Elderly couples living in their own home can face particular difficulties where one of them becomes unwell. If the required care is too much for the other spouse to cope with alone, there is help available.

The family GP can refer such patients to the Nelson Marlborough DHB for a clinical assessment so a support plan put in place. This is done by DHB Support Works in Blenheim. People may also call Support Works direct.

The partner providing the care may be able to get some respite care, either in their own home or a rest home. Day care, through an organisation like Alzheimers Marlborough, may suit some situations. Household help - cleaning, cooking or washing - is available in some cases.

Work and Income assistance may apply to some couples, depending on their financial situation, to help meet things like:

• Prescriptions and doctors' visits
• Extra costs of having a disability
• Transport costs to doctor or hospital
• Ambulance fees
• Dentures, glasses or hearing aids.

Depending on the circumstances, these costs may be covered through:

• Community Services Card
• Disability Allowance
• Recoverable Assistance Payment or Special Needs Grant
• Temporary additional support or advance payment of benefit.

Some people qualify for the Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card. Any pharmacist can advise on this.

Those who don’t qualify for a Community Services Card may be able to get the High Use Health Card if there are regular GP visits for an on-going medical condition. The GP can advise on this.

More information:

NMDHB Support Works: Ph: 0800 244 300 to be put in touch with an assessor in Blenheim

• Age Concern Marlborough Inc: Ph: 579 3457
• Alzheimer’s Marlborough Centre: Ph: 577 6172
• Stroke Foundation: Ph: 578 3603
• Cancer Society Marlborough: Ph: 579 4379
• MS and Parkinson's Society: Ph: 578 4058
• Presbyterian Support Home Care (Diane McMurtrie): Ph: 577 9005 ext 703
• Senior Services: Ph: 0800 552 002 or www.seniors.msd.govt.nz