Referrals to New Zealand’s longest running private homecare agency,Miranda Smith Homecare, can now be made using HealthLink CareSelect.
Established in 1999 by Miranda Smith, the agency offers a range of services including personal, respite and specialised care all in the comfort of the patient’s home.
Miranda Smith Homecare employs over 300 carers and has offices in Auckland, Tauranga, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington and Canterbury, with support staff available in Manawatu.
Managing director Miranda Smith says her organisation prides itself on the high standard of care it provides and also its ability to arrange care at short notice.
“We offer a few hours of care a day through to 24/7 care. We have a very large scope and assist with anything from showering, dressing and meal preparation, through to respite and end of life nursing care,” Miranda says.
She says a lot of people find they suddenly need home-based care.
“We have a quick turn around and can organise care within 24 hours if needed. If we get a call in the morning, we can often have it organised on the same day.”
She says many patients have family who live out of town so it’s reassuring for the family to know there’s someone on the ground to keep an eye on their loved one.
Care plans to suit patient
She says the care plans are tailor-made and flexible to suit the patient’s needs and wishes.
“Patients love the fact they can choose their own carer and that they have the same person looking after them for the duration of their care, which provides a nice continuity.”
Patients also have flexibility around when they want their carer to come, if they want to meet a new carer or if they want their care to stop and start.
“For example, they may just want their carer during winter and not need them during the summer months. It’s all about providing a personalised service and ensuring patients are getting the best care possible so they can maintain their independence.”
Miranda says her organisation has an excellent reputation for matching the best carer to suit the patient’s needs.
“Our carers are all carefully selected, screened and undergo a robust induction and training. Their training is also specific to the person they’re caring for – if they’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, then they’ll get specific training on how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s.”
Homecare products available to buy
Miranda Smith Homecare recently started offering homecare products for sale.
“We sell mobility, bathroom and bedroom products including things like shower stools and walkers.”
She says the products are really helpful for people who have come out of hospital or who have had a health crisis.
“If they’ve decided to stay at home, they can get a whole range of products to assist them in one go from one place.”
How to refer to Miranda Smith Homecare:
- open the patient record
- select the HealthLink icon
- use the CareSelect search bar, type “Miranda Smith”
- click “Compose Referral”.