Planning for and after Retirement in New Zealand , it should never stop , even if you are 80 years old . Here are the reasons why ... Louis Botes - Before & After Retirement

$30 off your Enduring Power of Attorney with a Gold Card at Public Trust

Our surprisingly affordable Enduring Power of Attorney just got surprisingly more affordable! You can now get $30 off with a SuperGold card. Make an appointment or enter the offer code GOLD30 when sorting your EPAs online. 

The best time to get an EPA is now!

Start your EPA online today.

Our home has been revamped to become a modern, light, bright and airy unit with up to date artwork and access to seating in the garden areas being updated.

Newly Renovated Facility in 2024

Newly Renovated Facility in 2024

Rating Values vs Quotable Values explained for us lay people! Some very interesting insights here! View now.

All inquiries warmly welcomed 0800 789 532 or trish.willis@agentfinder.co.nz 

The inmuRELAX is a small 'pebble' shaped cushion that plays calming music and vibrates gently. A fabulous tool to calm agitation, to relax during the day, or to help with sleeping at night. The calming music becomes more complex with more movement, but will quieten and slowly fade when it is still. slight movement will 'wake' the inmuRELAX, making it an easily accessible tool for those with limited movement. See the inmuRELAX in action click the here.   Feel free to contact us on 0800 34 34 38 for further information or sales@sensorycorner.co.nz.

The Range: 

inmuRelax , inmuDance  ,inmuRhythm & inmuJoy each offer a different sensory sensation depending on what you are seeking.  

Funded Mobility Equipment Repairs in Auckland - If you (or a loved one) are living in Auckland and cannot afford to have your mobility equipment repaired, Independent Living may be able to help.

We have a targeted fund for equipment repairs for disabled or elderly people on a low income. We can fix walkers, scooters, wheelchairs and more.

If you think you might qualify for this funding (we'll just ask you a couple of simple questions about your income) please email us at repairs@ilsnz.org or check out more info on our Funded Repairs webpage at www.ilsnz.org/pages/funded-repairs. Or you can pop into one of our stores at Botany (308 Te Irirangi Dr), Royal Oak (14 Erson Ave) and Browns Bay (13 Bute Rd) to discuss your repair with our team.

We look forward to keeping you mobile :) Have a lovely day.

Amitabha Hospice Service offers a free support companion service to people with life-limiting illnesses across Auckland.  We need volunteers.  You can make a valuable difference to someone's quality of life by visiting them for a few hours each week on an ongoing basis.  VOLUNTEER TRAINING NEXT COURSE Wednesday 7 August-11 September 2024.  email amitabha.hospice@gmail.com for more information

Introducing SuperGold Tuesdays at Farro! Present your SuperGold card to receive 5% off your shop. See in-store for Ts & Cs. 

We have been to the Winton Vintage Machinery open day and we had a great time.

Our Whoa to Go training day exceeded all our expectations. Two days of training, 15 participants, 12 aged care facilities and so much fun and learning - plus some sore muscles! Whoa to Go is a highly structured, evidence based, 12 week exercise programme that will improve strength and balance for residents and reduce falls risk. Really excited to support these enthusiastic people and hear how they get on. 

HOME ASSISTANTS FOR SENIORS HAS NOW BEEN ASSISTING THEIR SENIORS IN THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 10 YEARS!

From the desk. January 2024

IT IS BEST TO BE INFORMED

Whenever we go out into the community to talk to people about the service we provide, 

 we often end up talking about Retirement Villages or Residential Care.  How the costs  

compare?   What they are entitled to?    Often one of the most important issues for our  

parents’ and grandparents’ generation is how that will impact on their ability to leave 

something to their children or grandchildren? 

There are three main options for Seniors to consider and the reality is they  all are “user pays”:

Residential Care:  If they have assets over the asset threshold, they will be expected to  

use those assets to pay for any care costs they may have in the future. The average 

National cost is $1400/week plus extras.   Potentially, the more our parents and  

grandparents keep safe for that rainy day, the more they may have to pay in residential  

care costs.  The current asset threshold for a Work and Income Residential Care  

Subsidy is $219,889 for a single person or for a couple when both are in care and 

 $120,416 for a couple where one is still living in the family home. If the value of the  

assets, whether those assets are held jointly or separately, is over that threshold, our  

parents will be required to pay for their care.  And, if their investments are earning  

interest, any interest earned will also go toward payment of their care costs. 

