FOCUS
Frequently asked questions about what we can do to help.
Who and what does FOCUS do?
FOCUS is a needs assessment service coordination (NASC) agency for people with disabilities.
FOCUS is part of Wairarapa DHB. The Ministry of Health contracts us to provide support needs assessments for people with disabilities to enable you to maximise your abilities. We also coordinate support options for many people with disabilities, including funding some support services.
What is a disability?
A disability is a physical, sensory, neurological, intellectual or age-related condition (or a combination of these) that has been diagnosed and will last more than six months. It will have created a reduction in your ability to be independent, for which you require some form of support.
How do I get help from you?
Anyone can refer to FOCUS. You do not have to go through your GP, although that can be helpful as your GP knows a lot about your disability.
What happens when I contact FOCUS?
Once we have your referral, we will advise you if you are eligible for our service. If you are not eligible, we will suggest where you can get help or advice.
We work out how urgent your referral is and let you know when we will come and see you. One of our qualified staff then contacts you to make an appointment to start the support needs assessment.
You are able to chose your support needs assessor. FOCUS is able to offer you a European or Maori assessor.
This assessment may include other health professionals—we will advise you.
You can have a friend or relative with you for support during the assessment if you would find this more comfortable.
What does the 'support needs assessment' involve?
The support needs assessment is NOT a clinical assessment, which is why it is different from an assessment by your GP or specialist.
We look at what you can do and what you have difficulty with, including mobility, memory, safety round the home, the support of others and so on.
If you have a carer, we also look at your carer's needs.
What happens after the assessment?
Once we have completed the support needs assessment, together we use the information to agree goals to maximise your independence.
It's part of FOCUS's role to then help you to identify as many options to meet your goals as we can.
Some of the options identified may include funded support for some activities. Where this is so, we will advise you on the limitations of that support and the rules that apply.
Our Philosophy
To facilitate life options of all people living with disabilities and their carers to enable optimal family/whanau community participation while maximising efficient and effective use of resources.
Our Mission Statement
To optimise the independence of all people living with disabilities.
Contact details
Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5pm
Out of hours, please leave a phone message for the next working day, or follow recorded instructions for emergency assistance.
Toll free: 0800-900-001
Phone: (06) 946 9813 (24 hrs)
Fax: (06) 946 9826
Te Ore Ore Road
Selina Sutherland Drive
PO Box 96
Masterton
E-mail: focus@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz
www.adhb.govt.nz/rcline/ This Auckland-based website gives excellent general information on options and requirements for people who may need supported care either at home or as a resident of a care facility.