Eldernet Community

Driving You Taranaki – Reliable, Affordable, and More Than Just a Ride.

Getting around shouldn’t be a hassle. Whether it’s a medical appointment, a quick trip to the shops, or a scenic drive, we make transport easy, comfortable, and stress-free. From standard trips to companion driving services, we’re here to support your journey with friendly, dependable service—every time.

Based in Taranaki and proudly serving the region, we’re ready to help wherever you need to go. Don’t hesitate to get in touch and see how we can assist you.

Sensory is for Everyone

When people hear the terms sensory input or sensory regulation, they often associate it with children—particularly those with sensory processing challenges or neurodiverse needs. Sensory play, therapy tools, and weighted blankets are commonly marketed for kids who need support with focus, emotional regulation, or calming strategies. However, sensory input is a fundamental part of human life at all ages. We all engage in sensory activities daily—often without realising that they help us regulate our emotions, focus, and overall well-being.

Why do we associate sensory with children?

Children are naturally more expressive in their sensory needs. A child might seek movement by jumping on a trampoline, crave deep pressure through hugs, or feel overwhelmed by loud noises in a crowded place. Because sensory needs are more obvious in childhood to those living or working with them, interventions such as sensory-friendly classrooms, therapy swings, or fidget toys are widely recognised as tools for kids. But what happens when kids grow up?

How Adults use Sensory Input for Regulation

Even if we don’t think about it, we constantly seek out sensory experiences to help us stay balanced. Here are some common ways people regulate through sensory input:

• Deep Pressure & Weighted Input: Many people wrap themselves in a heavy blanket at night to sleep better or seek out a firm hug when feeling overwhelmed. Some even enjoy the pressure of compression clothing or firm handshakes, which provide grounding sensations.
• Movement & Vestibular Input Rocking in a chair, stretching after sitting too long, pacing while on the phone, or even going for a run are all ways adults regulate through movement.
• Oral Sensory Input: Chewing gum, sipping a warm drink, eating crunchy snacks, or even biting nails are ways we engage with oral sensory input to focus or self-soothe.
• Tactile Sensory Input: Rubbing soft fabrics, playing with stress balls, clicking pens, or touching smooth stones can help regulate the nervous system. Many people wear comfortable clothing that satisfies their need for soft or breathable textures.
• Auditory & Visual Sensory Input: Listening to music, using noise-cancelling headphones, dimming the lights, or watching calming videos are ways people manage their auditory and visual environment to maintain comfort and focus.

Recognising Sensory Needs for a Better Life

By understanding that sensory input isn’t just for children, we can better support ourselves and others in maintaining emotional and physical well-being. The next time you catch yourself rocking in a chair, squeezing a pillow, or reaching for a stress ball, recognise that your body is seeking sensory input. Paying attention to what feels good or overwhelming can help you create a sensory-friendly environment that supports your daily life.

Sensory needs don’t disappear with age. They simply become less obvious to observers. But once we recognise them, we can use them to our advantage at every stage of life. Sensory regulation is a lifelong need for all.

Feel free to contact us on 0800 34 34 38 for further information or sales@sensorycorner.co.nz.

Products ideas for seniors

Use "ELDERNET10" at checkout and enjoy $10 off when you spend $50 or more on our site - Exclusive to the Eldernet family!

Lease Program, your gateway to state-of-the-art low vision devices without high upfront costs.

Discover the latest assistive technology that fits your budget!

With our leasing options, enjoy state-of-the-art Ruby Electronic Magnifiers for less than $1 a day! Or opt for the state-of-the-art Topaz OCR, which transforms text into speech, making reading easier than ever before.

No need for large upfront payments—spread your costs over time.

Plus, try before you buy and benefit from unlimited support!

Check out our website to find out more: LEASE OPTIONS

For more information and advice, please call our friendly team at 03 376 5071 .

Radius Care has recently acquired St Allisa and is proud to take on the management of this well-loved care home. We’re committed to maintaining the highest standards of care and creating a warm, supportive environment for residents, their families, and our staff.

It's wonderful to hear about the opening of Rata Park's Young Persons with Disability (YPD) Unit in March 2025. This unit provides specialized care for young adults with physical and cognitive support needs, ensuring they receive the attention and assistance they require.

Francis's outing to see his favorite New Zealand band is a great example of how Rata Park is committed to providing a purposeful and fulfilling life for its young residents. These activities and experiences are essential for their well-being and happiness.

If you have any more details or questions about Rata Park, feel free to share!

we will be showing lots of our activities on face book in the near future involving social media more

80 years celebration of "Potter Home" being opened as a care facility

Supporting Kaumatua

Hearing Auckland is a charity dedicated to ensuring that all New Zealanders can access good hearing. We know that by supporting our kaumātua to hear better, we don’t just help them, we help their whole whānau (family) and community to be more connected. That’s why we’re proud to be supporting our kaumātua through our Pathfinder program.

