The Home Help scheme started in 1994 and is a contract with the Department of Health as well as ACC, Veterans Affairs, and Geneva Health.
People are assessed by Aotea Health and the Aotea Family Support Group finds the worker for the client and manages the service. At present, there are nearly 30 workers who go into the home to do everything from washing floors, general housework to laundry and shopping. Personal care is also available where required.
This service enables people to remain in their own homes and stay on the island for as long as possible. It gives isolated elderly people contact with other people in the community, and it provides employment for the community.