Health of older persons (HOPS) — South Canterbury

Community health of older persons (HOPS) is part of a multidisciplinary team providing geriatric, psychogeriatric and nursing assessments, and referrals to allied health and care coordination services. Our aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults in the community and in aged residential care throughout South Canterbury.


Contact us

Contact HOPS through the Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit (AT&R) at Timaru Hospital:


Where to find us

HOPS is at AT&R reception:

Level 1, Timaru Hospital
Main Clinical Block
Queen Street
Timaru 7910

Hospital map — Timaru Hospital


Services we provide

The HOPS service works closely in consultation with your healthcare provider. We provide:

  • assessment and treatment for older people living in the community
  • hospital-based clinics
  • referrals to other parts of our multidisciplinary team, for example physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers
  • referrals to community supports, for example Alzheimers South Canterbury, Stay on Your Feet programme, Accredited Visiting Services (AVS), needs assessment service coordination (NASC) agencies and Caring for Carers
  • support with Advance Care Planning
  • assessment, monitoring and support to people who are managing long term conditions such as dementia and related behaviour problems, Parkinson's disease and heart disease.

Referral information

We prefer referrals to HOPS South Canterbury to be made via the integrated community assessment treatment team (iCATT) whenever possible.

  • Contact Sally Parker, clinical nurse specialist healthy ageing — phone 03 687 2100 (extension 8647)
  • Contact the AT&R Unit — phone 03 687 2280

Your healthcare provider can refer you to HOPS South Canterbury if they believe you would benefit from seeing a multidisciplinary team for any difficulties related to illness affecting you in old age.

They may also refer you if they feel you would benefit from a specialist doctor or nurse's advice regarding your medical condition.

Needs assessment service coordination assessors can also refer you into the HOPS team.