Eldernet Community

We are 60% water

Since 1994, the Emoto Institute has been providing evidence that different emitted energy, information and frequencies (music, sound or light) change the water structure by assembling various coherent or non-coherent water crystals. Under the influence of diverse contents (energy, information and frequency) from transmission sources (like BIOPTRON® Quantum Hyperlight), the treated tap water (as matter) is modified into the new pattern that is equal to the Quantum Hyperlight pattern - carrying the same energy structure as its informational Quantum Hyperlight source. This is the quantum phenomenon whereby the information is able to modify the matter, which is confirmed in the Masaru Emoto experiment. When tap water is exposed to BIOPTRON® Quantum Hyperlight, it affects the water structure, modifying it into the same hexagonal water shape (like Quantum Hyperlight) that represents the ultimate state of ‘molecular coherence’. Analogously to this, hyperpolarised light has the same harmonising effect on water in the human body. Since the human body consists of +/- 60 per cent of body water, Quantum Hyperlight could ideally restore and maintain the body water structure to its optimal hexagonal energetic state of coherence, enhancing the healing processes that lead to homeostasis.

1. Tap-water crystal (molecule) is irregular, incoherent – unstructured, representing ‘molecular incoherence’, meaning that it is not symmetric to the body water.

2. Emoto’s experiment reveals that when tap-water is exposed to BIOPTRON® Quantum Hyperlight, it affects the water structure, modifying it into a hexagonal water shape crystal that represents the ultimate state of ‘molecular coherence’.

Book a free demonstration treatment here

Sensory tools are essential aids for daily living

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Sensory Supports: Essential Tools for Daily Life, Not Just 'Therapy Toys'

To all the teachers, therapists, and members of the community with lived experience—you know the truth. While a dedicated sensory room is wonderful, the real work of sensory regulation happens in the messy, wonderful, and constantly changing environment of daily life.

In schools, homes, and community settings, sensory equipment—be it a weighted lap pad, a chewable necklace, or a simple fidget tool—is used every day to manage environmental demands. These items are a critical mechanism to ensure individuals remain regulated, focused, and can function as independently as possible. Put simply, for many people with diverse needs, these tools are not "nice-to-have" extras; they are essential Aids for Daily Living (ADLs). Without them, we often see lower levels of self-management, reduced independence, and poorer engagement across home and community life.

Overcoming the "Luxury" Label

Sensory equipment has too often been treated as the "poor cousin" of the disability sector—the first to be cut from budgets. This concerning trend stems from an outdated and restrictive perception: that sensory tools are purely "therapeutic."

Based on decades of experience in this field, this categorisation is uninformed and restrictive. For the individuals we support, a sensory tool is a functional aid, directly used to:

- Sustain focus and attention in the classroom or during group activities.

- Increase self-management and emotional regulation to navigate stressful transitions.

- Maintain and increase independent function throughout the day

When funding bodies, such as those governing Equipment Modification Services (EMS), exclude sensory items because they are viewed as "therapeutic," it actively creates barriers. It fails to recognise the proven, functional shift: these items are not just treatment; they are fundamental daily supports that increase function and access. We need to advocate for their rightful place as ADLs.

The Power of Professional Advocacy: Aotearoa's Mental Health Success

The good news is that systems can and do change, and that change is driven by the consistent and informed advocacy of professionals and people with lived experience.

In Aotearoa, we've already seen this happen in the mental health sector. Over 16 years ago, a Ministry of Health pilot, championed by Occupational Therapists, demonstrated that sensory tools made a positive difference in reducing restraint and seclusion in acute inpatient wards. This evidence slowly extended to community mental health and addiction services. While the system does have a long way to go in meeting the needs of people with mental health challenges, sensory supports are now often funded not just as a therapeutic intervention, but as a means to increase daily independence and reduce hospital admissions. OTs have successfully rationalised the use of sensory equipment, helping people gain access by showing its vital role in day-to-day life.

While we've seen a slight loosening of funding restrictions over the years, the current application process is still arduous and time-consuming, especially for small, essential items. This is where we need to focus our collective action.

