Services:

• Enliven
• Family Works
• Real People
• Cranford Hospice

New Elder Care Service in Gisborne Region – Evergreen Circle

 

Commencing in July 2005 this new service from Presbyterian Support East Coast is being funded as a “pilot” for one year by the Tairawhiti District Health Board.

 

For several years Presbyterian Support has been aware of the many older people in the community who do not receive adequate support. These people are often lonely, lose mobility, find daily task increasingly difficult, become depressed and have failing health. The tragedy is that much of this suffering is unnecessary with the right kind of help.

 

Evergreen Circle uses the skills of physiotherapists, nurses, recreation therapists and dieticians along with the growing enthusiasm of older people themselves to create a day activity programme, for older people living in the community

 

“The programme targets those wanting to stay active, safe and independent in their own homes,” says Lorna Cowan, Presbyterian Support East Coast Manager Services for Older People.   

 

“We set out to improve clients confidence and sense of well-being, we encourage individual client programmes. We target people over 65 who are perhaps living alone, who may have had a fall or slip recently, and would like to stay active, safe and independent in their homes. “ says Lorna.

 

The programme will be offered to approximately 36 older people in the Gisborne region, through two weekly five hour programmes. Clients can refer themselves to the Evergreen Circle by making a call to the programme Manager who will assess them to ensure the programme will meet their needs. Included in the programme are health checks, physiotherapy based exercise, guest speakers who initiate a range of information and discussion on issues relevant to clients, nutritional and cooking advice, and social outings.

 

“Clients are encouraged to develop a telephone tree network outside the Evergreen Circle, which nurtures friendships, confidence, safety and independence” adds Lorna.

 

The Evergreen Circle is free of charge, with free transport to and from the clients’ home. A small charge is made for the mid day meal.

 

Evergreen Circle is an established programme that has been operating in Hastings for over 2 years. This has proved most successful and a second is planned there to meet demand.   

 

“We are currently setting up the programme in Gisborne and will begin promoting the Evergreen Circle later this month” Lorna advises. “In the meantime those who want further information should contact me on 06 877 8193.”