Search Results for "access"

In April 2023, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora announced a change to the way that family care is funded. The changes provide more choice and flexibility for those who need support services to remain in their homes and communities. Importantly, it also means that caregivers who provide support...

In the past, a dementia diagnosis has been seen as a fast track into a care home; today, there are new research studies and innovations to support those living with dementia, and hopefully bring us a few steps closer to a cure. Research into dementia has come a long way....

Retirement villages are an increasingly popular choice for older New Zealanders who want to live independently among a like-minded community of people. But what exactly is a retirement village, and what should you expect if you decide to move into one? Under Section 6 of the Retirement Villages Act 2003,...

Consider the following: lots of your friends are downsizing and your children think it would be a good thing to do, but you're undecided. What are your options and what do you need to consider? Downsizing usually means moving house, and regardless of age is a challenging time. There are...

As we do not scrutinise or endorse services or products displayed on the website please make sure that you take all precautions when accessing or purchasing services or products. Read this checklist for further information. It will help you make safer choices or purchases. (Note: Publicly funded services are monitored...

The internet can tap into our fears about developing dementia mate wareware (mate wareware is the term Maori are familiar with) but there is better news out there these days. In some parts of the world there has even been a decline in the rate of the condition. While there’s...

Aside from NZ Super (which any eligible person over 65 can receive), other financial support may be available to those who qualify. The following is a selection only. Contact Work and Income for information about support relevant to your specific need. Check the Work and Income website to see what...

When we or someone close to us is dying, we want to know this can be done peacefully, comfortably and with dignity. It can be distressing watching a loved one in their final stages of life; the brighter news, however is, that there is help available. The following gives an...

The data visualization tool in the interRAI website allows you to access data at a national, regional and population level. If more comprehensive data is required, you need to request it.

While usability for older users hasn’t been a strong driver in the design of smart phones, tablets and computers there are features that can definitely make these easier for older people to use, so we advise you look out for them. Anecdotally we understand older people are using large screen...

There are currently two main subsidised packages to support carers in New Zealand. Each generally require some private ‘top up’ funding, which is a disincentive if you can’t afford it. The Carer Support Subsidy This payment is designed to allow full-time carers to take a break. A full-time carer is...

In New Zealand there is some Ministry of Health (MOH) funding available for hearing aids. There are two funds. Access to these funds is based on the type of hearing loss you have and your circumstances. There might be other options if you do not meet the MOH criteria. MOH...

My family want me to move as they think I can’t manage in this house anymore. I appreciate their concerns but don’t necessarily agree with all of them. I’ve got a lot of friends along the street, and I love it here. What can I do? Take a piece of...

The Kiwi Access Card (previously known as the 18+ card) is a Government recognised form of photographic ID that can be used as evidence of age and identity throughout New Zealand. If you don’t have a passport or a driver’s licence, it’s a good alternative if you need proof of...

A patient portal allows you to see your own health information. It is accessed via a secure website. While not yet available at all practices you can enquire about it. You can generally join up via your health care providers website or enquire about it when you next visit. It...

If you are over 65, you may be able to get help with paying health-related costs. Most GPs belong to a Primary Health Organisation (PHO). These are bulk funded to look after the health of the people who are enrolled with their service. Most New Zealanders are enrolled. You generally...

There are very good reasons for being involved in your healthcare journey. You are more likely to comply with a health plan or regime and ultimately be more satisfied with decisions that are made. Good preparation, active discussion, shared decision making, and taking responsibility for keeping abreast of your health...

The financial world is evolving and as we age, we will come across situations we may not be ready for, such as how we access our money, where it’s held and how we can use it such as, the changes to banks and banking processes, cryptocurrency etc.. Some will remain...

It is important for retirement village residents to know they have the right to make a complaint. Every retirement village operator in New Zealand is required to have a complaint policy that follows the Retirement Villages Code of Practice. This policy should be accessible to residents and potential residents in...

In March 2024, Carolyn Cooper, the Aged Care Commissioner, released a report titled “Amplifying the voices of older people across Aotearoa New Zealand”. It contains 20 recommendations to improve services and care for older people in Aotearoa. So, why is this report important and how does it affect every day...