Applications waiting for funding - Enable New Zealand Region

You will be aware that Complex Applications that are not urgent are waiting for funding availability.  We have been busy looking at creative ways to reduce waiting times, this has included:

Increasing store reissue – we continue to review applications waiting for funding against equipment becoming available in the Store. In this effort we will take a much broader view of what is a similar type of equipment item to meet the identified need, this has also involved input from the professional advisors at Enable New Zealand.

Reviewing lower dollar item requests currently awaiting funding – these are non common list items under $500. This is not an area that normally receives a lot of input from the professional advisors at Enable New Zealand. In this review it is apparent that a significant number of items are being requested which do not meet the set eligibility criteria, i.e. the item is not essential, or the item (or a similar item) is available for under $37.

For example this means that items listed below are not funded through EMS and these applications will be declined for funding:

• Long handled combs/hairbrushes
• Toe washers
• Food preparation devices for people who do not live alone
• Cutlery/plates/cups for people living in aged residential care
• Sock aids to put on pressure stockings or similar personal health needs
• Items to aid training for independent living
• Items to maintain ‘life role’
• Items which are available under $37 – even though the item applied for is from a Supplier whose cost for the item is above $37.

There are other issues raised in terms of the volume of cutlery and dressing items requested.  As we all know cutlery and adapting existing cutlery can range significantly in price.  It could be argued that identified needs can mostly be met with some plastizote tubing around the existing cutlery a person may already have. However, at this stage we are not delving into this too deeply, but would ask Occupational Therapists to rely on their creativity to find solutions where possible – especially noting that clients will have to wait a significantly long time to receive funding for these items.

The other noted theme is the volume of tap turners for older people who have ‘difficulty’ turning their taps on and off. Whilst we appreciate the issues with joint protection for RA, there is a concern that these devices are used to cover issues of maintenance for a home owner where tap washers need to be replaced, so again careful consideration of the funding criteria is urged for Specialised Assessors in this area. Please also note that some tap turners are available for under $37.

What you can do to help

1. Advise of withdrawn applications due to changing needs and circumstances, or due to clients passing on. This will avoid us working on applications which are no long active, or sending out equipment for people who no longer require the item.
2. Closely check applications against eligibility criteria. If you are not sure please ask for advice from your experienced colleagues or the professional advisors at Enable New Zealand.
3. Maximise the possibilities of accessing equipment from the Store. You can do this by making sure you provide descriptions of the equipment specifications and making it clear that any make/model will meet the need if available in the Store. Should nothing be available in the Store you will also need to give information on the Supplier/make/model of the item you wish to be purchased as per the usual process.