Search Results for "mental health"

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...

Closing or downsizing an aged residential care (ARC) facility can have serious implications for everyone involved. That's why facilities need to follow a set of guidelines to make the process as smooth and supportive as possible. Crucially, residents should continue to receive quality care as specified under the facility’s Age...

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...

Making friends and building social connections is possible at any age. There is a common myth people have more difficulty making friends as they age. However, this is not necessarily the case, and that older adults are just as capable of making new friends as younger people. In fact, a...

With the right exercise and nutrition, older people can still build and maintain muscle mass and strength. But why is it important to be strong as you age? Maintaining muscle mass and strength is important for a number of reasons, including: Reducing the risk of falling : As we age,...

While making your home a safer place, make sure you also stay as fit an active as you can. If you have good strength and balance it's much easier to regain your footing if you trip. Outside Ensure that path surfaces and gradients are safe, clear and moss free. Steps...

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...

As you age , it becomes even more important to take good care of y our teeth. T aking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about avoiding tooth loss - it's also a key part of maintaining good overall health. R esearch has suggested that the different parts...

Many people find that taking regular breaks helps them sustain their caring role at home for much longer than they otherwise could. But making respite care work—especially if you've used up your allocated subsidy—can sometimes take a bit of creativity and planning. Here are some practical ways to supplement your...

Many riders would say yes- if you can ride a bike, get one. Older people who ride e-bikes vary widely in their ages and abilities. This is why you need to approach the issue with a healthy dose of realism, a desire to discover something new and a commitment to...

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...

The cost of living in a residential care home will differ depending on where you are around the country. There is something in place called the Maximum Contribution , which is the maximum amount you will ever be charged for your care. The current figures range from $1,460.27 to $1,535.66...

If you cannot (or no longer wish to) pay the premium accommodation charges, you can review your premium tenancy 18 months after admission and every six months thereafter. The provider then has six months to move you to a standard room, giving three days’ notice, or cease charging premium room...

All consumers receiving a health and/or disability service in New Zealand are protected by The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. You can read a summary of the code here. If you have concerns about how a rest home, hospital or health or disability service is run or...

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...

High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a workout style that involves short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. It has been one of the most popular fitness trends for over a decade, as it has numerous health benefits for people of all ages, including older...

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...