A Call to Action: Formalise the Need

Many of us avoid the formal funding application process for small sensory items. It often seems easier to self-fund, to ask a parent to purchase, or to access a small grant. However, this "path of least resistance" has a systemic downside: external funding agencies do not see the true, overwhelming demand.

The lists of essential equipment managed by major funding agencies—such as the Band lists through Accessable and Enable—change and expand based directly on formal requests from therapists.

This is our collective call to action:

Do Not Assume 'No': Even if an item like a weighted lap blanket or chewable necklace is not explicitly on a funding list, put in the formal application. Every request, even if initially declined, contributes to the data that will eventually justify its inclusion on funding schedules.

Justify Function, Not Just Therapy: When writing your rationales, be meticulous. Articulate the item's role in increasing function, independence, and educational/community access, treating it with the same urgency as any other essential ADL.

Bridge the Gap: The need for these essential Aids for Living encompasses so much more than the current provision. Your consistent applications will help advocate for a more seamless and equitable system for all.

In essence, sensory equipment is a fundamental support mechanism. By championing its recognition and formal funding, we are dismantling barriers to participation, fostering emotional well-being, and significantly improving an individual’s capacity for safe and independent daily living. Let's work together to make these essential tools accessible to everyone who needs them.

We would love your feedback.

Sensory Corner Aids for Daily Living

Wishing you all a wonderful festive season

Life's Next Stage has had a wonderful year meeting and working with some wonderful retirees as they've moved into their new homes. Sharing time, stories and memories brings us so much joy. So thank you to all our clients for choosing us

Life's Next Stage

Here to help the Christchurch families.

Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction. It's a big life moment. My job is to make it easier, less stressful, and far more rewarding.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to listen first, understand what matters most to them, and guide them through the process step-by-step — so they’re never left wondering what’s next. Backed by the strength and reach of the Harcourts Holmwood team, I’ll be there from the first conversation to the final handshake, making sure you get the result you’re aiming for.

Find out the value of your property and see comparable sales, suburb performance and more. It takes seconds and it’s free.

Reach out and let's chat about your property today.

Our First Christmas Celebration

Last week marked a very special milestone for us — our very first Christmas celebration since opening earlier this year. With our wonderful residents, their families, and close friends gathered together, the day was truly filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness.

We were treated to an absolutely delicious three-course Christmas lunch, complete with all the festive favourites. Afterwards, our talented staff took to the stage for a Nativity play that had everyone smiling from ear to ear — plenty of laughter, fun, and a lovely reminder of the magic of the season.

It was a beautiful way to celebrate our first Christmas as a community — one that felt meaningful, memorable, and full of heart. We look forward to sharing many more celebrations together in the years to come.

From our family to yours, Merry Christmas!

Find out more about us!

Retirement Decisions Made Easier.

Independent advice when choosing a Retirement Village, Residential Care or Respite Care for your family members. We take the time to understand what matters most to you and your loved ones, creating a personalized plan. We arrange tours of suitable villages and facilities, and accompany you to appointments so you're never facing this process alone. We also help you make sense of the terms and conditions, upfront and ongoing costs, so you can make informed, confident decisions.

"Carmel made finding a suitable retirement village so much easier than us having to go from village to village ourselves" Doug and Lillias

This is a big step and we are here to make it easier.

Let’s talk.
Carmel – 027 227 635
carmel@nextstepinfo.co.nz
nextstepinfo.co.nz

Next Step Retirement Living

Help Give the Miracle of Sight:

With eyes blurred by cataracts 11-year-old Dipendra is such a brave boy. In his steep valley in Nepal – so hazardous for a child who cannot see – he never complained as his sight faded. Even his parents could not tell he was going blind.

He simply kept going to school, squinting at the blackboard as the letters melted together. He thought that was how the world looked for everyone.

Isn’t that an extraordinary thought – that children may not know they are losing their sight.

Help cbm New Zealand give the miracle gift of sight this Christmas…

Please give now

What's New at St Allisa?

