What is a Need Assessment?

A needs assessment is a thorough evaluation process designed to identify the specific support and care requirements of an individual who may not be able to manage entirely on their own due to age, disability, or following an injury. The goal of this assessment is to understand what assistance an individual needs to continue living as independently as possible in their own home.

Example of the Needs Assessment Process
Imagine Margaret, a 78-year-old widow living in a small town in New Zealand. Margaret has recently been finding it challenging to manage daily tasks that were once routine, such as cooking, cleaning, and managing her personal care, due to her worsening arthritis and limited mobility. Concerned about her safety and quality of life, Margaret’s daughter contacts their local NASC to initiate a needs assessment.

How It Works
A needs assessor, often a registered nurse or social worker, visits Margaret at her home. This visit allows the assessor to see firsthand how Margaret manages her day-to-day activities within her living environment. The assessor talks with Margaret to understand her health conditions, how she feels about her current situation, and what kind of support she believes she might need. They also discuss her social connections, any support she currently receives from family and friends, and her personal goals for maintaining her independence.

Crafting a Personalised Care Plan
Based on this assessment, the NASC team would develop a personalised care plan tailored to Margaret’s specific needs. This might include arranging for a home helper to assist with cooking and cleaning, installing grab bars in the bathroom to enhance safety, or setting up a personal emergency alarm system that Margaret can use to call for help if needed. The plan could also recommend community services like local day programs for social interaction, which would help Margaret stay connected and active.

This individualised approach ensures that each person, like Margaret, receives the support they need to live safely and comfortably in their own home, respecting their desire to remain as independent as possible.

Eligibility for Needs Assessment

It’s important to note that to receive a needs assessment, one must be eligible to receive healthcare services in New Zealand. This typically includes residents and certain visa holders who meet the health coverage criteria.

A needs assessment is designed to support various groups of people in New Zealand who require assistance due to physical, intellectual, or age-related challenges. Here’s a detailed look at who might need a needs assessment:

People with Disabilities or Chronic Conditions

• Who: Individuals of any age with a physical or intellectual impairment or a long-term chronic condition.
• Criteria: The condition must be likely to last for six months or more and necessitate ongoing help to maintain independence.
• Example: A young adult with cerebral palsy who requires modifications to their home and daily personal assistance.

Older Adults

• Who: Anyone over the age of 65 who, due to health issues or a disability, finds it challenging to manage daily living activities at home or might require residential care.
• Criteria: The need for support can stem from general frailty associated with ageing, chronic health issues, or sudden changes in health status such as after a fall or hospitalisation.
• Example: An elderly person struggling with daily tasks because of arthritis, requiring help with personal care and household chores to continue living independently.

Accident Victims

• Who: Individuals recovering from an injury who are currently receiving assistance through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
• Criteria: If the ACC determines that the individual requires support beyond what is related to their injury, a needs assessment may be suggested.
• Example: A person who has had a severe accident resulting in mobility issues may initially receive help through ACC. However, if they need more comprehensive home care, a needs assessment would identify the best support services for their broader needs.

Needs Assessment – Typical Outcomes

After a needs assessment is conducted in New Zealand, the outcome typically results in one of four levels of care recommendations, depending on the individual’s specific needs and circumstances. Each level is designed to offer the most appropriate support to enhance the individual’s quality of life and independence. Here’s a detailed outline of these four possible outcomes:

Home Support Services

• Description: This level is for individuals who can mostly manage at home but need some assistance with daily activities. The NASC team develops a comprehensive care plan that includes services like personal care (help with bathing, dressing), household help (cleaning, meal preparation), and possibly nursing services.
• Implementation: Once the care plan is agreed upon, the necessary services are arranged and should begin within a couple of weeks. In urgent situations, these services can start more quickly.
• Example: An elderly man who is having some cognitive issues may need assistance at home instead of being cared for in a rest home.

Informal Support from Family, Friends, and Community

• Description: This outcome is chosen when the individual has a robust support network and does not require formal home support services. The NASC team suggests resources or community services that the person can access independently or with help from their network.
• Implementation: Suggestions might include community centres, social clubs, or voluntary services, as well as advice on how to utilise these resources to support independent living.
• Example: An elderly person with a close-knit family might receive recommendations for local senior activities that can help maintain their social connections and physical health, without needing professional home care services.

Residential Care

• Description: If the assessment determines that the individual can no longer safely or effectively manage at home, even with home support services, the recommendation might be to move into residential care, such as a rest home or hospital-level care.
• Implementation: The team assists in discussing the options, selecting an appropriate facility, and if financial support is needed, they help with the application for the Residential Care Subsidy. Note that the Residential Care Subsidy is asset tested.
• Example: A person with advanced dementia who requires constant supervision and professional care may be recommended for placement in a specialised residential care facility.

Respite Care

• Description: This is an option for individuals who generally manage at home but whose caregivers (family or friends) need a temporary break. Respite care can be beneficial for both the caregiver and the person receiving care, providing short-term relief that helps sustain the caregiving relationship.
• Implementation: Respite care can be arranged in a residential facility or sometimes at home, depending on the situation and needs.
• Example: A family caring for a disabled family member might use respite care for a weekend or a few weeks, allowing them to take a vacation or simply rest, knowing their loved one is in safe hands.

Note that it can always be a mix of these. As an example you may receive part-time in home care and also regular respite care for your family carers to receive a break.

What does all this cost?

The good news is that this is nearly fully subsidised by the government and the majority is not asset or income tested. Note it you have to go to a rest home it is asset tested and you will not receive a subsidy until your assets hit a certain threshold. Some of the home help is income or asset tested, particular around cleaning and meal prep type services, but the personal care services are generally note asset or income tested.

It won’t cost you anything to get an assessment, so if you feel you are struggling to live independently book one in and see what help you can get. If you have previously had one and you feel you now need more help, reach out again and get a reassessment.