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...
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...
How much does private home support (home help) cost?
The following example is for someone requiring standard, non-complex home support services three days a week. It’s a very common scenario based on the services subsidised by the health authorities. Services such as these are generally not required after hours, on weekends or public holidays. If they are, after-hours fees...
What is the Retirement Villages Association (RVA)?
RVA is the abbreviation of the Retirement Villages Association. The RVA is the professional body which represents most Retirement Villages in New Zealand. Members of the Association pay a fee to belong. The Association works on behalf of their members in a number of areas. One important area is to...
What situations lead to a move into a care home?
While there are a variety of reasons for this; the most common is that the person has experienced a deterioration in health and is having difficulty with managing at home. (Note: an assessment by an authorised service is required prior to entry to residential care.) The following are five typical...
My children think I should go into care but I don't agree
It is not easy hearing that others want you to make a potentially life changing decision. It is likely that there has been an event or events that have led to this situation. Showing yourself to be willing to listen to all perspectives and medical advice before deciding what to...
Dementia care - what does the carer need to do?
A recent assessment shows that my relative who I care for now needs to go to a dementia care home. What about me? What do I need to do? As you are the carer it is likely you will have been aware of the changes for your relative over time....
How can we help mum settle into her new rest home?
Moving into a care home requires a lot of major lifestyle adjustments. While everyone deals with change differently family members may be able to utilise the suggestions below to assist with this adjustment process. All mayor changes we make in life have some positive aspects and some less so. Remember...
Financial means assessment - income & asset testing
Income and asset testing refers to a financial assessment undertaken by those who require residential care and who: are unable to afford to pay the required fees and need to apply for a Residential Care Subsidy (RCS), those who are close to this position or, those who require clarification as...
What to weigh-up if considering a retirement village?
Before you get your heart set on any particular village or unit, spend plenty of time asking around (including asking friends who have done their own homework or who have perhaps moved into a village) and studying your options. Examine all the legal and financial arrangements of each of the...
What is an ORA?
Buying into a village is different to purchasing a house. For the majority of villages, you do not ‘own’ it or the land it’s on (as you might own a house elsewhere). The sum you pay to 'buy' into the village is known as your Capital Contribution. An Occupation Right...
Make a good choice. Use our retirement village CHECKLIST
VILLAGE LIFE - find out more on https://www.eldernet.co.nz/retirement-villages ⇒ Is it easy for loved ones to visit? Can your friends/whānau (such as grandchildren) stay? If so, for how long? ⇒ Is the village close to services that are important to you? Your GP/local healthcare, church, clubs, or shops? ⇒ What...
Make a good choice. Use our care home CHECKLIST
There is a lot to think about (and sometimes not much time) to decide which care home is right for you. Use this list to spark ideas and questions. ROOMS Residents’ rooms should be clean, comfortable and have enough floor space. Consider how practical a full ensuite might be. It...
When mum moved into 'care' she lost her mojo. Can we help?
Moving into a care home can have a negative effect on some people. Providing a listening ear, being understanding and empathetic, encouraging her to make small decisions, giving her time to adjust, and having a radar that is alert to issues that need to be addressed, will go a long...
Quick tips for making your home safer
Outside Ensure that path surfaces and gradients are safe, clear and moss free. Steps are easier to negotiate when walking than a ramp. Indicate or mark changes in levels. Is it easy to get the mail? Keep bushes and branches trimmed back from pathways and doorways. Use appropriate and assistive...
How can I gain entry to a rest home or hospital?
Entry to residential care is managed by a process known as Needs Assessment 1) To begin this process you either need to talk to your doctor about the issues that you are having or you can contact the agency responsible for managing assessments (known as NASC or sometimes Care Co-ordination)...
Need support at home - use the CHECKLIST
Letting someone into your home to support you can feel daunting. Use this list to help navigate the process. BEING PREPARED ⇒ Have you thought about what’s going to make life easier? Do you need help with housework, your personal care or something else? ⇒ What support can your friends...
How can I stay as independent as possible?
While there are many factors that help us stay independent one of the biggest is having meaningful relationships. These relationships include people, pets and places. Meaningful relationships keep us in a good mental space so that we can do all the other things that help us maintain our independence. Since...
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