Nōku te tūranga, nō koutou te mana
Nōku te tūranga, nō koutou te mana *

We’re a Registered Charity

Hearing Auckland is a registered charity. Tāmaki Makaurau Hearing Trust (CC59040) exists to ensure all New Zealanders can access good hearing. When you get products and services from us, you help us to help others to hear better. One of our charitable programs is specifically dedicated to supporting our kaumātua, and it’s called the Pathfinder program.

Pathfinder program

Our Pathfinder program helps people who are:

• Māori or Pasifika
• 60 years or older
• Low income

to access hearing aids and hearing services at low or no cost. Hearing Pathfinder is funded by the Tāmaki Makaurau Hearing Trust (us!). Sometimes iwi funds or medical insurance can also help to pay for services. We can also apply on our clients’ behalf for Ministry of Health or ACC funds that will pay some of the costs of hearing aids. We know that the cost of hearing aids and hearing services can be prohibitive. We’re proud to be supporting our kaumātua by providing quality hearing care services that are low or no cost to the client.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei

We have been lucky enough to be in our beautiful whare (building) on St Vincent Ave in Remuera for over 90 years, in the rohe (area) of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. We are so pleased to be working with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to support their kaumatua to access better hearing. The above photo was taken at a Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei “Kaumātua Health Day” last month. Our team have attended several of these events this year. We are able to provide on-site hearing screenings which can be followed up with further hearing testing, discussion, advice, and supply of hearing devices if needed. We’re proud to be developing this relationship with local iwi and tangata whenua; and to be supporting our Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaumātua.

Supporting our kaumātua

As you can see, we put a lot of aroha (love) and mahi (work) into supporting our kaumātua. If you know of any kaumātua in your community who might benefit from hearing better, get in touch via phone call or email and we’ll be happy to help.

(09) 524 9847

info@hearingauckland.org.nz

*This whakataukī acknowledges the important role of kaumātua in the community as a connection to culture and heritage and a guide for future generations. We found it in this article from the charity Safekids.

The post Supporting our kaumātua appeared first on Hearing Auckland.

The Value of a Funeral and Pre-planning

Throughout our lives we mark milestones. We celebrate birthdays, graduations, weddings and anniversaries. A funeral is a chance to mark a major milestone in the life of a family.

Everyone has a story to tell, and even those who appear, on the surface, to have lived an ‘ordinary 'life, have things that make them unique.

Ferdi Bosch, General Manager of Seddon Park Funeral Home says his team is very aware of the need to mark the milestone of death.

“Some people tell us they don’t want a funeral because they don’t want to put their family through the stress of having to organise things at a difficult time. But funerals are not just for the person who has passed away, they are very much for the living,” says Ferdi.

Funerals serve a greater purpose than simply saying goodbye. They are often the spark that brings family members together. They help to smooth conflict and reaffirm the importance of family connections in day-to-day life. Funerals provide healing and are a good start on the journey of grief. They provide an opportunity to express feelings without having to hide away.

Ferdi says funeral’s don’t have to be grand events. They can be very simple. He sees them as a chance for friends to show their support, and many families welcome hearing stories about things they might not have known about their loved ones.

“One of the best things about funerals now is that they can be done to suit the needs of the families who want to hold services in a garden, sport clubs or even in the back yard”

“Some people think that not having a funeral will shield them away from the pain of grief, but we find it actually makes it harder,” says Ferdi

“More people are choosing to write down their wishes, and this is very important. It means they can choose their own music, venue for the service, and even things like flowers they want”

He says this takes the pressure off a family at a very difficult time because they have fewer decisions to make, and they know they’re following the wishes of their loved one.

Without doubt funerals are emotionally difficult, but they can also be a wonderful time for sharing great memories. They can be a celebration of a good life, and a celebration of family ties.

“We encourage people to think carefully before saying they don’t want a funeral. Today’s funerals are not the sombre affairs of days gone by, and that’s a very good thing.”

Request our free pre plan funeral booklet “a time such as this”. This will give you the chance to put down your funeral wishes. email us at info@seddonpark.co.nz or call us on 07 846 1561

Purchase a gift voucher for your loved one to experience our service! In a world that rushes by too fast, we like to focus on creating experiences with our clients. It's important to take time to appreciate the journey and savor the simple things in life that help us all to feel good. We aim to leave a smile on every client's face after a trip. Pre-bookings required.

Our newest 'Kimihia Khronicle' is coming out today. You may visit our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/KimihiaHomeandHospital where we will be posting the latest version today. You will find out about recent news in Kimihia Home and what's coming in the next month.

