Alternative Care Northland
At a glance
- Name
- Alternative Care Northland
- Category
- Respite / short term care
- Address
- 96 Corks Road
Tikipunga
Whangārei 0112 - Postal Address
- Same as above
- Region
- Northland
- Mobile
- View Mobile Number
- View Email Address
- Social Media
FacebookPersonnel
- Manager
- Donna Cooper - 021 774586
- Owner
- Donna Cooper
Photos
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Map
Founded in August 2009
Our mission at Alternative Care Northland is to provide the Older Adults of Whangarei and surrounding districts with Comfortable and Affordable Respite or Short term Nursing Care option at Aroha House whilst ensuring that their independence and Right to Privacy is maintained. Aroha House is adequately set up for those needing full time care while their main carer receives some Respite or for those who are medically cleared from hospital but still requiring some assistance or specialised nursing care before returning to their own homes.
Our mission at Alternative Care Northland is to provide the Older Adults of Whangarei and surrounding districts with Comfortable and Affordable Respite or Short term Nursing Care option at Aroha House whilst ensuring that their independence and Right to Privacy is maintained. Aroha House is adequately set up for those needing full time care while their main carer receives some Respite or for those who are medically cleared from hospital but still requiring some assistance or specialised nursing care before returning to their own homes.
Testimonials
| Hallo. DONNA I have had this on my mind for weeks. I want to thank you for all your care during my two weeks respite care with you. Very well equipped environment. I really appreciated that fact. Your amazing attention to all my needs, this was outstanding. Your energy, nothing was too much trouble for you. You even made sure I got the daily newspaper so I could continue my daily crossword habit. And you took very good care of my physical needs, which were excessive at that time. I have your 2025 calendar which I love. Well done. Thank you. Thanks again and again for your care. Maureen Kelly Nov 2024 Aroha house - Highly recommended For a person who would classify themselves as a shy home body, I actually felt home sick when it came time to leave Aroha house. Donna provided a perfect balance of calm care and stimulation for anyone recovering and feeling vulnerable. I really appreciated the homely environment and personalised touches. (And the home cooking WOW). Donna definitely gave me the confidence and support I needed during my recuperation and what a perfect location - Safe short walking distance to all amenities, and a short comfy drive to the main town centre. Bridget Oct 2024 I had a chance to stay overnight at Aroha House during a procedure at Whangerei Hospital. It was like home, plus the hospitality was first class. Included all meals, comfortable bed and for disabled clients the fit out was very appropriate. Also included transport to and from Hospital. Highly recommended. Ian Derbidge, Omapere June 2024 It’s been a privilege to meet you Donna, Thank you for showing me your passion and care for the “aged folk”. I have learnt so much from you. Arohanui J Wilson Dec 2023 Thank you for being there when there was a big need for my recovery. I cannot express my Gratitude enough Blessings Keith Bidmead - October 2023 Thank you Donna - wonderful, friendly, caring and compassionate, your care and attention was greatly appreciated and will always be remembered - Bruce Somers - September 2023 Thank you for looking after Dad at such short notice. We couldn’t have asked for better - you have a great mix of Professionalism, Friendliness and Caring. David and Carina Dalziel - Aug 2023 Our elderly mother has just recently spent eight weeks at Alternative Care Northland with Donna. Donna’s care was exceptional. Not only is she a Registered Nurse, but she also has significant experience with rehab care which was an essential component for our mother’s care at the time. Donna was dedicated, bright, positive and pleasant, nothing is ever too much trouble. Our mother was made feel part of the family and became involved with Donna’s knitting programme for the outside community and nearby hospitals. Our mother had a very positive experience with Donna and we as a family were always confident and reassured by Donna’s professional expertise and care. We would highly recommend Donna and her team at Alternative Care Northland to whoever requires specialised care. Symmans Family, May 2023 Alternative Care Northland, are the people to see if you need short term care, just spent 8 days in their care at Aroha House I highly recommend them. Flemming Jaeger - Northland Dec 2022 Hey Donna thanks again for being there, it made a tough time for us a heck of a lot easier, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to anyone else who needed the same kind of help. Thank you very much for the care you gave mum during the time she was with you. You made her feel like part of the family and she still talks about how happy