News

Older People's Oral Health Survey

25 May 2012

The Ministry of Health are currently funding a project to collect information from older people on their oral health status. For participants this will involve answering some questions and having a dental examination from a registered dentist.  Around 2,000 participants living in both residential care homes and the community will be selected at random to take part. Selected participant will receive an invitation to take part along with an information leaflet explaining more about the survey. If you are interested in hearing more about the project please view the Information Leaflet.

 
 

ODT - $6m-$7m rise in dementia-care funding

25 May 2012

Recent news stories from the independently owned Otago Daily Times. 

$6m-$7m rise in dementia-care funding

Polytechnic has plans to keep older people connected

Disability funding gets tick, pending details

Centuries of farm ownership marked

 
 

Stuff - 73-year-old woman scales Mount Everest

25 May 2012

Recent articles from Stuff (a nationwide newspaper website operated by the Fairfax Group) include: 

73-year-old woman scales Mount Everest

Hot retiree action for film

Board's failure to act for elderly 'shameful'

Smaller print concerns aged advocacy groups

 
 

New Zealand Herald - Metlifecare scales back Vision merger sweetener

21 May 2012

Recent articles from the New Zealand Herald

Metlifecare scales back Vision merger sweetener

Social agencies seek halt to pensioner housing sale

Addressing the cost of rest-home care

Golden years bring rewards

Grey power drives volunteer work

Elderly protester knocked out during confrontation with police

 
 

Voxy - NZACA welcomes HRC inquiry finding

16 May 2012

www.voxy.co.nz is updated throughout the day seven days a week with the latest New Zealand entertainment, sport, lifestyle, health, business, politics and technology news.

Voxy's primary sources of content are its community of bloggers and the New Zealand Press Association (NZPA) - though everyone with something to say is encouraged to contribute.

NZACA welcomes HRC inquiry finding

DHB launches campaign to prevent falls

Two sets of grandparents grab Lotto wins

Maori cultural values important in ageing - study

 
 

Scoop - New figures show older people significant portion of society

16 May 2012

Scoop is a “fiercely independent” press release driven Internet news agency accredited to the New Zealand Parliament Press Gallery and also fed by a multitude of Business, Non-Government-Organisation, Regional Government and Public Relations communication professionals.

New figures show older people significant portion of society

Home based elderly care business set to expand

New aged care provider for Queenstown

Care Workers’ Pay

 
 

Selected Prime Minister's, Ministers Speeches and Press Releases (2011-2012)

