Long stay services

Long stay placements have no set length and are dependent on the needs of tāngata whai ora.

It is a time when people are supported to work towards their recovery and wellbeing-based goals until they are able to transition to another housing option to suit their needs.

Ahikāroa helps identify the most suitable residential provider based on referral documentation, in agreement with the referrer and clinical key worker. Ongoing collaboration between Ahikāroa, the clinical key worker, residential provider, tangata whai ora and whānau informs the rest of the long stay process.

Ahikāroa also works with residential providers and mental health clinical keyworkers to review the goals and needs of tāngata whai ora over the course of their placement.

Long stay residential recovery service flow and timeframes

How to access long stay services

Clinicians from Waikato DHB Mental Health & Addictions services and Hauora Waikato need to fill out a referral form and provide supporting documentation for eligible tāngata whai ora.

Eligibility for long stay

Referrals for long stay can be made for tāngata whai ora who:

• are receiving mental health and/or addiction support from Waikato District Health Board (WDHB) or Hauora Waikato
• have an assigned mental health and/or addictions clinical team or key worker
• have clinical rationale for mental health residential recovery services
• are aged 18 or over.

Referral process

The referring clinician needs to:

• work in collaboration with tangata whai ora and whānau, to assess and understand whether they need a residential service and what goals they would be working towards once there. It is important to consider what the plan will be once they leave the residential service
• contact Ahikāroa with any questions, we can discuss people’s needs and provide guidance
• complete the referral form and update any required supporting documentation
• send completed form and supporting documents to ahikaroa@wisegroup.co.nz.

The Ahikaroa coordination team will acknowledge your referral and start the process of matching your request to available or upcoming vacancies.

Reviews and transition to housing

Ahikāroa meets regularly with residential providers to review how a placement is going and identify if it is meeting the needs of tāngata whai ora.

These reviews help to identify who may need a different level of support, or who may be ready to transition into independent housing in the community.