Exciting changes are happening at St Allisa.

We’re refreshing our home with new paint, plush carpets and stylish furniture! All designed to make everyday living more comfortable and inviting.

What truly sets us apart is our tranquil, green backdrop: mature trees and established gardens surround the home, creating a peaceful environment for residents and visitors alike.

We warmly invite you to pop in for a tour—see the progress, explore our communal areas and experience the welcoming feel that makes St Allisa special.

Merry Christmas!

May the true meaning of Christmas fill your hearts and homes with love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
May 2026 bring you good health, renewed energy, and many reasons to celebrate.
We look forward to assisting you in the new year with the same care and commitment you’ve come to know.

Stuck for Xmas Gift ideas?

This holiday season, give the gift of glowing, healthy skin. At Skin Clinic Taranaki, we’ve handpicked our favourite products to help your loved ones (or yourself!) feel radiant and protected all summer long!

OUR TOP PICKS
La Roche-Posay Wet Skin SPF 50+ – A family-friendly sunscreen that bonds to wet skin, offering 4-hour water resistance and broad-spectrum protection without white marks ($47)

Gift Vouchers – Can be purchased for the value of your choice, and are redeemable across all our services, from skin cancer prevention and varicose vein treatment to cosmetic procedures and regenerative medicine.

Allmedic 2 in 1 Skin Repair – A powerhouse blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide to exfoliate, repair, and rejuvenate for youthful-looking skin ($75)

Radiance LED Mask – Advanced light therapy with red, yellow, blue, and green settings to target acne, boost collagen, balance tone, and rejuvenate skin. Available for rent (from $70 per week) or purchase ($499).

Emepelle Night Cream – Luxurious hydration with MEP technology, retinols, and peptides to restore vitality and luminosity, especially for skin affected by menopause. $310

VISIT US
Pick up your perfect gift at our clinic at 183 Powderham Street, New Plymouth. We offer Afterpay and convenient off-street parking.

Call us on (06) 281 1698 or explore our full product range at www.skinclinictaranaki.co.nz/products.

What’s hiding in your ears?

From wax to moths, cockroaches, cotton buds, even the odd gemstone, Pauline, Flynn & Bronwyn from Carefirst’s aural microsuctioning (ear wax removal) team have seen it all! Read the full story in our latest blog: www.carefirst.co.nz/community-news/#AuralMicrosuctioning

Got irritated ears or struggling to hear? Book your appointment today at Carefirst Westown Medical Centre on (06) 753 9505 or email@carefirst.co.nz

And remember: you don’t have to be a Carefirst patient — this service is open to everyone in the community. Clearer hearing could be just one appointment away.

Pictured : Pauline, Flynn and Bronwyn from the Carefirst Aural Microsuction team

Click here to read more about our Aural Microsuction service!

Understanding Auditory Processing

Auditory processing refers to the brain’s ability to recognise, interpret, and make sense of the sounds we hear. As we age, it is common for this process to become less efficient. Even when hearing levels remain relatively stable, the brain may take longer to separate speech from background noise or to follow rapid or overlapping conversation.

For many people over 65, this can mean that voices seem unclear, group discussions feel difficult to follow, or busy environments make communication more challenging. These changes are not a reflection of attention, intelligence, or memory; rather, they are a natural part of how the auditory system evolves over time.

To support our community, we now offer auditory processing testing, designed to assess how effectively the brain is interpreting sound. This evaluation can help identify specific areas of difficulty and guide practical strategies to improve communication in everyday settings.

Understanding auditory processing—and knowing when assessment may be helpful—can empower individuals and families to maintain confidence, connection, and quality of life.

Highview life

Highview is a vibrant, character-filled home that is centrally located and is on a bus route to town. We cook all our meals on site with a dietitian-approved menu. We provide for vegetarians and also our residents have options if what is on the menu is suitable to them on that day.
Our activities programme is run by Sarah who does amazing work to ensure everyone is included if they wish to, Sarah has outings, exercise programme, physical and mind bending games on the agenda and of course the very popular 'happy hour' on Fridays. Our art classes are well attended and earlier this year we held our own exhibition in the community art gallery, this combined many works over the year to be displayed and enjoyed by many.
If you are looking for somewhere to call home, give Lee a call on 027 508 3809 and make a time to come and see us!

