Phone: (04) 380 2440 |
Email: administrator@wellelder.nz
Counselling
Older people are often challenged to cope with a number of significant changes. Sometimes these occur simultaneously. For example, their own reducing physical capabilities, becoming a carer for their spouse or partner, shrinking social opportunities, and loss of independence.
WellElder provides specialist, subsidised counselling for people aged 60 and over (from 55 if Māori or Pasifika) living in the Health NZ / Te Whatu Ora - Capital & Coast area. We counsel individuals, couples or family/whānau in Newtown, Johnsonville, Porirua, and Paraparaumu, Hutt Valley and in clients’ homes if mobility is an issue.
Where counselling is offered
Below is a snapshot of some of the locations where our counselling sessions currently take place. At the time of your appointment, you will be given full details about where your session will be held.
We work across the Wellington region, including Newtown, Johnsonville, Porirua, Paraparaumu, and the Hutt Valley. Where mobility is an issue, we can sometimes arrange in-home or remote counselling. Our team can provide advice and information on the most suitable location for you.
Making an appointment with us
If you would like to make an appointment for yourself, you are welcome to self-refer.
To do this, please click on the Referral tab on the home page and complete the referral form.
What we will need from you
When you complete the referral form, we will ask for:
- Your contact details
- Your date of birth and ethnicity
- Your NHI number (National Health Index number)
(If you don’t know your NHI, your medical centre can provide it. You don’t need this straight away — it can also be given at your first appointment.)
Once we receive yourreferral, we will contact you to arrange an appointment time and will send youconfirmation details, including the date, time, location, and the name ofyour counsellor.
Referring a family member
If you are enquiring onbehalf of a family member, we will need to know that you have discussed thiswith them and that they agree to counselling. We will usually also speak withthem directly.
If you’re unsure whethercounselling may be helpful, we are very happy to have an exploratoryconversation with you to help decide whether WellElder is the right fit.
Client rights
When you contact us and see a counsellor you can expect:
- to be treated with respect, including respect for your culture, values and beliefs
- to be safe, physically and emotionally
- to be listened to
- to make your own decisions and, where appropriate, to have your counsellor’s support to reach these
- to know your information and records are confidential, except where there is a risk of harm to you or others.
With your agreement your counsellor will liaise with other health professionals for you to receive coordinated and consistent care.
If you wish, you may see your notes and records. (We may need notice for this.) You may ask for changes to these, if you believe them to be incorrect or inaccurate.
We welcome any comments you have about our service, whether these are compliments or criticisms. We give you an evaluation form when you complete counselling. We also welcome feedback at any time. You can talk to your counsellor or ring or email the office.
If you are concerned about our service, please let us know.
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Manager Debra Halton 04 380 2440 |
Chairperson Diana O’Neill 04 380 2440 |
If, after speaking with us, you are not satisfied, you may contact the Health and Disability Commissioner.