Private Care NZ is supporting older New Zealanders to access vital healthcare services and social activities with the support of a highly trained caregiver, through a new partnership with Uber Health.
Their new supported travel and activities service is the latest offering from Private Care NZ – Aotearoa’s leading provider of in-home care for older people – and one of a suite of services designed to provide all the wrap-around support older people need to live well in the comfort of their home.
Now, Private Care NZ can arrange for a person they support to travel in an Uber to and from medical appointments, minor medical procedures, and major surgeries and receive support and companionship from a highly trained caregiver throughout their journey. Unlike a standard Uber or taxi service that offers a curb-to-curb service, carers can help the person they support to get ready before they leave home, and, if required, stay with them during the appointment.
The carer can also return home with the client, ensure they are comfortable and settled in their own home, and provide other support services such as personal cares, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
“As the first healthcare provider in New Zealander to partner with Uber Health, Private Care NZ is leading the way in providing an affordable and convenient travel option for older New Zealanders to access vital medical appointments and ensure they get the specialised healthcare support they need to return home safely and recover in their own homes,” says General Manager of Private Care NZ Hannah Rainey.
“Our service bundles the convenience of having your transport organised for you with the peace-of-mind of knowing you’re supported by a trained healthcare professional.
“This service is yet another way Private Care NZ is providing the services older New Zealanders need to live independently in the comfort of their own home and avoid the often costly and unsettling move to a retirement village or rest home.”
Uber Health is the healthcare arm of the global transportation giant and is launching in New Zealand today in partnership with Private Care NZ. Uber Health already supports healthcare providers in Australia, US, and UK to book transport on behalf of patients and remove the barrier of transport for vulnerable communities to access healthcare.
Ms Rainey says Private Care NZ can also offer their supported travel and activities service when their clients attend other events such as coffee with friends, exercise classes or run errands, such as shopping.
This on-the-go support is one of many “add-on” services Private Care NZ offers, including direct access to emergency services with a Freedom Medical Alarm and meal delivery from MADE by My Food Bag. The team at Private Care NZ can organise all these services and wrap it up in one monthly bill, saving the people they support from having to sign-up for multiple services or download any apps.
Private Care NZ is part of New Zealand Health Group – New Zealand’s largest provider of in-home and community care in Aotearoa – and provides tailored in-home support services for older people nation-wide. For more information, please visit the Private Care NZ add-on services page.