16 May 2012

15 May, 2012 Budget 2012: $144m more for disability support Hon Tony Ryall

5 May, 2012 Better home and community services for older people  Hon Jo Goodhew

3 May, 2012 Address to Grey Power New Zealand AGM Hon Jo Goodhew

26 April, 2012 More dementia treatment available in Ashburton Hon Jo Goodhew.

25 April, 2012 Speech to the New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair, Gallipoli Hon Nathan Guy

25 April, 2012 Speech to the Anzac Dawn Service, Gallipoli Hon Nathan Guy

24 April, 2012 New Zealand commemorates Anzac losses in Turkey Hon Nathan Guy

24 April, 2012 Turkish national honoured for Anzac contribution Hon Nathan Guy

24 April, 2012 Speech to the Turkish International Service at Mehmetcik Memorial, Cape Helles  Hon Nathan Guy

19 April, 2012 New service for older people brought forward by quake Hon Jo Goodhew

7 April, 2012 Tony Ryall pays tribute to Sir Peter Tapsell Hon Tony Ryall

27 March, 2012 Age Concern NZ National Conference and AGM 2012 Hon Nathan Guy

27 March, 2012 Address to Age Concern New Zealand conference Hon Jo Goodhew

16 March, 2012 War Disablement Pension and Veteran’s Pension rates increase  Hon Nathan Guy

13 March, 2012 Free flu immunisation helps protect New Zealanders Hon Jo Goodhew

15 February, 2012 New Zealanders commemorate the anniversary of the fall of Singapore Hon Nathan Guy

9 February, 2012 Healthline clocks up 2.5 million calls Hon Tony Ryall

18 January, 2012 Changes to Government health targets Hon Tony Ryall

11 November, 2011 Minister marks 93rd anniversary of Armistice Hon Judith Collins

14 October, 2011 Turia welcomes legislation for fulltime Disability Rights Commissioner Hon Tariana Turia

12 October, 2011 Passchendaele essay winner congratulated Hon Judith Collins

12 October, 2011 Bowel screening pilot begins in Waitemata Hon Tony Ryall

10 October, 2011 Retirement villages consultation released today Hon Maurice Williamson

6 October, 2011 Sleepover Wages (Settlement) Bill passed Hon Tony Ryall

30 September, 2011 Celebrating International Day of Older Persons Hon Craig Foss

26 September, 2011 Launch of Napier City Council Home Safety Flipchart Hon Craig Foss

21 September, 2011 Easier access to home support for older NZers Hon Tony Ryall

21 September, 2011 Address to NZ Healthcare Summit 2011 Hon Peter Dunn

20 September, 2011 Passchendaele contest winner named Hon Judith Collins

15 September, 2011 Minister marks Battle of Britain anniversary Hon Judith Collins

2 September, 2011 New Human Rights Commissioner appointed for disability issues Hon Simon Power

1 September, 2011 First World War centenary plans announced Hon Christopher Finlayson

29 August, 2011 Comprehensive clinical assessments coming for rest homes Hon Tony Ryall

29 August, 2011 New Zealand Aged Care Association conference Hon Tony Ryall

15 August, 2011 Minister marks anniversary of VJ Day Hon Judith Collins

10 August, 2011 Changes to Retirement Villages (Fees) Regulations 2006 Hon Maurice Williamson

8 August, 2011 Minister saddened by death of Nancy Wake Hon Judith Collins

4 August, 2011 New Zealand Home Health Association (NZHHA) Hon Tony Ryall

4 August, 2011 Minister marks 97th anniversary of Great War Hon Judith Collins

28 July, 2011 Communications upgrade for hearing and speech impaired communities Hon Steven Joyce

14 July, 2011 Collins to lead WWII commemoration planning Hon Judith Collins

11 July, 2011 Minister releases Civil Defence, Racing and Senior Citizens Briefings Hon Craig Foss

8 July, 2011 Minister thanks veterans’ health Advisory Group Hon Judith Collins

6 July, 2011 New guidelines to improve dementia and addiction services Hon Jonathan Coleman

29 June, 2011 Winara Rest Home and Hospital Wing Opening – Waikanae Hon Tony Ryall

27 June, 2011 Minister honours Korean War veterans Hon Judith Collins

22 June, 2011 Volunteering patterns changing over time Hon Hekia Parata

16 June, 2011 New guidelines for medicines management in aged care Hon Tony Ryall

14 June, 2011 Respect not threats for our seniors Hon Craig Foss

6 June, 2011 Minister pays tribute to D-Day veterans Hon Judith Collins

2 June, 2011 New Zealand and Australian seniors to share discounts Hon John Carter

26 May, 2011 Heroic Regiment receives Korean citation Hon Judith Collins

20 May, 2011 Gallantry Allowance to increase Hon Judith Collins

20 May, 2011 Crete veterans honoured at Parliament Hon Judith Collins

20 May, 2011 Speech to Battle of Crete 70th Anniversary Reception Hon Judith Collins

20 May, 2011 Conference celebrates volunteers and looks to the future Hon Hekia Parata

6 May, 2011 Budget 2011: Investing in NZers with disabilities Hon Tariana Turia

6 May, 2011 Be Launch; Auckland War Memorial Museum Hon Tariana Turia

2 May, 2011 Report focuses on economic benefits of ageing Hon John Carter

 

 
 

Heart Foundation is offering Free Seminars for Older People in Christchurch area

24 Apr 2012

The Heart Foundation is offering free seminars for older persons focusing on heart health, resilience and a providing wellness toolkit.