Save $30 on Your Enduring Power of Attorney

If you’ve got a SuperGold card, you’re eligible for a $30 discount on the cost of setting up your Enduring Power of Attorney with Public Trust.

Simply book an appointment or use the offer code GOLD30 when creating your EPA online. It’s a smart way to plan ahead and save.

Start your EPA online today

NEED HELP DOWNSIZING?

If you are ready to downsize or selling your home and need assistance, Sort Out Service are here to help with planning, hands-on work and organising donation packing, pick-ups, moving companies, cleaning, gardening and so much more.
Give us a call to discuss your project 021 227 3345.

Find out more about us

Queen Rose Day Care openings

At Queen Rose, we believe that every day should be filled with laughter, purpose, and companionship. Our professionally designed program offers a vibrant and nurturing space where everyone can thrive.

Operating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am- 4pm, the dayprogram provides a supportive andengaging environment for people whohave been assessed as requiring thisservice, as well as those who wish to
attend privately.
The fee is $50 per session; additional charges apply for transport services- please enquire for further details.

Our experienced facilitators, bring over 20 years of combined experience in aged care. We warmly invite you to connect with us to explore how the Day Program can benefit you or your loved one.

Program Features:

Physical Activites
Concerts and Entertainers
Van Trips
Outing and Special Events
Arts and Crafts
Arranged Transport
Nutritious Meals inc. Morning Tea
and Afternoon Tea

Find out more

Palmerston North Market Report Oct 2025

“Owner-occupiers and first home buyers were the most active buyer groups, although more investors were showing interest as well. Some vendors have priced their properties above market value, while others with well-priced new listings received good interest. Attendance at open homes saw good viewing numbers, particularly for newer listings. Some activity was reported in auction rooms, with the majority selling postauction. Market sentiment was influenced by job security, the cost of living, and current economic concerns, but also by positivity about interest rate decreases. Local salespeople are hopeful that November should be a good month before the short trading months of December and January.”

Market Commentary Source - Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive

WINNER Ōtorohanga People's Choice Business Awards

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Beattie Home & Hospital was named the winner of the Health & Wellbeing category and co-winner of the Not-for-Profit/Community Groups category at the Ōtorohanga Districts People’s Choice Business Awards 2025.

This recognition belongs to all our dedicated staff, residents, families, volunteers, and supporters — we couldn’t do it without you.

Find out more

Palms Village Open Day 20th Nov

If you’re considering moving to a retirement village, an apartment or villa at Palms Village could be just the change you’re after.

Palms Village is set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens, with modern buildings and a great location close to all the essentials. With affordable options starting from just $460,000 our apartments and villas come with a modern kitchen, ensuite bathroom and have plenty of space when friends and family drop by.

Living at Palms Village is safe, secure and low maintenance and with no lawns to mow, so you can enjoy more of the fun things in life.

Our Village Customer Specialist Kellie will be on hand to show you around and answer any questions.

Thursday 20th November, 10am - 2pm

If you can't make it to the open home or would prefer a private viewing, Kellie is available on 027 725 6786 or you can email her at village.palms@hll.org.nz.

We look forward to seeing you.

Palms Lifecare & Village
100 Harris Street
Pukekohe 2120

Palms Village Open Day

Help dogs with your furniture donations!

If you’re moving, downsizing, or simplifying your home, your unwanted furniture can make a real difference. Our free pick‑up service collects quality furniture items from your doorstep, which are then sold in our SPCA Op Shops to raise vital funds for animal care.

Take Dante, a puppy who arrived at SPCA in urgent need of help, or any other neglected and abused animal who comes into our care this Christmas — your donation can help give him treatment and a second chance at a happy life. Read more about his story at https://christmas.spca.nz/dante

Book a free pick-up today