she was with you and Gerry. Steve and Eileen Hales Whangarei - Nov 2022 This service is absolutely unique. Where else is the management team made up of an outstanding registered nurse, a fantastic male contractor who does the evening shift and a very friendly but well trained dog. Seriously Donna, Gerry and Aroha you offer an unparalleled service. Cherry Daly Whangarei My experience at Aroha House was a positive one. I initially didn’t want to go but realised Peter (my husband/caregiver) needed a break. I cannot say enough how well they cared for me. After the first day of settling in I enjoyed my time at Aroha House. I had my own private cosy room and the bed was so comfortable. They were very good at accommodating to my dietary needs. They waited on me hand and foot and I returned home having had a good rest. From Alison July 2022 Thank you for looking after my friend Jorj. She improved beyond belief during her two week stay. If I ever need temporary care for any reason I would ask you first. Thanks Donna! Nicki Reid My Mum recently stayed with Donna at Aroha Lodge lShe was so happy there, the food was tailored to her needs, the personal care was exceptional. The bilingual dog Aroha was a highlight for Mum. Our Whanau just wished she could have stayed there permanently but understandably there are many many families requiring this sort of short term respite care. Be assured that if your loved one is at Aroha Lodge they will be getting the very best of care. Jacquie O'Connell May 2022 Donna of Alternative Care Northland has been an absolute God send. I can't recommend her highly enough. My Mother recently stayed with Donna for two weeks and we both had a good break. I didn't have to worry about anything as my Mum settled so well and was happy with the Aroha House environment that I could have a rest confidently knowing that she was getting the best of care. Thank you Donna, Gerry and team. From Win and Jacquie Williams Onerahi Whangarei Jan 2022 I have just spent a very pleasant 3weeks at Aroha House. The care and attention from Donna and Gerry was great and I was given the feeling of a friendly family atmosphere throughout my stay at all times. I would certainly recommend a stay at Aroha House for anyone needing Respite care. Marion Waters - Kamo Whangarei Jan 2022 Donna, Thank you so much. It has been a pleasure to meet you and work with you and the family you have been supporting. Your dedication and care for the people you support and their families has not gone unnoticed. If the world had a few more people like you in it, it would be a much better place Aaron Gray Funeral Director | Embalmer Whangarei |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
Service Description
| Alternative Care Northland offers Short term / Respite care @ Aroha House situated @ 96 Corks Road, Tikipunga, Whangarei which will enable people that are caring for their loved ones at home to get a much deserved break. We can also support those living independently that have been medically cleared from hospital but may require a few days to convalescence before returning to their own home. Our superior quality of nursing and elderly care has been recognised independently and we can give you the confidence that you will receive the highest standard of personal or nursing care. We care for our clients as if we were caring for a member of our own family. |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
Suburbs/Districts/Towns Serviced
| Alternative Care Northland provides Respite or short term nursing support to the older adults living within the Whangarei and surrounding districts. We are a home away from home not a 24/7 Resthome or Hospital Facility |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
Meeting the needs of older people
| Aroha House is a Respite / Short term Care Facility in Whangarei central which provides-quality 24hour Nursing Care for those medically cleared from hospital but not quite ready to return home independently. Or for those needing some Respite from looking after their loved ones at home Contact Donna today, to book a place for the coming months - Currently bookings are being taken from mid July 2025 and beyond |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
Additional Information
| Topic | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| What's included in your fees and what's not | * Fees given on application * Carer Support forms accepted as part / full payment - conditions apply * A Booking Fee of $50 will apply to the cancellation of any confirmed booking prior to the Respite taking place. | |
| Staffing qualifications and details | The Manager of Alternative Care Northland is a Registered Nurse, all staff working within Aroha House have been Fully Vaccinated against Covid 19. | |
| Details about meals | Individual Dietary needs catered for - details of any expectation is required as part of our admission process. | |
| Visitor information | Visiting hours are from 10.00 am daily unless pre arranged with Management and a suitable time can be agreeable to all participants | |
