The Home Team - Kā pouwhirinaki ā kāika
The Home Team is a team of nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and rehabilitation assistants bringing healthcare to patients in their own homes.
Supporting you in your home - He kaitautoko ā kāika
This service aims to help support you at home after leaving the hospital, or it can act as a support service at home to avoid being patients being admitted to the hospital. Patients recover quicker in their own home and have a much greater chance of regaining their independence.
Watch this video to find out more about Southern Health's Home Team!
How does the Home Team work?
A health care professional from the Home Team will visit you in your home to access what level of support you require to maintain your independence.
The Home Team will support you for two weeks. At the end of this time, if you still require support, you will be referred to other community teams, services, or providers.
The Dunedin and Invercargill based Home Teams are there to support you and discuss any concerns you may have. They will make sure adequate support is put in place for you to regain your independence and remain safely at home
How is a patient referred to the Home Team?
If you have been an inpatient or have visited the Emergency Department one of the Home Team will visit you in your home within 24 hours of leaving the hospital.
You can also call 0800 734 246 to self refer and speak with the coordinator directly.
What if I become unwell while under the Home Team’s care?
If you become unwell while under the Home Team’s care, please call us on 0800 734 246 between the hours of 8am and 8pm. We will assess you and make sure you are getting the right care at home. If you become unwell outside of these hours, please contact either your GP, Healthline or 0800 611 116, or ring 111 for an ambulance (St John’s).
How old does a patient have to be in order to be supported by the Home Team?
The service accepts supports patients over the age of 18 years but the majority are older patients.
What area does the Invercargill Home Team cover?
Greater Invercargill and Dunedin Areas (within 40 minutes drive)
When is the Home Team available?
Monday to Friday - 8am to 8pm.
What if I'm not sure about whether going home is the right option for me?
For some older people, continuing to live at home is their preferred option, if there are the right supports in place. Southern DHB's Home as My First Choice programme starts from the position of 'What would we need to do to make staying at home possible?' For others, returning home may no longer be the right option. Find out more about exploring the options that are right for you here.