Thinking about home support for yourself or a loved one can feel like learning a new language. You may have heard the term NASC (Needs Assessment Service Coordination) tossed around by doctors or friends.
Essentially, a NASC assessment is the “master key” to unlocking government-funded home support in New Zealand. At Home Support North, we know the process can feel a bit like a maze, so we’ve broken down exactly how to navigate it here in Te Tai Tokerau.
What exactly is a NASC Assessment?
A NASC assessment is a free meeting where a trained professional (often a nurse or social worker) talks with you about your daily life. They look at what you’re doing well and where you might need a hand—like showering, meal prep, or getting to the shops—to help you stay independent in your own home for longer.
Check Your Eligibility
To qualify for a funded assessment, you generally need to be a NZ citizen or permanent resident and meet one of these criteria:
- Seniors: Aged 65 or older with age-related needs.
- Disability: Under 65 with a long-term physical, intellectual, or sensory disability.
- Chronic Health: People with long-term chronic health conditions that impact daily living.
Make the Referral
You don’t have to wait for a doctor to start this process, though they can certainly help. There are three ways to get a referral:
- Your GP: Ask your doctor to send a referral to the NASC team.
- Self-Referral: You (or a family member) can contact the NASC service directly.
- Hospital: If you or your loved one is currently in a Northland hospital, the staff there can arrange an assessment before you are discharged.
Contact the Right Team in Northland
Depending on your age and situation, you will talk to different teams in our region:
| If you are… | Contact this NASC Provider | Phone / Email |
| 65 or Older | Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ) – Northland | 0800 88 88 90 / nasc@northlanddhb.org.nz |
| Under 65 (Disability) | NorthAble Matapuna Hauora | 0508 637 200 / nascadmin@northable.org.nz |
The Assessment Visit
Once the referral is in, a Needs Assessor will contact you to book a time. This usually happens in your home.
- What happens: They will use a tool called interRAI to ask questions about your health, mobility, and home safety.
- Who can be there: We highly recommend having a family member, friend, or advocate present for support.
- The Result: You will be assigned a “level of care” (from Low to Very High), which determines how many hours of funded support you receive.
Choosing Home Support North
This is the most important part: You have the right to choose your provider. During your assessment, simply tell the coordinator: “I would like Home Support North to provide my cares.” Once they send the referral to us, our local Northland coordinators will visit you to create a personalized plan and introduce you to your support worker.
“What if I don’t qualify for funding?”
If the NASC finds you aren’t eligible for government funding, or if you simply want more help than the funded hours allow, you can still access our services. Many Northland families choose our Private Support options to fill the gaps, ensuring their loved ones have consistent, high-quality care without the waitlists.
Need a hand with the paperwork? Give our friendly Whangārei-based team a call on 0800 23 83 23. We can talk you through the process or even mail you a step-by-step info card to keep on the fridge.