Home-bound elderly continue to enjoy security, comfort and help from their regular hands-on support workers despite the level 3 lockdown restrictions.
“We haven’t missed a beat,” says Terri Manuel who is the locality manager with one of the district’s biggest home help operators, HealthCare New Zealand.
Our clients are all aged over 65 and reside from Potaka down to Nuhaka. Our staff have continued to help them with their personal care despite the challenges of COVID-19.”
Ms Manuel says the hands-on nature of the work including showering, dressing, and exercising with older people meant the company’s support workers were acutely aware of the risks they were putting themselves and their clients at.
“But it’s been no trouble to get the PPE we needed and to implement the training to go along with its use.”
Ms Manuel credited Hauora Tairawhiti for its ability to quickly supply HealthCare New Zealand’s six nurses, over 100 support workers, and handful of service coordinators with PPE in the lead up to, and during the lockdown. Ms Manuel says many clients receive their support from Ngati Porou Hauora staff and they too have continued to work during lockdown as has the Needs Assessment Service Coordination team.
HealthCare New Zealand nurse Wendy Worsnop attended Hauora Tairawhiti training in the use of PPE and then passed that knowledge on in one-on-one lessons for all of HealthCare New Zealand’s staff.
HealthCare New Zealand support worker Abby Maxwell took part in the training and has continued to see around 25 clients a day. While in people’s homes she prepares simple meals, helps older people take baths, and ensures they are continuing to take any prescribed medication.
HealthCare New Zealand support worker Abby Maxwell loves her job working with older people who need help with independent living. “Abby is tireless and well loved by her clients” says HealthCare New Zealand locality manager Terri Manuel.
Before entering the older person’s bubble, she says she stands on the front porch and asks about the household’s health.
“They [the clients] appreciate everything we are doing. They are always happy to see you and really love the service.”
Mrs Maxwell says it was vital the service continue during lockdown. Many older people were restricted in their normal outings which could have exacerbated feelings of social isolation.
“But with the connection and care from support workers they have continued to lead quality lives in their lockdown bubbles.”