Support for older people in Tairāwhiti

Local services providing care for older people in Tairāwhiti. These include Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agencies, Meals on Wheels and nursing.

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) agencies

The Needs Assessment Service assesses the needs of people who struggle with daily activities because of age, a health condition or disability. The goal of the needs assessment is to help people maximise their independence.

Needs Assessment Service (internal link)

NASC agencies organise help to stay at home, support services for carers and entry into residential care.

Needs Assessment and Service Coordination — Tairāwhiti

There are Needs Assessment and Service Coordination agencies for:

  • Gisborne
  • Hicks Bay
  • Matawai
  • Ruatoria
  • Tolaga Bay
  • Tokomaru Bay.

The agency contact for Tairāwhiti is NASC Older Persons.

NASC Older Persons — Health New Zealand Tairāwhiti (external link)

Other services for older people

Meals on Wheels

Meals on Wheels is a support service that prepares and delivers a subsidised hot midday meal.

Meals on Wheels (internal link)

You usually need to be referred to the service by a healthcare provider.

The Citizens Advice Bureau has contact details for Meals on Wheels services in each region.

Meals on Wheels community directory — Citizens Advice Bureau (external link) 

District nursing

The District Nursing Service provides assessment and treatment for clients in the community. To contact district nursing services:

  • Phone: 06 869 0505 for the District Nursing Community and Clinic.  
  • Phone: 06 869 0500 extension 8135 for the Ostomy and Continence Team. 
  • Address: 421 Ormond Road, Gisborne 4010
  • Mailing address: Private Bag 7001, Gisborne 4040  

Out of hours please phone your healthcare provider, GP or the Gisborne Hospital Emergency Department 06 869 0500.

District nursing — Health New Zealand Tairāwhiti (external link)

Shuttle services

The Sunshine Bus service is a registered charitable trust.

Volunteers provide wheelchair accessible transport for elderly and disabled people, with a focus on supporting independence. 

Sunshine Bus office hours are 8am to 12 noon.