Retirement Villages: A licence to occupy gives its holder no property rights, just the  

right to stay as long as they are fit enough to do so, and when they do vacate, they or  

their estate only get back around 70-75 per cent of the sum they paid for the licence as 

the operator will deduct a deferred maintenance fee of 25-30 per cent.  And even if it is  

sold at a higher price the departing resident gets no share of the gains.  It is not just the  

purchase price prospective residents must consider, Residents also pay weekly fees  

covering things like rates, security, gardening and maintenance.  In addition to the  

weekly payments the resident is still responsible for some of their own costs like  

contents insurance.  Research suggests that people making the decision to move into a  

retirement village are not as well informed as they could be.  The decision to move is  

often prompted by a negative event.  Villages are secure and friendly places to live,  

however there are significant costs to retirement village living which will leave your  

estate depleted.  

 Staying in the family home with Private Care/Support in their own home:

Flexible support services tailored to their needs.  In some cases Government funding in  

the form of Carer Support is available.  The service can be co-ordinated to work in with  

Government funded home care providers which are assessed on needs and not asset  

tested.  The decline in independence is catered for while retaining social and  

community connections.   The property continues to increase in value so their estate  

has the capital gain when sold.

 Recommend that your parents and grandparents have a clear idea of what their  

options are.    As with all areas of estate planning, it is important that you seek good 

advice from a legal and financial team who understand how this area may impact on you.

  The only thing guaranteed is that we will all age and it will come at a cost to us.

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Rest home bedrooms are all large and include ensuites. Residents are encouraged to make their space their own, by using personal furniture and treasured items. Grounds are well-established and thoughtfully designed so that courtyards, lawns and gardens are easily accessible and enjoyed. Villas feature comfortable bedrooms complete with ensuite, spacious living and dining rooms.

Save with our Mystery Box!

Discover the warmth of home-cooked meals delivered! Our frozen ready-to-heat meals are handmade in small batches with real ingredients, just like you would make at home. They're perfect for having on hand to pop in the microwave or oven, for those days when you need something nutritious and delicious. Stock up and you'll never go hungry again!

We have a special running this month – get a mystery box of 9 single-serve ready-to-heat meals – worth almost $150, for only $99. Try our gourmet meals today and taste the goodness of a home-cooked meal, without any of the hassle.

You can find our award-winning meals on our website www.juk.co.nz

Introducing the RUBY 10 - the perfect device for those looking to read fine print and complete detailed tasks with ease.

Its high magnification capabilities will make reading a breeze.

Not only is the Ruby 10 easy to use with its touchscreen and tactile keys, but it's also portable, so you can bring it with you wherever you go.

But what truly sets the Ruby 10 apart is its OCR capability, allowing it to scan and read documents out loud for those with low vision. This feature will greatly benefit anyone who struggles with reading small text.

Ruby 10 Features

• Available with and without speech
• Magnify from 2X to 24X
• Touchscreen and tactile buttons
• Portable and lightweight
• Magnify small objects and fine print
• See objects at a short distance
• Save scanned images and documents
• Connect an external display via Miracast or USB
• Scan and read full-page documents (speech model)
• Connect a headset to listen to documents privately (speech model)

For a limited time only, we are offering a special 15% discount on both the Ruby 10-inch Electronic Magnifier with and without speech.

Don't miss your chance to take advantage of this offer before it ends at the end of July.

Click on the link below to learn more↓

RUBY 10 ELECTRONIC VIDEO MAGNIFIER

Next week, on Saturday 19th February, we will be having a "Summertime with Radius" open day, with vintage cars, vintage dress ups, themed music and very importantly the best hibiscus of Whangarei competition. All welcome. Come and meet some of our residents and have a look through.

Is moving feeling overwhelming?

Are you thinking about downsizing, moving into a retirement village, or you or a loved one entering residential care in the Christchurch area?

From sorting and decluttering, to packing and moving your belongings to your new home, we work with you, step by step.

Then we completely set up your new home, to a plan that you have chosen. Reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Are you looking for a safe and caring family owned and operated Rest Home or Dementia facility in Otago for your loved family member?

We have vacancy in rest home and dementia level care and would love to have you come and visit us.

Our family understands the challenges of entering a rest home and we would love to help answer any questions you may have.

To arrange a visit or have a chat, contact Jasmine at 034177888 (9am-5pm) or on 027 387 2538 (Anytime). 

Challenging Wills - the Family Protection Act

Published Feb 2024

Family relationships have become more complex over the years.  As a result challenges to Wills have also become more common.  One way of challenging a Will is under the Family Protection Act 1955.  A spouse, de facto partner, child or grandchild of a deceased person is entitled to claim provision from an estate if adequate provision has not been made for their proper maintenance and support.  The Courts often refer to this as a failure of “a moral duty” on the part of the deceased person.  In rare circumstances, where a stepchild or parent was being financially supported by the deceased person they can also make a claim.

