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 all retirement villages have care on site?
Not all New Zealand retirement villages offer aged care on site, so it pays to do your homework before making any decisions about where to move. Use the following questions to help guide your retirement village search: Care and support What types of services are available in the village? Podiatry,...
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...
Navigating Dementia
While dementia is not a normal part of ageing, more than 70,000 people in New Zealand live with the condition. If you or someone you care about is worried about dementia, help is at hand. We all want to live our lives well for as long as we can. That...
What does the withdrawal of the copper wire network mean?
With the roll-out of the fibre network across New Zealand, the copper wire network is being phased out. This means that traditional landline and broadband internet services (namely ADSL and VDSL) will soon be unusable. As well as the withdrawal of the copper line, Spark is also phasing out the...
What is a 'good death'?
As we age, the topic of death becomes more prevalent in our lives. We witness our friends and family members pass away, and we become more aware of our own mortality. While it may be a difficult topic to discuss, it's important to understand what it means to have a...
What is internalised ageism and what can I do to fight it?
Ageist thinking can take many forms, from stereotypes that portray older people as incompetent or frail to discriminatory practices that limit their opportunities. Unfortunately, many older people internalise these messages, which can have a significant impact on their day-to-day life. Internalised ageism refers to the acceptance and incorporation of negative...
What is acuity?
In simple terms, ‘acuity’ is a measure of how unwell a person is and how much care they need. In the world of healthcare, ‘acuity’ refers to intensity and severity of a resident’s care needs – including illness, injuries, and other health issues. Acuity helps healthcare providers assess how severe...
What do I need to do to prepare for a respite short stay?
This response assumes you are either privately paying for this service or have been assessed and are eligible for a subsidy. You are readying for a respite short stay in a care home. 1. The first thing to do, is to determine how you will pay for the service. If...
What is going to keep you functioning as well as possible?
A car that runs well, is looked after. So too with us; how we function depends on the maintenance of the vehicle that carries us along. While our genetic makeup and our past lifestyle plays a part, there is a lot that can be done to not only maintain our...
I need extra support at home. What options are available?
It's normal to worry when you find you are struggling with day-to-day tasks. It can feel like you've lost a sense of control over your life. Yet, worry can be a motivating force too. Many people find that being clearer about what might be going on for them, such as...
I want to help someone who is dying. What do I need to know?
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...
Have you had an injury? Are you eligible for ACC support?
ACC is a no faults injury scheme in which ACC may pay for costs related to your injury. Following an injury it is important to speak to your health professional about making an application to register the injury with ACC. ACC will then decide whether to accept the claim. You...
What benefits or financial assistance can I get?
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...
My friend is withdrawn and depressed. What can I do?
If someone has talked to you and you or they are concerned about their emotional or mental wellbeing, take the situation seriously and advise the person to seek professional assistance. Offer to take them or accompany them to their first appointment. Most older people will talk to a doctor about...
Who pays for my dental care in New Zealand?
It’s important to take care of your teeth , but navigating dental care costs can be a challenge, especially when you’re unsure about the financial options available to help. In this article, we’ll tell you about who typically pays for dental care in New Zealand, the average costs of common...
What should I expect when moving into a care home?
For many people, moving to a rest home or care home brings up a range of emotions such as a sense of loss but also anticipation. Moving involves quite a lot of planning and can feel daunting. Often, people worry about downsizing their possessions, losing the things that they take...
What is equity release?
The concept of home equity release involves converting a portion of your home’s value into cash, while still allowing you to live there. When you sell the home or die, the full loan plus interest has to be repaid. Currently, the to main providers are Heartland and SBS banks. As...
Compression garments - benefits and cost
A compression garment is a specialized type of clothing designed to provide gentle, consistent pressure to specific areas of the body. These garments are typically made from elastic materials and are worn snugly against the skin. They come in various styles, such as sleeves, stockings, socks, gloves, each catering to...
Carer stress is real - carers need time out too
A caring role is often stressful and no matter how strong and capable you think your carer is, they will need regular time out to recharge their physical and mental batteries. So, who is a carer? While in this instance it’s Sally, a person may be considered a carer even...
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