Health of older people

As people age they are more likely to have one or more medical illnesses and to have other difficulties as a result of these illnesses. We provide specialised assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services covering Wellington to the Kāpiti Coast. 

We provide treatment both in the community, outpatient clinics and in hospital. During your treatment you may:

• Come to an outpatient appointment at hospital or health centre. This could be to see the Geriatrician or other health professional
• Be visited at home by one of our doctors, Nurse Practitioner or other health professional.
• Be admitted to hospital if you require treatment that cannot be provided in the community

Outpatient Appointments

You will be contacted by the booking centre to arrange an appointment and receive a follow up letter confirming the date 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. So please 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. You will be contacted to make an appointment. The initial visit will take about an hour and you are welcome to have a Whanau member or support person with you.

You will be referred to hospital if your doctor thinks you would benefit from time in hospital to undergo assessment of your condition or for rehabilitation.

Acute services for older persons are based at Wellington Hospital and services for older persons 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 as well as areas dedicated to the treatment and rehabilitation of older people who have broken bones (known as ortho-geriatrics) 

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 whanau to plan your discharge to ensure you have the support and equipment to keep you safe. This may include a visit home with a therapist or visits after your discharge from the AWHI team to make sure you are managing. If you require ongoing support will be referred to the community team.

Government agencies require a specialist assessment before you go into residential care. This is done in two parts

• An assessment by a specialist doctor or nurse 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 Coordinators who will look at what options you have with respect to home assistance to support you in your own home and discuss the financial implications of going into a rest home.  This assessment usually takes place after you are home at a home visit appointment.

 Your GP will refer you to this service if they think you would benefit from seeing a member of the team.