1 July 2008
News release
NZ’s Most Experienced Private Homecare Agency Launches In Christchurch
The most experienced private home care agency in the country opened its doors in Christchurch today (ie. 1 July).
Miranda Smith Homecare Ltd has expanded into the South Island due to growing demand for in-home care.
“As the population ages and more elderly people choose to stay in their own homes, our carers have never been busier,”
says company founder Miranda Smith.
“In recent months, we’ve had many inquiries from Cantabrians about our services so we decided it was time we set up
here.”
Based in Bealey Avenue, Merivale, the agency already has about 35 Canterbury-based carers available to provide in-home
care.
The Christchurch office is run by Meredith Rookes, who recently spent eight years in the United Kingdom working as an
occupational therapist and as a health consultancy manager for AIG Medical and Rehabilitation Limited, the
longest-established case management company in the UK.
Miranda Smith began providing care in the community nine years ago, after working for a similar style agency in the
United Kingdom. She introduced the concept here in 1998, becoming one of the first private home care agencies in the
country.
Now the longest-running private home care agency in New Zealand, Miranda Smith Homecare already operates in Auckland and
Wellington, providing carers to assist the elderly, disabled and convalescents in their own homes.
“We’re delighted to now make our services available to people in the Canterbury region too,” she said.
“There’s a lot of research that shows allowing adults to stay in their own surroundings has advantages in terms of
longevity and happiness. People respond better if they can stay in their home and maintain a degree of independence.”
Referrals to the agency come via people’s GPs, needs assessors for District Health Boards and friends and relatives of
existing clients.
Miranda Smith said rates start at $25 per hour (plus gst) and go through to 24 hour care.
“Clients also get to choose which carer they prefer and often form a very close bond with that person.”
Miranda says about 60% of the company’s business is providing companionship and personal care while the other 40% is
“high needs”.
Last year, Miranda Smith Homecare was the subject of a home care story on the Target television programme and was the
top-rated agency.
To find out more, visit www.mshomecare.co.nz.
ENDS