Long-term condition and chronic-illness support

Our approach to chronic illnesses and long-term support

Living with a long-term condition or chronic illness can be challenging, both for individuals and their families/whānau. With personalised, chronic-illness and pain-support care plans, we’re here to ensure you or your loved one receive the right assistance, at the right time, in the comfort of your own home.

Our support services for long-term conditions and pain management are tailored to your needs. This may include assistance with personal care, medication reminders, mobility support, meal preparation, transport to appointments, and companionship.

Every long-term support and pain-relief plan is flexible and designed around you, ensuring that care adapts as your condition changes.

Understanding chronic and long-term conditions (LTC)

The word “chronic” means to continue for a long time or recur frequently. Chronic or long-term conditions (LTCs) are unfortunately quite common in New Zealand; according to Health NZ |Te Whatu Ora, as many as one in four New Zealanders live with multiple chronic conditions. The nature and causes of these can vary widely, but most will affect a person’s quality of life to some degree: they can pose mobility challenges, require long-term pain management, or limit capabilities in some areas. Those with chronic conditions can be more susceptible to environmental hazards. In some cases, they may require home support, whether that’s temporary or long term.

Common long-term conditions include:

  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Respiratory conditions
  • Gout
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Chronic pain

Just as the nature of long-term conditions can vary, so can the help required. From long–term, chronic-pain management to assistance with daily tasks, there are plenty of ways that chronic-illness support can be given. Each case is unique; it’s important to find the care that suits you.

Long-term chronic care: the Geneva Healthcare difference

Quality care. Our carers are experienced in managing long-term conditions, pain management, and other essential care services for people with chronic illnesses.

Flexible and tailored care plans. Each person’s experience of a chronic illness or long-term condition is unique, requiring bespoke care. We make it a priority to communicate clearly and adjust support when necessary: in life and in long-term chronic care, nothing stays the same for long!

Holistic focus. Our holistic approach considers your wellbeing in its entirety. Chronic pain and other long-term conditions can take a toll that’s mental as well as physical, and our care services aim to support you in all respects.

Comprehensive services. We have the depth and breadth of experience, skills and qualifications to provide varied and diverse chronic-illness support. As part of New Zealand Health Group, the nation’s largest in-home and community healthcare organisation, Geneva Healthcare has an extensive network of partners to call upon when needed.

Frequently asked questions: Support for long-term conditions and chronic illnesses

Long-term care is specialised for people living with ongoing health conditions that cannot be cured but can be managed. It focuses on improving quality of life, promoting independence, managing pain, and providing both practical and emotional support at home.

Yes. Most people prefer to stay in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. Our support workers can provide regular visits or full-time care, depending on your needs.

Support may be funded through your local Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) team, or through ACC if the condition is related to an injury. Private care options are also available to add extra support or hours.

Absolutely. We regularly review care plans to make sure they reflect your current needs and long-term goals for acute pain and symptom management. If your condition changes, we’ll adapt our support accordingly.

The right medications, treatments, pain management, and support can make a huge difference to your quality of life. Geneva Healthcare’s comprehensive, chronic-illness support, chronic-pain care, and other forms of assistance are often integral to helping people find the right balance and keep living a life they can enjoy.