Social Work

Within our Clutha Health First Community Team we have two Social Worker that provides service to those in the Inpatient Ward and within the Community. The requirement to access Social Work services is that a person has Personal Health and/or Age Related issue. Our Social Work department is efficient in replying to referrals with contact being made with the client within 48 hours.

Our Social Workers Provide:

Information on Hospital Services
Supporting individuals / family / whanau through the transition from hospital care to home
Information on Disability Allowance (services funded)\
Information on management of disabilities and services available
Travel and accommodation funding information for people travelling outside of Otago to receive medical treatment at other centres
Supporting people to access community services / organisations
Linking people with other healthcare / social service providers
Supporting individuals / family / whanau to manage lifestyle changes as a result of health and / or disability issues
Supporting caregivers caring for a family member at home
Relationship management
Assisting with grief / stress management

If you wish to speak to one of our Social Workers, please call 03 419 0500 between the hours of 8.30 am and 5.00 pm.

Needs Assessment / Service Co-ordination

Needs Assessment and Service Co-ordination is a process to identify your need for support services. It takes into consideration your current informal and formal supports, your abilities and your eligibility to access Disability Support Services. In order to access support services funded by the Ministry of Health, via the Otago District Health Board it is necessary to undergo a Support Needs Assessment. Older people with health and disability needs that may continue for six months or longer and who may require ongoing support services.

A Service Co-ordinator will assist you to find suitable ways to meet your needs as identified in the Support Needs Assessment Form (SNAF).

The Service Co-ordinator will:

1) Give you information about:

What services are available
Whether you qualify for funded services
If a financial means test is required
Who the providers of services are

2) Allocate services

Allocate services according to need and availability
Funding may be limited by the ODHB
If you want funded support you will be given options of providers who have a contract with the ODHB
You will be referred to the Provider of your choice
You will be given information about other services or community supports if you need additional help or do not qualify for funded services.

If you receive Home Support, your needs will be reviewed annually, and if in residential care when your needs change. You may ask for a re-assessment or a review of your services at any time if your situation changes, or if you wish to change your provider.

If you wish to speak to one of our Needs Asessors or Service Co-ordinators, please call 03 419 0500 between the hours of 8.30 am and 5.00 pm.