The Seminars will be as follow

Heart Health Seminar for Older Persons - FREE seminars

3 sessions to choose from:

Monday 14th May: 12noon -1.30pm; Russley Golf Club, 428 Memorial Avenue, Burnside

Tuesday 15th May: 10am-11.30am; Rangiora Baptist Church, 111 East Belt, Rangiora

Tuesday 15th May: 12.30-2pm; Salvation Army, 250 Colombo Street Sydenham (at corner of Southampton Street)

Informative talks by Lucy Hone (Wellbeing expert); Ruth Davidson (Nurse) and Heart Foundation staff from the Christchurch Office.

Please RSVP for catering purposes to Jenny on 366 2112 or

 
 

First, Do No Harm campaign launches

20 Apr 2012

The First, Do No Harm patient safety campaign has taken a step forward with the launch of its new website – www.firstdonoharm.org.nz

The campaign aims to share information and experiences between the age-related residential care sector, DHBs and primary care across the Northern Region in the name of reducing preventable patient harm.

Under the Northern Region Health Plan, the First, Do No Harm and Health of Older People workstreams will be working closely to help address important patient safety areas such as falls, pressure injuries, transfer of care, medication management and reducing healthcare-acquired infections.

Involving the aged care sector is considered a priority because of its lead role in caring for people who are at high risk of suffering major harm from falls.

First, Do No Harm seeks to find ways of working together to minimise harm to patients during care and to connect staff from multiple organisations while fostering a new sense of regional cooperation.

This will allow the sharing of experiences so the region can work and learn together while reducing duplication of effort and waste of limited resources.

The campaign’s new website has been launched to raise the profile of patient safety activities being developed and to provide consistent information and messaging to staff.

Signing-up as a member of the site will allow access to secure discussion forums for the sharing of information and opinions.

There is also the option of subscribing to regular e-newsletters providing the latest news on First, Do No Harm initiatives.

First, Do No Harm is part of the Northern Region Health Plan developed by the Northland, Waitemata, Auckland and Counties Manukau DHBs along with the National Maori PHO Coalition, Alliance Health + and Greater Auckland Integrated Health Network.

Key staff were appointed late last year to run the campaign and can be contacted for further information:

First, Do No Harm Clinical Lead Karen O’Keeffe -  Karen.O’Keefe@northlanddhb.org.nz or 021 274 2454.

 
 

Close Up - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

03 Feb 2012

Close Up investigates the financial support given to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.

 

Click HERE to view.

 
 

Eldernet Gazette - coverage of the Aged Care Debate

14 Nov 2011

On Friday the great debate was on!

You can read about it here in INsite, and we had a 'reporter' cover it for you too. Check out Leigh Kelly's reportage of the debate on the Eldernet Gazette here.

 
 

Concern over Low Wages in Aged Care Sector - Human Rights Commission

02 Nov 2011

Aged care workers are attending public meetings around the country to have their say in the Human Rights Commission’s Inquiry into the Equal Employment Opportunities Issues in the Aged Care Sector.

In the next six months meetings in Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Southland will allow members of the public to have their say.

The Commission is holding public and face-to-face meetings; visiting rest-homes and hospitals; speaking with providers and DHBs; and talking with as many people as possible interested in this sector, in residential or home-based care.

To read the full article please click HERE

 
 

Ministry of Social Developement Report: The Business of Ageing

14 Oct 2011

Realising the Economic Potential of Older New Zealanders

In 2011 the first of the baby boomers have reached the age of 65. Baby boomers expect their later years to be very different to their parents' generation. More are working into their 60s, they enjoy better health, are better educated and have more money to spend.

The report focuses on two opportunities for New Zealand's future growth. These are to:

  • increase the number of older people who choose to remain active in the workforce; and
  • tap into the growing mature consumer market.

To link to the full report please click HERE.

 
 

EQC Mobile Claimant Contact Unit

12 Oct 2011

For Christchurch residents needing information regarding their earthquake claims and procedures EQC now has a Mobile Claimant Contact Unit operating in various locations throughout Christchurch.

