How I can feel part of my new community?
If you are new to an area you may find it's not as easy to make friends without the things that made introductions easier in early life. There are new strategies you can adopt. It's all about making your new introductions as natural as possible and it often means going...
The hard conversations e.g., I don’t think mum’s coping
It’s important to understand, in the first instance, that some people are happy to live the way they do. They may not have lived this way in the past, however some are happy to make a trade off with the standard of living they have now, with their ability to...
What is an assessment?
When people in the older persons’ health sector are talking about an assessment, they’re generally talking about the interRAI assessment , otherwise know as a needs assessment. (Other assessments include ACC, mental health, equipment and housing modification assessments.) The interRAI assessment is the standard assessment ‘tool’ (a computer-based programme) used...
Is brain decline inevitable with age?
There are many schools of thought on this subject. We offer two for your consideration. For the majority of us we experience some cognitive decline as we get older and surprisingly this often starts in our 20s. A smaller number of people appear to have some protective features that prevent...
I’m worried about my neighbour. Should I check on them?
I’m worried about my neighbour. She’s seems quite private and looks very frail. Sometimes I don’t see any movement at her place for days on end. Should I go and check on her? We live in a society where many people have highly valued privacy and individual responsibility and freedom,...
What is ‘My Health Passport’?
‘My Health Passport’ is a booklet designed to help individuals manage their health information and improve communication between them and their healthcare providers. In New Zealand, ‘My Health Passport’ is a free service that is available to anyone who wants to use it. The primary purpose of ‘My Health Passport’...
I don’t own a driver’s licence. How can I prove my identity?
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...
Should I have to wait to get an assessment?
Ideally you wouldn't have to wait to get an an interRAI assessment. In some areas of New Zealand (especially if you’re considered non-urgent) the wait for an interRAI assessment can be long, however. During this time, you may find that your situation changes. If this is the case, then you...
Can I go to the public hospital if I'm unwell?
You can go to a public hospital if you are seriously unwell, and it is an emergency. For all other times you need to be referred by a health professional, usually your doctor. If it’s an emergency phone 111 and ask for an ambulance. If you’re near the hospital and...
What is Cohousing? House Planning Help
Your genetic profile assists with targeting your treatment.
Personalized, precision, or functional medicine is a developing area of medicine where information about your genetic makeup helps inform your health professional about what’s required to keep you healthy and, if you are unwell, then what treatments and interventions might be most successful for you. It may also determine how...
Your rights when receiving a health or disability service.
When receiving a health or disability service you have the right: To be treated with respect. To be treated fairly without pressure or discrimination. To dignity and independence. To receive a quality service and to be treated with care and skill. To be given information that you can understand in...
Reviewing our financial affairs. A few things to consider.
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...
How do I start the process of assisted dying?
The End of Life Choice Act 2019 came into law in New Zealand on 7 November 2021. From that date, those over 18 who experience unbearable suffering from a terminal illness can legally ask for medical assistance to end their lives. The legislation sets tight controls on who can avail...
Where can I get some help with maintenance of my property?
Some Age Concerns have lists of trusted local home maintenance and tradespeople, so enquire there. Sometimes a recommendation from a friend is a perfect solution, especially for the smaller, less costly jobs. Websites such as New Zealand based Builderscrack and others that are overseas based, offer a matching service where...
I'm leaving hospital after surgery. What help can I get?
There are several factors to consider, firstly whether your surgery was part of an ACC claim or whether it was due to other causes. The type of support you get may vary if your surgery is accident or ACC related. Generally, when someone has had surgery the type of support...
I can't be bothered being social these days. Is it worth it?
Socialising improves our mood, our mental health, and indirectly our physical health. On those counts alone it’s worth it. Perhaps you’ve lost a partner, or friend who used to accompany you or who you used to meet up with. Just getting out gives you yet unknown opportunities that you wouldn’t...
How often should I have a health check?
Opinions vary as to how often you should have these but once a year is a common standard for older people. Those who keep well are obviously not going to need to see their health advisor as often as someone who has more complex health needs, so the first step...
Can I get help paying for health costs?
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...
How do I complain about the cost of a service?
Complaints about costs of services can be taken to the Disputes Tribunal (formerly known as Small Claims Tribunal). The Disputes Tribunal usually has the same phone number as the District Court. Find out more about the Disputes Tribunal here. If possible, talk to your residential care provider or Health New...