Respite care ‘at or near full capacity’ in North Canterbury

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

An aged care advocate has fired back at claims there are enough respite care beds in North Canterbury's rest homes.

The NZ Aged Care Association says it is concerned Te Whatu Ora Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which are not always equipped to deal with the demand.

Health NZ has confirmed it won't offer respite care at the Rangiora Health Hub after decommissioning four flexi-beds for the service.

A Health NZ spokesperson said respite care is offered by aged care facilities in North Canterbury, ‘‘where the appropriate level of care can be maintained’’.

The agency said it understood there were four aged care providers in Rangiora which offered respite care, while there are two providers in Kaiapoi.

But the New Zealand Aged Care Association said the claim there is adequate capacity within aged care facilities is ‘‘misleading’’.

‘‘While North Canterbury does have several aged care facilities, only one of these says it has a single bed dedicated to respite care.

‘‘Many of these providers are already operating at or near full capacity, and the availability of respite care is always conditional on beds being vacant between long-term residents.’’

Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said the community needed reassurance services were available in North Canterbury.

He said he was disappointed to learn there was just one bed dedicated to respite care, despite assurances from Health NZ.

‘‘I will be approaching Health NZ to find out why this is the case and ask them to explain the situation.’’

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he was concerned to hear the number of respite beds available in Waimakariri is decreasing.

‘‘I will be looking into this. It seems families are having to navigate this issue at what is likely the worst time of their lives.

‘‘I would like to see something done to streamline or simply this process to ensure loved ones are able to remain close to family and in their communities at this final stage of life.’’

Information provided by the New Zealand Aged Care Association, and available on the Ministry of Health website, shows there are eight aged care facilities in Waimakariri which provide respite care, and two in the Hurunui district.

Three rural hospitals also provide respite care.

There are different types of respite care, including ACC, rest-home, hospital, palliative, dementia and end of life care, with aged care facilities licensed for different types of care.

Health NZ regional manager ageing well Mardi Fitzgibbon said respite care is funded by Health NZ and is allocated by the Needs Assessment Service (NASC) following a review of the person’s needs.

"It is generally provided up to 28 days per year, to give the person’s main carer a break.

"The level of respite is need dependent and may be for rest home, hospital or dementia levels of care."

It can also be funded through other agencies such as ACC, or families can make private arrangements.

Bainswood on Victoria home manager Lucy Farley said the process of applying for respite care can be complex.

‘‘It can be a minefield for people, particularly when they are going through this big life change.’’

Palliative care can be available for younger people and end of life respite care is also available, she said.

Charles Upham Retirement Village manager David Cartwright said the village has 120 care beds for both short and long term care, but availability cannot be guaranteed.

‘‘Unlike a hotel, we may have a resident who comes in for 14 days, but they may be up and fit after seven days, or they may need 21 days, so it can be very difficult to try to allocate beds.’’

Holmwood Rangiora Lifecare care home manager Elsie Evans said a needs assessment is completed before a resident is admitted.

But the ability to offer respite care is subject to beds and staff being available.

■ Respite care is also available at Bainlea House and Ballarat Care Home (Rangiora), Annaliese Haven Rest Home (Kaiapoi), Ultimate Care Karaden (Oxford), Oxford Hospital, Bloomfields Court Retirement Village (Woodend), Adriel Resthome (Amberley), Amberley Resthome and Retirement Village, Waikari Hospital and Te Hā o Te Ora Kaikōura Health.

■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.