourself and be as independent as you can.

During your time in hospital the team will work with you and your whānau to plan your discharge, to make sure you have the support and equipment to keep you safe. This may include a visit home with a therapist or visits after your discharge to make sure you are managing. If you require ongoing support you will be referred to the community team.

Assessment for going into residential care — rest home or hospital level care

We require a specialist assessment before you go into residential care. This is done in 2 parts.

A specialist doctor or nurse will first assess you to look at any health issues that may affect you staying in your own home. You may also be seen by other health professionals to provide advice and help to stay in your own home.

The second part is an assessment by the Needs Assessment team.

They will:

• look at what home assistance options there are to support you in your own home
• discuss the cost of going into a rest home.

This assessment usually takes place after you are home.

Your healthcare provider will refer you if they think you would benefit from this service.