If you’ve just booked a NASC (Needs Assessment Service Coordination) visit, you might be feeling a bit nervous. It can feel like you’re being “tested” on how well you’re managing.
At Home Support North, we want to set your mind at ease. The assessment isn’t a test you can pass or fail—it’s simply a conversation to ensure you get the right support to keep living the life you want in Northland.
Here is a look at what actually happens during the visit and the questions they are likely to ask.
How the Visit Works
Usually, a trained assessor (often a nurse or social worker) will come to your home. The visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
Our Top Tip: Don’t tidy up! If you usually struggle with the vacuuming or laundry, it’s important the assessor sees the reality of your daily life. Also, have a support person with you—a daughter, son, or close friend can help remember details you might forget to mention.
The “interRAI” Questions
Assessors in New Zealand use a tool called interRAI. It’s a standardized way of looking at your health. They aren’t just checking your physical strength; they are looking at the “whole you.”
1. Personal Care & Daily Tasks
The assessor will ask how you manage with “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs).
- “Do you have trouble getting in and out of the shower safely?”
- “Can you manage buttons and laces when getting dressed?”
- “Are you able to prepare a hot meal for yourself, or do you rely on snacks?”
- “Who does the grocery shopping and the heavy cleaning?”
2. Mobility and Safety
They want to see how you move around your specific home environment.
- “Have you had any falls or ‘near misses’ in the last three months?”
- “Do you feel steady using the stairs or walking to the mailbox?”
- “Do you use any walking aids, and are they still working well for you?”
3. Memory and Mood
Mental wellbeing is just as important as physical health.
- “Do you find yourself forgetting appointments or your medication?”
- “Have you been feeling a bit low or lonely lately?”
- “Are you still able to engage in the hobbies you love?”
4. Your Support Network
They will ask about your “Natural Supports”—the unpaid help you already get from family or neighbors.
- “How often does your family visit to help out?”
- “Is your primary caregiver (like a spouse) feeling tired or stressed?”
Be Brutally Honest
Many of our Northland seniors are incredibly stoic. They tend to say, “Oh, I get by,” because they don’t want to be a bother.
Please, don’t do this! If you say you can manage the vacuuming but it actually leaves you exhausted and in pain for two days, tell them that. The funding is allocated based on your needs, so if you downplay your struggles, you may miss out on hours of help that could make your life much easier.
What Happens Next?
After the questions, the assessor won’t usually give you an answer on the spot. They take the information back to their team to:
- Determine your “Level of Care” (Low, Medium, High, or Very High).
- Create a Support Plan.
- Send the Referral to a provider like us.
Remember: When they ask who you want to provide your care, you can specifically request Home Support North. We’ve been working with the Northland NASC teams for years and can get your care started quickly once the paperwork is through.
