Care needs and assessment
Discuss the patient's current support needs and any existing needs assessment. If an assessment or reassessment is needed, coordinate with the appropriate local service.
Healthcare professionals · GPs
Supporting your patient's move into care
A practical starting point for GPs considering residential care with a patient and their family or whānau. Discuss the patient's needs, local care options and the next steps with a community team.
A resource to share
A guide for residents and families
Download a one-page guide to share after your conversation. It includes practical next steps, local care phone numbers and space for questions to take to a visit.
Download the guide (PDF, 1 page)Speak with the right team
Community contacts by location
Call to discuss a potential referral, care suitability and current availability. Ask the team how to securely share patient information before sending any documents.
Feilding
For GPs
Prepare for a clinical conversation
Information for the receiving team
Ask which clinical summary, medication information and relevant care plans the home needs to consider the referral. Confirm a suitable way to transfer this information with the team.
Continuity of care
Clarify ongoing GP arrangements, who will coordinate the handover and how changes in the patient's needs will be communicated.
Have these details ready for the conversation
- The patient's preferred location and proposed timing
- Assessed care level, if available, and the reason for referral
- Current clinical and medication information relevant to the move
- The patient's wishes and the agreed family or whānau contacts
Common questions
Questions before a referral
Can I discuss a possible referral before a move is agreed?
Call the relevant community to discuss care options, current availability and what information is needed to consider suitability. An enquiry does not confirm admission.
Can the patient keep their current GP?
Discuss this with the home and the patient's GP. Confirm the arrangements for ongoing care before the move.
Where does needs assessment fit?
A needs assessment helps establish the level of care and services a person needs. The local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) service works with the person and, where appropriate, their family or whānau.
Read the New Zealand Government guide to starting residential careTake the next step
Discuss a potential referral
Speak with the local team about the person's needs and the information required to consider a placement.