Seniors are an important group of people in our communities in New Zealand and Australia. In New Zealand the term really applies to over 60s but you do not get National Superannuation until you turn 65 and New Zealand Super is not means tested. In Australia the position is different as you will get the Government Age Pension at 67 which is means tested.
Many home services are utilised by seniors in their own homes and home services can mean various services like (1) care provided to customers within the customer’s home environment; (2) services for home projects such as maintenance, remodelling, construction, inspection, cleaning and gardening; and (3) services to provide assistance with activities of daily living and self-management tasks to persons who reside in their own homes.
In relation to looking after seniors by providing home care in New Zealand, there are a number of organisations including: Dovida, Geneva Health Care, Pacific Home Care, the Good Companion, Kate McLean Homecare, Seniors at Home, and HealthCare New Zealand. There are also private home help and care services available through Private Care NZ which provides a nationwide service with a base of operations in Auckland.
In Australia there are four main types of aged care services which are as follows:
- Residential aged care
- In-home care (aged care at home)
- Short term care and respite care
- Dementia care
In the Australian market, the home care services include the following: Beyond Health Services, Life without Barriers, Support at Home – an Australian Government in-home aged care program, Trilogy Care, St Vincent’s Care, Home Care Assistance and many others.
Senior homecare in New Zealand offers in-home support including personal care, cleaning, meals, and nursing to help older adults live independently. Services are often government funded through a Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination (NASC) assessment, or privately available with providers like HealthCare New Zealand and Geneva Health Care.
In Australia the position is similar and it is very important that in both countries, seniors are looked after. Many seniors are still working, either because of the need for additional funds or to relieve their boredom and keep their minds active. I have seen many people retire early, do next to nothing and deteriorate; and by deteriorate I mean appearing to be much older earlier than needed and developing dementia. Avoid that – stay active!
It is important for seniors in both countries to utilise the services which are readily available.