| Recreational opportunities | Emotional support - therapy dog TV in individual rooms Puzzles / Games Large selection of large print books Regular planned outings or Cafe visits | |
| Internet access | Free WiFi provided - Password available on admission | |
| Transport | Courtesy pickup and Drop off - within city limits - Wheelchair accessible vehicle if required | |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Where service is provided
| Status | Details | |
|---|---|---|
| In your own home | Yes | Support in your own home - within city limits |
| Not in Aged Residential Care | No | Aroha House is a 4 bed boutique facility - management live onsite - we provide Short term Nursing care or Respite Care |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Features
| Feature | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| May Bring Own Furniture | No | All rooms are fully equipped with required furnishings including a TV - personal effects to be named |
| Single Rooms | Yes | Aroha House is a four bed boutique facility, consisting of 2 single rooms and a double room available. |
| Shared Rooms | Yes | Aroha House is a four bed boutique facility - consisting of 2 single rooms and a double room available. |
| Rooms suitable for a couple | Yes | Aroha House is a four bed boutique facility - a double room is available |
| Ensuite | No | A shared showered / toilet facility |
| Alcohol Permitted | Yes | Within moderation and safe drinking limits |
| Pets In Residence | Yes | Therapy dog - emotional support. 2 x Cats - domestic shorthair & a Ragdoll (who loves cuddles) |
| Phone Access In Own Room | Yes | Individual calls can be accessible via the main phone with a hand held phone - own cellphones are encouraged with Free Wifi available |
| Wifi | Yes | Client WIFI is available - password given as part of our admission process |
| Resident can adjust heating in own room | Yes | Room heating is set on a thermostat according to the healthy home regulations |
| Cater for under 65 yrs with Disability | Yes | Specific needs discussed with management as Aroha House is not fully wheelchair accessible inside |
| Lounges/seating areas | Yes | Aroha House is equipped with comfy lounge chairs both in the lounge room and client rooms |
| Cafe | Yes | Aroha House has a coffee / tea station for clients and whaunu to use - Regular cafe outings are organised with management |
| Gay / LGBT IQ Friendly | Yes | |
| Primary Health Funded Short Term Care | Yes | If required 5days can be funded with Primary Care options by Te Kaupapa Mahitahi Hauora- Papa O Te Raki |
| Provide End of Life/Palliative Care | Yes | In conjunction with North Haven Hospice nurses |
| Day Programme for day stay clients | Yes | Daycare is available max 4 hours for $28 per day - midday meal and morning or afternoon tea provided |
| Outings | Yes | Regular organised outings weather and client abilities taken into consideration |
| Whānau Room | Yes | Tea / coffee facilities available to clients and whanau |
| Māori Kaupapa | Yes | |
| Newsletter | Yes | Regular posts on our Facebook page |
| Policy for management of challenging behaviour | Yes | The Alternative Care team have had extensive training in managing challenging behaviours |
| Confused Residents | Yes | The Alternative Care team have had extensive training in managing the behaviours of confused clients - we have extensive distraction techniques |
| Smokers Room | No | We have an outside area which is encouraged if smoking is required |
| Smoking Permitted | Yes | We have an outside area which is encouraged to use if smoking is requirement |
| Semi-Secure | Yes | Aroha House is not suitable for clients that are requiring a secure unit due to where we are situated - although there is a semi secure outside space |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Access
| Access | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Easy access | Yes | Ramps and Handrails to assist with inside / outside - Aroha House is wheelchair accessible indoors with limitations |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Respite, Carer Support or other Short Stay
| Respite, Carer Support or other Short Stay | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Respite | Yes | Short term / Respite care option @ Aroha House situated in Whangarei - 28 day Carer support forms accepted with private funding top up if required |
| Carer Support | Yes | 28 day Carer Support forms accepted with private funding top up as required |
| Other Short Stay Programme | Yes | Daycare is an option at affordable rates - max 4hours for $30.00 |
| High Care Needs | Yes | Aroha House is equipped with Hospital beds - Registered Nurse onsite 24hours as needed |
| Subsidised | Yes | Aroha House has two subsidised funding options if you qualify # Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand 28 day Carer Relief # Te Kaupapa Mahitahi Hauora-Papa O Te Raki - 5days max |
| Private Paying | Yes | Invoices will be issued at the commencement of Respite and payment is required prior to expected discharge date. |
