About Us

This website is aimed at gerontology nurses. It promotes information sharing, collaboration and support across the aged care sector in the Waikato District Health Board region.

Gerontology nursing is an evidence based specialty practice that addresses the unique physiological, psychological, developmental, economic, cultural and spiritual needs related to the process of ageing and care of older adults.

Gerontology nurses promote wellness, optimum functioning, comfort and quality of life (often for vulnerable older adults with complex multi-morbidity, polypharmacy and cognitive impairment) from healthy ageing to end of life.

Our Team

Aloha Sison, Clinical Nurse Specialist Gerontology l Nurse-Led Services

My vision is that New Zealand continues to recognize the complexities that the aged care workforce is dealing with. Having a workforce that is well-recognized and well-supported will inspire the gerontology nurses to remain in their practice and continue to provide patient-centered care. It is important that we continue to acknowledge the pivotal role of gerontology nurses across various settings in providing excellent and compassionate care to our older people and Kaumatua to live well, age well and have a respectful end of life.

Ceasar Calawan, Clinical Nurse Specialist Gerontology l Nurse-Led Services

The era that we currently live is characterised by longer life expectancy. Due to this, industrialised countries, including New Zealand, is faced with a common challenge of caring for the ageing population with more comorbidities and disability. Access to primary care will be key to receiving coordinated care and avoidance to the emergency department. Hence, support to the workforce looking after the ageing population is crucial to providing a wholistic evidence-based patient-centered care.

Kate Yeo, Deputy Chief Nurse

Nurse-Led Services l Health Informatics and Technology l Policy and Procedure

Kate has responsibility to support clinical staff to adopt technologies that will improve health outcomes, equity of access, and quality of care for the population thorough a variety or initiative. Some of these initiatives include; working with providers to ensure IT products are fit for use by all professional and care groups; partnering with community services, such as aged residential care, to introduce technology so care can be provided through a virtual medium. Developing opportunity for education and professional development to be provided across multiple locations to cross continuum providers, which in part develops the skill and confidence of all involved; work shop with staff to develop understanding of current ways of working and how to capitalise on new ways of working with the support or technology to increase capacity while improving their sense of control and job satisfaction.