Timaru Community Services for the Elderly
Leisure Care Centre
The Centre provides a Day Care programme for older people in the community, where they can enjoy regular social contact, friendship and stimulating recreational activities. The Centre also provides relief for Carers. Transport is available to and from the Centre if required.
To find out more about our Leisure Care Centre - click here
Elder Protection Service
A person experienced in working with the elderly provides this Service in Timaru/South Canterbury district. Anyone can report elder abuse or neglect. The Elder Protection Service Co-ordinator works with the client, family/whanau and significant others to develop a plan to stop the abuse and/or neglect from occurring. Education/Public awareness presentations are available on request from community groups and other organisations.
To find out more about our Elder Protection Service - click here
Community First
In July 2005 an exciting initiative became a reality within the city boundaries of Timaru. Community First, and aims to support older people in their homes as their care needs become more complex. Some older people find the rest home environment sociable and secure and meets their needs. However for others there is a strong desire to stay in the familiar environment of their own home and community. It is these people who are the focus of the new service.
Access: Community First receives referrals from the Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination Team who can be contacted on (03) 687 7120. This service assesses older people's needs, and if they are considered eligible for rest home level care they will be offered the option of going into a rest home or being referred to Community First.
Service Offered: When a potential client is referred to Community First, the Co-ordinator will visit the person, and any family/whanau member/friend who is closely involved with that person, and ask the question "What is it YOU need to stay at home safely and happily?" From the discussion that follows, a Support Plan will be constructed. This plan will be flexible and responsive to needs that may change day to day. Community First has a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Registered Nurses, a Physiotherapist, an Occupational Therapist and a team of Support Workers who are specially selected for their skills and ability to contribute positively to the building of a support plan.
We work with clients to clarify a goal and then work towards making that goal happen. Goals will vary, but may be: "To be able to get out into the garden for some time each day.", or "To get from the bedroom to the lounge under my own steam." There is a strong focus on assisting people to regain or maintain the physical ability to carry out their goals. There is also a focus on assisting people to maintain or rebuild contacts in the community.
For information about Community FIRST, please contact the Co-ordinators on phone 03 6847360 or email Community FIRST