For the latest schedule please call 0800 326 243 or visit www.eqc.govt.nz

It also has a permanent presence at the Earthquake Assistance Centre at Avondale Golf Course, Cnr Wainoni Rd and Breezes Rd, Monday - Friday 10.30am to 6pm.

 
 

Equal Employment Opportunities - Have Your Say About Aged Care

23 Sep 2011

The Inquiry into the Equal Employment Opportunities Issues in the Aged Care Sector is currently underway and in the next six months regional visits to Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Southland will be undertaken so interested members of the public can have their say.

The Commission is holding public and face-to-face meetings, visiting facilities, speaking with providers and DHBs and talking with as many people as possible who are interested in the sector-whether it be residential or home-based care.

To read the full article and find out how you can have your say please click HERE.

 
 

National Radio Interview with Ruth Brown a 79 year old builder in Christchurch

08 Sep 2011

Please click HERE to listen to the full National Radio interview with Ruth Brown who is a 79 year old builder who runs a renovation and building business in Christchurch.

 
 

TVNZ - Former commissioner hits out at rest home care

01 Sep 2011

Ron Paterson has used one of his final reports as Health and Disability Commissioner to hit out at inadequate rest home care. Click HERE to view the full article.

 
 

New Zealand named in top 5 Retirement Destinations

25 Aug 2011

Researchers at International Living have scored their Annual Retirement Index and have generated a list of the best places in the world to retire. Ecuador tops the list this year with exceptionally low living costs, great health care, good public transportation in city areas and a mild year-round climate. The rest of the top five on the list include Mexico, Panama, Spain and New Zealand. The experts on expatriate living rate the index based on several factors including infrastructure, safety and stability, culture, climate, costs of living and many other variables, which provides a very comprehensive look at retirement havens.

To read the full article please click HERE.

 
 

Eldernet Gazette - meet our Esther

08 Jul 2011

If you’ve met our Esther you’ll know she usually has plenty to say – she’s now blogging – read her and debate the issues.

Recently we've talked about:

Chemical Toilets, Filipino Staff, Pain and Dementia, Leanings from the Christchurch Earthquakes.

What would you like to see discussed? Send Esther an e-mail on  and let her know!

 
 

CDHB - Prioritisation Guidelines for Residential Care Beds in Canterbury

05 May 2011

Canterbury District Health Board have just released Prioritisation Guidelines for determining the allocation of displaced residents to residential beds in Canterbury as they become available - please click HERE to view.

A dedicated team to repatriate displaced residents back to Canterbury as per these guidelines will be operational from Monday 2nd May. A more detailed update on how this team and the process will be operationalised will be distributed early next week.

 
 

Campbell Live - Retirement Village Residents Left Out of Pocket

04 May 2011

Campbell Live recently ran this report on the consequences of the Christchurch earthquake for residents in Kate Shepard Retirement Village where the units are now no longer inhabitable. This has far reaching consequences for all retirement village residents and potential residents. Please click HERE to view.

 
 

Have you been considering private home help?

18 Apr 2011

Have you been considering private home help? Listen to this ‘Radio New Zealand National, Nine to Noon’ interview where Lynn Freeman speaks to a carer Hilda England and Neil Farnworth of Home Instead Senior Care. They talk about a number of the issues that people commonly think about when this issue is being considered. Home Instead Senior Care is just one of many home help agencies around the country. Use the Eldernet site to explore your options.

 
 

INsite Magazine - Woodchester- A manager-eye view of the Christchurch quake’s effect on a resthome.

06 Apr 2011
Aged-Care and Retirement INsite magazine has profiled the experiences of Woodchester Resthome in Christchurch during the recent earthquake. Please click HERE to view the article.

 
 

Panacea Healthcare Launches a New Travel Website for Disabled Travelers

01 Apr 2011

Panacea Healthcare has launched a new online travel website which caters to people who have a mobility impairment – http://www.panaceatravelability.com/

The website is unique for New Zealand tourism in that it enables people with mobility restrictions to plan and book their complete holiday with options that meet their mobility needs.

For the full press release visit www.panaceahealthcare.co.nz