Pink Shirt Day aims to create schools, workplaces, communities, and whānau where everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

We are currently working on a project to enhance our outdoor environment. The staff are working with residents to design and establish a sensory garden.

Mothers' Day 2025, celebrated with High Tea and flowers.

We have a beautiful Care Suite Staged and available to view.

What's Happening ...

• Library Visit- fortnightly 1^st and 3^rd week
• Weekly Communion- Saturday morning [Catholic]
• Shopping – fortnightly 2^nd week and 4^th week
• Pastoral Visits-
• 3^rd Thursday of the month- at 2pm in Upland Library [Anglican]
• 4th Thursday of the month -at 2pm in Upland Library [Catholic]
• Drum Fit Class- 4^th Wednesday of the month- in the Atrium
• Daily exercise class - chair yoga

• Library Visit- fortnightly 1^st and 3^rd week
• Weekly Communion- Saturday morning [Catholic]
• Shopping – fortnightly 2^nd week and 4^th week
• Pastoral Visits-
• 3^rd Thursday of the month- at 2pm in Upland Library [Anglican]
• 4th Thursday of the month -at 2pm in Upland Library [Catholic]
• Drum Fit Class- 4^th Wednesday of the month- in the Atrium
• Daily exercise class - chair yoga

We are excited to announce that Healthcare New Zealand has been voted New Zealand's most trusted homecare brand in the Trusted Brand 2025 awards. This recognition has been achieved in the highly competitive category of “Home Health Care”. This is the first year this category has been included in the awards.

As part of the Trusted Brands annual awards, Readers Digest surveys over 2000 New Zealanders to gauge their experiences with brands and services. As Readers Digest notes:

"Trust is that intangible quality that signals reliability and integrity. Whether it is a product or service, trust is what reassures us that we are making the right choice". 

This recognition highlights Healthcare New Zealand’s commitment to high-quality care that supports New Zealanders to live their best lives. 

These achievements would never have been possible without the support workers, nurses, allied health professionals, and office-based staff who work tirelessly each day to care for the people we support. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and compassion displayed daily by our people.

Join the Coronation Lodge Family!

Looking for a warm, friendly place where care feels like home? We’ve got vacancies waiting just for you!

No hidden fees—just genuine care, good vibes, and plenty of smiles.

Come and see why life’s better with us! Contact us today to learn more.

Being a welfare guardian for a parent or adult isn’t always straightforward, but you're not alone! This powerful seminar is here to back you up with practical knowledge, expert insight, and a community that understands your journey.

Whether you're navigating healthcare decisions, supporting independence, or figuring out your legal role, we've got your back. Our sessions are relaxed, real, and packed with useful info to help you feel confident and supported. You’re doing amazing work - let’s make it easier together.

Thursday 12^th June 6pm – 8pm

22 Foster Street

$25 pp – light kai provided

RSVP to iona.rutherford@aliscare.co.nz

We have what is called the "walking bus", we take residents outside with our staff and go for featured walks around the village so they can see the joy of the gardens and trees. Enjoying the sunshine as much as possible. Fantastic van trips to all sorts of places for example: picnics, at the beach, garden adventures, toy factory visits, along with this we have pet visits yes including a pony such joy this brings to our residents.

Duart is constantly upgrading our facilities, rooms and activities programs. We welcome feedback from our residents and their families to continue to provide excellent service and a wonderful quality of life.

Recently celebrated Mother's day with room-to-room spa treatments for our mothers and a high tea in the afternoon catered by our in-house kitchen.

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Refurbished Villas for sale in our village

Enquire today for an information pack or a site visit.

Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane: Residents from Hawthorne Enjoy a Ride in an Old Holden Kingswood

Hawthorne residents recently enjoyed a nostalgic drive in a classic 1970 2.6L Holden Kingswood, reminiscent of the 1974 Commonwealth Games. The vintage car stirred memories of cruising through town, evoking laughter and chatter among passengers as they reminisced about the past. This outing provided a brief escape from routine, reminding everyone of the enduring connections to our history. As the ride concluded, a sense of gratitude lingered, highlighting the timeless allure of the old Holden Kingswood and the cherished memories it evokes.

The May issue of our newsletter just dropped!

Read it here to learn more about what's happening at Cambrige Life, from April Falls to ANZAC Day, World Art Day and Easter celebrations.

Join Us for Our Open Day!

Saturday, May 17th 10am to 2 pm

Explore our stunning villas, meet the community, and take advantage of this exclusive offer: 2 years of no weekly fees when you secure your villa by October 31st!

This offer is only available to Open Day attendees.

- Tour our brand new luxury villas

- Meet the welcoming Longridge community

- See why our residents love it here! [Watch Video here]

See you on May 17th at Longridge Country Estate, we can't wait to show you around!