Claims are often made by adult children. A breach of moral duty is judged by the standards of a wise and just deceased at the time of his or her passing.  The Courts adopt a broad approach and each case is decided on its own particular facts.  Financial need and the health of the child making the claim are often the most important factors. However even if an adult child is in good health and in a good financial position they may still have a valid claim. The Courts point out that a child’s path through life is recognised in a Will not only through financial provision to meet financial needs but also to recognise a child as belonging to the family and of having been an important part in the overall life of the deceased person.

There are other factors which a Court will consider. The relationship which the child had with the deceased person will always be important. However the fact that a child was estranged from their deceased parent does not disqualify a child from making a claim. Sometimes the Court will find that it was up to the parent to be the “bigger person” and mend the relationship.

Grandchildren are not usually considered by the Court as requiring an award unless there are special circumstances such as their own parent dying before the deceased grandparent.

The Court is not restricted to particular considerations and must be aware of changing social attitudes over time. Due to the infinite variety of fact situations there can be no firm benchmark percentages for claims by surviving children. Where there is a large estate the Court is more likely to make a larger award. However where a child is well off and in good health awards are typically modest.

A person making a Will may wish to consider persons beyond family members. Bearing in mind that a Will is often the last message that a person will give to their loved ones careful consideration is required particularly if children are to be treated unequally. Written reasons often help in this regard.

There are other ways in which spouses, children and non-family members can challenge wills. As family relationships become more complex Wills need to be drafted to deal with those complexities. A carefully crafted Will by a lawyer can minimise the risks of a later challenge.

Check out our new website www.thebidetshop.co.nz

Have a Sensational day!

The Bidet Shop team.

Warm welcome to the community for new Carefirst Bell Block Medical Centre

After a significant period with no doctors available in the area, Bell Block’s three new GPs have been welcomed with open arms.

Carefirst Bell Block Medical Centre opened its doors to patients on Tuesday 9 July, following a mihi whakatau (official welcome) to a crowd of more than 50 the night before, led by New Plymouth District Councillor and Puketapu hapū representative, Dinnie Moeahu.

Leigh Sampson, Carefirst chief executive said, “It was a special, multicultural welcome into the area that truly reflected both our workforce and the community we are so proud to serve.”

Sharing facilities with Working for Health at 69 Corbett Road, the clinic is run by doctors Nelia Lourens, Geoff Putt and Amanda Brown. They are supported by administration manager Cynette Hickin, registered nurses Abby-Lynn Bruce and Shannon Hawkins, receptionist Rachel Doeg and clinical assistant Jacinta Taylor-Fidow.

Click here to read the full update on the Stuff/Taranaki Daily News website.

Pictured: Doctors Geoff Putt, Nelia Lourens and Amanda Brown outside the new Carefirst Bell Block Medical Centre.
Image credit – Lisa Burd/STUFF

Feel at home with our quality nursing care. 

The Nurse Maude Care Home is more thank just a place to live. It's a place where residents enjoy a sense of purpose, meaning and dignity in a vibrant and caring community. 

To learn more about the care we're renowned for, which focuses on the whole person and their unique needs, contact us today. 

DEMENTIA ROOM OPEN NOW  Are you seeing changes in a loved one or worrying about their safety? Come be part of the FAMILY at Annaliese Haven. We offer Dementia, Rest home and hospital rooms.

NO COST for your first physiotherapy appointment at any Healthvision physiotherapy clinic!

New Blog!
Wellbeing through Menopause, and beyond

Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, often spanning several years. The hormonal fluctuations bring a myriad of changes in various aspects of our wellbeing, such as physical and mental fitness, nutrition needs and sleep. We will take a deep dive into understanding these changes and how Imago can help you to navigate this phase with grace and resilience.

Physical activity

As with ageing, the most noticeable changes during menopause include reduced muscle mass, strength and bone density. Hot flushes may cause discomfort and excessive sweating, interfering the workout routines. But don’t let these changes stop you from being active. Regular strength training targeting the maintenance of muscle mass and bone density can help reduce the risk of fall or fractures. Regular moderate intensity exercise has been shown to reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. Most importantly, listening to your body and adjusting the exercise plan when necessary is essential to stay active safely and smartly during this transition.

Nutrition and diet

The nutrition needs shift with the hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause. For example, protein and calcium are crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone density, whereas iron is less needed due to the cessation of menstruation. Menopause is also associated with higher risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis (2). Nutrition coaching and support can help identify dietary risk factors and build a personalised balanced diet for the optimal health outcomes.