| Booking can be made in advance | Yes | A $50 Non - Refundable deposit is required to secure all bookings for Respite Care. |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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After Hours
| After Hours | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| After Hours | Yes | Emails or Phone calls responded to from 10am but no later than 6pm during the working week. |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Payment
| Payment | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Payment required | Yes | A $50 Non - Refundable deposit will be added to the invoice for any Short term or Respite Care and payment will be required prior to Discharge unless prior arrangements have been made with Alternative Care Northlands Management |
| Subsidy may be available | Yes | Aroha House has two subsidised funding options if you qualify # Te Whatau Ora Health New Zealand 28 days max # Te Kaupapa Mahitahi Hauora-Papa O Te Raki - 5days max |
| Free | Yes | Free Transport is available if required while Residing at Aroha House for Short term or Respite Care within city limits |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Languages Spoken
| Language | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| English | Yes | |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Personal Assistance
| Type | Self Funded | Subsidised | After Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (eg Wound Care, Medication) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Aroha House is operated by a Clinical Nurse / Manager |
| Hairdresser (Home Visits) | Negotiable | No | No | Transport to / from hairdresser should this be required while in Residence at Aroha House |
| Hospice | Yes | Negotiable | Yes | Support from Hospice for Pallitive Care should this be required while @ Aroha House |
| Attendant Care (ACC) | Negotiable | Negotiable | Negotiable | |
| Carer Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Respite care - relief for the main carer - we accept the 28day carer support funding as part/full funding - further details provided on admission |
| Live In Care (24 Hr) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 24hr Respite care at Aroha House to allow a Full time carer to have relief care support |
| Personal Care (Showering, Dressing) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Regular or casual visits to you own home as per telephone conversation with management of Alternative Care Northland |
| Nail Cutting (Home Visits) | Yes | Yes | No | Visiting Podiatrist can be arranged if required. |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Specialities or Areas of Expertise
| Specialties or Areas of Expertise | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Oxygen Management | Yes | Individual portable concentrator allowed in House if O2 is required |
| Gastronomy/Nasogastric Management | Yes | |
| End of Life/Palliative Care | Yes | Aroha House has a Registered Nurse availability 24hours as required |
| Wound Care | Yes | Aroha House has a Registered nurse trained in wound care management |
| Diabetic Care | Yes | Aroha House has staff trained in Diabetic management as required |
| Continence Advice | Yes | |
| Stomal Therapy | Yes | |
| Stroke Rehabilitation | Yes | Aroha House staff have extensive experience in Stroke / Rehabilitation management |
| Infection Control. | Yes | |
| Surgical Followup | Yes | Transport to / from follow up appointments provided as required |
| Clinical Management | Yes | |
| Dementia Care | Yes | |
| Diversional Therapy | Yes | |
| Physiotherapy | Yes | Continuing physio care plan adherence |
| Dietary Advice | Yes | |
| Community Health Nursing | Yes | |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Domestic Assistance
| Type | Self Funded | Subsidised | After Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meals (Frozen) | No | No | Negotiable | |
| Shopping Assistance | Yes | Yes | No | Assisted shopping or shopping done for you |
| Transport Assistance | Yes | Yes | No | To and from appointments - pick up, drop off or attend with you for reassusrance |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Credentials & Membership
| Credentials & Membership RC | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Approved provider of Professional Development and Recognition Programme | Yes | Manager holds a NZNC Proficient level certification |
| Police checked | Yes | |
| Trade Registered | Yes | Manager - holds a current Registration with NZ Nursing Council and is a Financial member of NZNO (NZ Nursing Organisation) |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
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Description
| Short term / Respite - 4 bed boutique facility - Aroha House has been independently described as a Home away from Home |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |
What's New
All bookings @ Aroha House are currently 1month in advance contact us soon before winter sets in - currently booked out till July. |
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Updated: 4 May 2025 |