AUTUMN NEWSLETTER

Miranda Smith Homecare has been getting positive feedback from the senior community north of Auckland as it moves to expand its services into the Rodney district. Agency representatives have been meeting with groups such as Parkinson’s in Orewa and Warkworth to discuss what Miranda Smith Homecare can offer, and with a co-ordinator now set up in Orewa, the agency is keen to hear from both potential clients and caregivers in those areas. Meanwhile, the Auckland office has been busy bolstering its network of carers and is also keen to take on new clients. The Christchurch team is busy, as is Wellington, which is getting most of its enquiries as a result of recommendations from existing clients who have had great experiences with Miranda Smith Homecare. With the onset of winter and elderly being vulnerable to colds and flu, all offices are taking measures to ensure client have adequate warmth and are comfortable as the weather deteriorates. Miranda Smith Homecare also wants to remind people of its convalescence service, which involves discharge planning and aims to take the stress out of returning home following a stint in hospital. Carers will take practical and simple steps to ensure clients have the necessary assistance and best chance of recovery when returning home. They include ensuring beds have clean linen so as to reduce chance of infection, shopping and ensuring meals are readily available, organising medical prescriptions and assisting with exercise, etc. Day to day routines like cooking and cleaning are also undertaken by our carers. See our website: www.mshomecare.co.nz for more details

EXTRA DEMENTIA FUNDING POSITIVE

MEDIA RELEASE May 1, 2013 An extra budget allocation of $70 million for aged care and dementia is a positive sign that the Government is continuing to address under-funding in the aged care sector, says national care agency Miranda Smith Homecare. The government announced yesterday that $70 million over four years would be allocated to aged care and dementia services, including $20m for home support services to ensure more elderly can stay in their own homes longer. Miranda Smith Homecare managing director Miranda Smith says New Zealand’s rapidly ageing population will require huge resources and extra beds in coming years, and dementia is a major concern for an already starved health system. “One of the pleasing aspects of this is that extra home support services funding will ensure family members or other unpaid carers will have more support and relief,” Ms Smith says. “It’s great to see the need for more home-based care is being recognised, but with the rate of dementia increasing at 4 percent a year, the strain on the health system will continue to grow. The demand for dementia care will continue to outstrip funding.” Miranda Smith Homecare believes that industry support throughout all health providers needs a more collaborative approach to tackling care for a fast growing elderly population. Visit www.mshomecare.co.nz for more information about this agency.