Support Services
There is a wide range of resources available to help people with arthritis find the extra support they need. This may be financial support, funded health services, home support, and community and online organisations.Â
Whether you’re living with arthritis or caring for someone who is, this section of our website is dedicated to providing a list of support services available in Aotearoa to help manage living with arthritis.
Arthritis is a common condition that affects more than 700,000 people in New Zealand. It can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints, which can make everyday tasks more difficult and impact the overall quality of life. Fortunately, there are a variety of support services available to help people with arthritis manage their condition and associated difficulties that arise in day-to-day life.
Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC)
If you or someone you know needs help due to disability, mental health issues, or age-related needs, you may be eligible for government-funded support services in Aotearoa. Services and equipment are accessed through NASC which is tasked with providing assessments and coordinating government-funded services and equipment.
What is a NASC Assessment?
The NASC association will work with you to assess your needs and coordinate the provision of appropriately funded services. These services could include help with tasks around the home, meals, personal care, respite care, and support for independent living, including assistive equipment for the home. A NASC assessment can put you in touch with a multitude of services. It’s important you let your assessor know exactly how your health is impacting your life so they can be as thorough as possible. They will keep in touch with you yearly, and you can contact them at any time for a review of your needs.
How do I get it?
A needs assessment is usually applied for by your GP, a health professional, or hospital staff. You can also apply directly to your local NASC provider and ask for a referral form. You can apply on someone else’s behalf (with their permission). Once your referral is received, the NASC team will contact you to arrange an at-home assessment to determine eligibility and needs requirements.
Types of Support Services