Sleep

Sleep is indispensable to life, just like air, food and water. Menopause brings significant changes to our sleep patterns and sleep quality, with higher risk of insomnia, night sweats and hot flushes interrupting our sleep (3). To improve sleep quality during this transition, establish a consistent bedtime routine and practice good sleep hygiene, create a cool and comfortable sleep environment, and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation. For example, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, avoiding heavy food before bed, and incorporating physical exercise during daytime can promote better sleep.

Mental fitness

Just like menstruation, the hormonal changes during perimenopause can lead to undesirable changes in our mental fitness. Some women might experience mood swings, anxiety, and cognitive changes (4). The decline in physical fitness, worsened sleep quality and other psychosocial stressors can also add to mental stress (5). Regular mindfulness practices and meditation that help manage stress, stabilise mood, and improve mental fitness.  Engaging in activities that stimulate the brain, such as puzzles, reading or learning a new skill is beneficial. It is also important to stay socially connected, and to seek support from friends and family. Lastly, self-reflection is essential. Being aware and open to talk about these potential challenges with specialists who understand the changes that you are going through can improve your mental wellbeing journey in this stage of life.

Summary

Menopause is a natural phase for a woman that can be challenging physically and mentally, but with the right strategies and mindset, it can be a smooth transition. Embracing this stage with preparedness and positivity can lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life.

So, how can Imago help you improve and maintain wellbeing before, during and after menopause? Our expert coaches can help you build a plan that is customised to you and flexible around your needs. Be proactive about your health and get in touch to hear more about our Wellbeing through Menopause programme.  

View more blogs here

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For FREE wellbeing tips, join The 1% Club here!

#wellness #wellbeing #wellnessprogrammes #imagowellnesscoaching #wellnessexperts

References:

1 Witkowski, S., Evard, R., Rickson, J. J., White, Q., & Sievert, L. L. (2023). Physical activity and exercise for hot flashes: trigger or treatment?. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 30(2), 218–224. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002107

2 Erdélyi, A., Pálfi, E., Tűű, L., Nas, K., Szűcs, Z., Török, M., Jakab, A., & Várbíró, S. (2023). The Importance of Nutrition in Menopause and Perimenopause-A Review. Nutrients, 16(1), 27. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16010027

3 Tandon, V. R., Sharma, S., Mahajan, A., Mahajan, A., & Tandon, A. (2022). Menopause and Sleep Disorders. Journal of mid-life health, 13(1), 26–33. https://doi.org/10.4103/jmh.jmh_18_22

4 Behrman S, Crockett C. Severe mental illness and the perimenopause. BJPsych Bulletin. Published online 2023:1-7. doi:10.1192/bjb.2023.89

5 Riecher-Rössler, A. (2020). Menopause and mental health. Mental health and illness of women, 147-173.

Top Results in 2024 Family & Relationship Property Law Rankings

The New Zealand Family & Relationship Property Law Doyle's Guide 2024 Rankings were released today, and we're ecstatic to announce that McVeagh Fleming has excelled, featuring in three categories!

Our firm not only ranked highly overall, but we're especially proud of Alissa Bell, our partner and chair, who has rightfully earned a place in the prestigious 'preeminent' category. Her exceptional skills and leadership in family and relationship property law are commendable, and we couldn't be prouder of her achievements.

But wait, there's more! We're also over the moon to celebrate Anna Carbon, who was given personal recognition in the ‘Family & Relationship Property Law Rising Star’ category. Way to go, Anna!

While chasing awards has never been a focus at McVeagh Fleming, this recognition from Doyle's is appreciated. It acknowledges the hard work and passion that our Family & Relationship Property Law teams pour into every client.

Thank you to Doyle's for this recognition, and to all our clients for entrusting us with their legal needs. Here's to more success and continued excellence in the field! 

Full details can be read on the Doyles website:

• Leading Family & Relationship Property Lawyers: Alissa Bell, McVeagh Fleming – Auckland
• Family & Relationship Property Law Rising Stars: Anna Carbon, McVeagh Fleming
• Leading Family & Relationship Property Law Firms: McVeagh Fleming

Are you looking for staff?

Quick Solutions is a 24 Hours Temping Agency which specialises in placement of all healthcare service staff from registered staff to highly educated community support workers. We also have many opportunities available for jobseekers looking for the right job. Our office is based in Rangiora, with services available to all of Canterbury and Timaru.

We are your Quick Solution to all of your staffing problems, providing you with professional quality healthcare staff to suit your need.

We currently have vacancies for rest home and hospital-level care at our picturesque Coromandel location. Our dedicated team of healthcare assistants and registered nurses ensures the highest quality care for our residents.

