I’m thinking of volunteering. What are the benefits?
Not only does volunteering have a positive impact on the economy, but also the community and the volunteers themselves. The most common reasons people give for doing voluntary work are: being helpful to others, “paying back” to society, and having a sense of obligation to the future generations. It is...
Do residents need to move from the village to receive care?
While it is true that some retirement village residents may need to receive care in another facility, it is by no means the most likely scenario. In reality, only 12.8% of Kiwis living in villages end up being moved to a different facility to receive care. And more than half...
Am I paying too much for power?
A free online tool called ‘ Powerswitch ’ (provided by ConsumerNZ) allows people to compare electricity and gas prices offered by providers throughout New Zealand. This service was previously known as ‘What’s My Number.’ Finding out how much you can save takes less than two minutes and involves answering some...
I’ve just turned 75 – how do I renew my NZ driver’s licence?
When you turn 75, your licence will be valid for only two to five years, and you will need to present a medical certificate each time you apply. If recommended by your doctor, you will also have to sit a 30-minute On-road Safety Test. As you will need to renew...
Do I need a medical certificate to renew a driver’s licence?
To renew your licence past your 75th birthday you will need to visit your doctor to get a 'Medical certificate for driver licence'. Tell your doctor the certificate is for your driver licence. You will have to pay for the appointment yourself. During your appointment your doctor will discuss your...
What is the Total Mobility Scheme?
The Total Mobility Scheme assists people with eligible mobility issues around New Zealand to get access to subsidised door-to-door transport. It's aimed at people with temporary or long-term disabilities who cannot use public transport, and therefore need an alternative mode of transport to live their lives normally and stay connected...
Does the 2023 change of government affect the health system?
There have been a number of significant health system changes in New Zealand Aotearoa since 2022 (e.g., the establishment of Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora and related agencies by the then Labour Government). The General Election of late 2023 saw a National, ACT and New Zealand Coalition Government...
What can I do to increase my appetite?
There are many reasons why older people's appetite decrease; cooking for one, ill-fitting dentures, difficulty shopping, finances, and some medications are all factors that could leave them without much of an appetite. However, usually losing your appetite is a symptom of something else. If you are worried about yourself, or...
Looking for a retirement village property? Consider this
Retirement villages in Aotearoa New Zealand offer a wide range of accommodation options, including villas, townhouses, apartments, and studios ( learn more here ). Remember – whichever option you choose will become your home, so it needs to feel right for your lifestyle. Here are some questions to ask when...
Do all retirement villages have care on site?
Not every retirement village in Aotearoa New Zealand offers aged care on site, so it's important to understand exactly what support is available before you make a move. The questions below can help you compare villages and get a feel for the level of care you can expect. What services...
Thinking of retirement living? Here are the legal must-dos
Buying into a retirement village is quite different from purchasing a home in the traditional sense. There can be some legal 'fishhooks' to get your head around, the terminology is specialised, and there are important rights and responsibilities that you'll want to fully understand. That's why getting proper legal advice...
Thinking of retirement living? Read these key financial tips
Just like any property purchase, moving into a retirement village is a big financial commitment. Every village operates a little differently, and fees or conditions can vary from village to village and region to region. Getting specialist legal advice is one of the best ways to make sure you understand...
What is respite care or short stay care?
Respite care, also known as short-term support or short-stay care, is a temporary care service designed to give full-time carers a break from their usual responsibilities. It also provides benefits to the person being cared for. Your carer needs time out for themselves. No matter how capable you feel they...
Find information about getting older
We pride ourselves on being the most trusted online resource for older people and those supporting them to find the information they need to navigate the ageing journey. Yet, we also understand that not everyone wants to, or is able to, access the internet. This is why The Eldernet Group...
Find information about moving into a retirement village
Considering making a move to a retirement village? Our resource retirementvillages.co.nz is New Zealand’s most comprehensive guide to retirement villages, and showcases every retirement village in Aotearoa. It hosts the country’s largest selection of properties for sale, with more than 500 properties currently listed. Search available properties across every region...
I’m in the rainbow community but feel uncomfortable in care
Julie Watson, who used to run Silver Rainbow workshops (LGBTQIA+ education for those working in the aged care sector) answers this question for us. If I was asked this question, I would want to see some things done immediately for this person. Their care home is their home and is...
Are there rental options for older people in New Zealand?
Home ownership in New Zealand has been declining for the past 30 years, a fact that has been exacerbated more recently by rising inflation and the increased cost of living. As a result, an increasing number of older people rent. While there are a variety of rental options that may...
What are levels of care in New Zealand?
What are levels of care in New Zealand? Levels of care are essentially types of care. Currently there are four ‘levels of care’ in New Zealand: Rest Home Those who require this level of care usually have some ability to get about on their own or with some help. They...
Who pays for dementia care in New Zealand?
If someone has been assessed as requiring dementia level care in New Zealand, they are responsible for paying, or contributing, towards the cost of that care. People with available funds will pay privately for this care; others will have the cost of care subsidised through government funding. For those who...
Energy Advice Series - Ventilation