The patient's permission must be gained. If the patient lacks competence to give consent, the activated EPOA or other legally recognised person needs to be approached for consent.

Referrals are received from:

• Community health professionals and healthcare providers from any organisation that interfaces with older adults (where possible we prefer GP referral as medical background is important)
• GPs, hospital staff and specialists
• Other Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā services
• Residential aged care facilitites within the Te Whatu Ora - Waitematā catchment area.

Entry Criteria:

• Over 65 years of age and those with age related illness who are under 65 years. 
• Māori and Pacifica over 55 years.
• Patients who will significantly benefit from intervention which is designed to keep them well or optimally functional and/or out of hospital.
• High risk older adults requiring comprehensive geriatric assessment due to multiple co-morbidities and/or high risk of acute episodes requiring hospitalisation due to multiple geriatric frailty factors e.g. depression, dementia, incontinence, falls, nutrition/hydration issues, isolation and lack of caregiver support.
• Older adults requiring an assessment for suitability as part of the process for moving into residential aged care or to a higher level of care.

Referrals:
Telephone the one point of entry for information and advice:
Phone: (09) 486 8945 ext 43222 (8.00am - 4.30pm; Monday to Friday)
Email:  OlderAdultsHomeHealth@Waitematadhb.govt.nz (for referrals)

Click on the link to find information about the Residential Aged Care Integration Programme (RACIP).

• Referral Pathway - Community Gerontology Nursing Service (Jun21) (PDF, 295.5 KB)

North Auckland, West Auckland

www.waitematadhb.govt.nz/