Contact us today for more information!

ARE YOU LOOKING TO DOWNSIZE?

Ask Sherie and Grant about our “no obligation - free ” appraisal and consultation.

Would you like a copy of our "SELLERS CHECKLIST" 

Simple and effective tips that can achieve fantastic selling results.

We have just resurfaced our bowling green, one of only three full sized bowling greens in an aged care facility in New Zealand.

Due to a 7 day cancelation - we have a Respite Vacancy for July - if you are a Fulltime carer for a family member, remember you need to look after yourself to continue to care for them. 

Visionwest Opens New Waikato Offices

On May 30 2024, Visionwest Home Healthcare opened new Hamilton offices to house their Waikato Home Healthcare team. One of the leading suppliers of Home Healthcare in the Waikato, Visionwest also operate in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua/Taupō. Last year almost 1,300,000 hours of in-home healthcare was provided to around 8,350 older adults and people living with a disability.

www.visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare/

Visionwest Opens New Waikato Offices

On May 30, Visionwest Home Healthcare opened new Hamilton offices to house their Waikato Home Healthcare team. One of the leading suppliers of Home Healthcare in the Waikato, Visionwest also operate in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua/Taupō. Last year almost 1,300,000 hours of in-home healthcare was provided to around 8,350 older adults and people living with a disability.

www.visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare/

More recently we have implemented a new staff benefit where every staff goes into a draw to win petrol vouchers for time worked on a particular day, just one more way to show your carers how valued they are.

At Ali's, we CARE.  We not only pride ourselves on looking after our clients but also our staff and this year we introduced Ali's CARE Penapena Friendly Society.  This is like a Christmas savings club for the staff.  It means they will have support from the society for emergencies and enable them to save through the year.

Penapena is a Māori word meaning, to cherish, look after, save up, and store.  I believe this means we will be able to support ourselves and our whanau better in the coming years with the potential recession going to affect us all in different ways.

This is just some of the ways Ali's makes a difference.

Visionwest Opens New Waikato Offices

On May 30, Visionwest Home Healthcare opened new Hamilton offices to house their Waikato Home Healthcare team. One of the leading suppliers of Home Healthcare in the Waikato, Visionwest also operate in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua/Taupō. Last year almost 1,300,000 hours of in-home healthcare was provided to around 8,350 older adults and people living with a disability.

www.visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare/

Visionwest Opens New Waikato Offices

On May 30, Visionwest Home Healthcare opened new Hamilton offices to house their Waikato Home Healthcare team. One of the leading suppliers of Home Healthcare in the Waikato, Visionwest also operate in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua/Taupō. Last year almost 1,300,000 hours of in-home healthcare was provided to around 8,350 older adults and people living with a disability.

www.visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare/

Discover Amberley Country Estate, an exciting new 250 home Retirement Village just 35min from Christchurch, at the gateway to Canterbury’s wine region. Uniquely designed, like a residential subdivision in layout and feel, here you’ll find spacious yards with landscaped gardens, well spread out, generously-sized, north-facing villas and a 330m² Clubhouse. A $12M resort-style facility is planned and modern medical and care facilities are coming too. If you seek an active lifestyle with laidback country estate living, call today to find out more about a retirement village with space to live a life you’ll love.  Visit our website, or phone 0800 573 573 

NZDSN

Visionwest Opens New Waikato Offices

On May 30, Visionwest Home Healthcare opened new Hamilton offices to house their Waikato Home Healthcare team. One of the leading suppliers of Home Healthcare in the Waikato, Visionwest also operates in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Rotorua/Taupō. Last year almost 1,300,000 hours of in-home healthcare was provided to around 8,350 older adults and people living with a disability.

www.visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare/

Adult Day Club

Adult Day Club is a community social service for older people who have a need for companionship and stimulation because of disability, isolation or loneliness.

We have regular entertainment, speakers and exercise sessions.

Subsidy

A Te Whatu Ora subsidy is available for people who meet the criteria.

Self-funded guests are very welcome our daily fee is affordable.

Location

Baptist Church Hall,  17-19 Rugby Street,  Levin 5510

Getting out and about! 

Engaging in the community promotes a sense of purpose and fulfilment, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, enhancing overall quality of life. 

Our vans make it easy for all residents to get out. These gentlemen were treated to some Kapiti Salted Caramel ice-creams in the park. 

At Clare House we offer a range of care options including Rest Home, Dementia Care and Hospital Level Care. 

We invite you to come in, meet the team and we can discuss what we can do to support you loved one.