Needs Assessment Service Coordination

Available in Hutt Valley and Tairawhiti

What is a Needs Assessment?

The purpose of a needs assessment is to gather relevant information about a client's current abilities, resources, goals and needs, then determining which of these agreed needs is most important for the client. The assessment is client centred and comprehensive.
Needs Assessors work in partnership with the clients and where appropriate, their partners/significant others. LIFE Unlimited welcomes the support of family/whanau for the client during the assessment.

Clients are asked to sign the completed assessment and are given a copy. Corrections to information can be made by the client.

What is Service Co-ordination?

After your assessment, a service co-ordinator plans a package of services to meet your assessed needs.

Coordinators have extensive knowledge of all options, including public, private, voluntary and community services. Service Co-ordination will advise which of your needs can be met by publicly funded services and will also consider ways of meeting needs which cannot be covered by these services.

Your services will be reviewed regularly (at least annually) to ensure your needs are still being met. If they are not the service co-ordinator will recommend an adjustment or arrange a re-assessment. You may also ask for a review if you feel the services are not fully meeting your needs. You may withdraw from the process at any time (although this may affect your eligibility).

Who is Eligible for Disability Support?

Those requesting an assessment must have a disability defined by the Ministry of Health as:

" …. a person with a disability is a person who has been identified as having a physical, psychiatric, intellectual, sensory or age related disability (or a combination of these), which is likely to continue for a minimum of six months and result in a reduction of independent function to the extent that ongoing support is required…."

Mental Health services are not covered under Needs Assessment Service Coordination services, but will be referred to Mental Health Services.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Your privacy and the confidentiality of your information will be safeguarded. You have the right to access all information arising from your assessment and service plan.

Enquiries and Referrals

Your enquiry is welcome as is your referral. Referrals can be made by clients, by their family/whanau members, GPs, other health professionals, disability groups and organisations or a friend. The client or caregiver's consent must be obtained prior to making the referral.

Compliments and Complaints

LIFE Unlimited welcomes your comments. If you are dissatisfied with any of the LIFE Unlimited processes, please write to the Manager. Complaints will be investigated and will be responded to.

Contact Details

Marlon Hepi , Hutt Valley NASC Manager
LIFE Unlimited
5 Bouverie Street
Petone
LOWER HUTT

Freephone: 0800 008 011
Phone: 04 569 3102
Fax: 04 569 3250
Email: marlonh "at" life.nzl.org

 OR

LIFE Unlimited Tairawhiti
326 Kahutia Street
GISBORNE

Attn: Tracy Hewson

Freephone: 0800 008 011
Phone: (06) 863 2836
Fax: (06) 863 2837
Email: tracy "at" life.nzl.org

 

Back to Top | Page last updated 15 August 2008