Eldernet Community

A Bright and Cheerful Morning in Our Kaimai Neighbourhood!

Our Kaimai neighbourhood residents began the day with warmth, flavour, and a touch of sunshine. In celebration of Daffodil Day, our team brought joy in cheerful yellow while preparing a beautifully presented breakfast. Fresh, delicious, and served with genuine care — because every detail matters in creating a life of comfort and wellbeing.

Details That Define Luxurious Living

It’s the little details that create something truly special. From the way we present morning tea to the way we care for each resident, every touch reflects our dedication to luxurious living and exceptional care.

Barrier Cream is a concentrated, fragrance-free moisturizing skin barrier that resists wash-off and allows adhesives to adhere. It’s ideal for moisturization of at-risk and/or severely dry skin.

Protect skin from irritants- ideal for applying before using continence products to preserve skin.

2 sizes- 28gm at $8.00 per tube and 92gm at $21.00 per tube.

Rosebank Respite Care – Short-term

Either planned or in an emergency, should family or a carer need to take a break from looking after a loved one or friend. When possible, plan ahead – Rosebank’s Respite Care is subject to room availability. Contact us to find out more about eligibility and applying.

Here at Hoon Hay Village, we make the most of our days and engage with our residents in meaningful activities. This includes outings into the community, enjoying entertainment and music activities as well
as doing craft, quizzes and gardening.

Hoon Hay House also has a 10 bed "woman only" wing. The rooms are lovely and spacious with ranch sliders out to a private outdoor area.

At Hoon Hay House we offer a unique opportunity to enjoy all the comforts of home in our facility.
Our staff are passionate about dementia care and pride themselves on providing the best possible care.

Passports Stamped! Residents Jet Off on Armchair Travel Adventure

Our residents recently boarded Tamahere Air for the very first Armchair Travel: Destination London. With passports and boarding passes in hand, they enjoyed themed commentary from the “pilot and cabin crew,” tasty in-flight snacks, and a delicious London-inspired meal prepared by our awesome kitchen team.

It was a joyful and imaginative escape that sparked conversation, laughter, and connection between residents, staff, and families. Next stop: The Philippines – coming up next month!

Save $30 on Your Enduring Power of Attorney with SuperGold

Look at our fresh new signwriting – doesn’t it look fantastic!

Remember, we cover the whole Taranaki region. Whether you’re heading to an event like the Garden Festival or simply need a ride to a doctor’s appointment, we’ll get you where you need to go.

Are you looking for Rest Home Care, Respite Care or Day Care? We can help.

Room Vacancy Status - Rooms available Currently

All rooms have an ensuite toilet and there is a mix of sizes and configurations such as those with glass sliding door to a garden courtyard or others with views toward the Waitakere ranges, Royal Heights Park or Auckland City and the bridge. Please call us to discuss.

We welcome visits to view the great resources our facility has for residents and our day stay clients. Book a visit by calling 09 833 9333 or drop in to have a chat about your needs.

Day Stay or Respite

Please have a chat to us about our day stay and respite service. These can be either regular or occasional. Join in the activities, entertainment and meet our friendly residents and staff. This is a booked service so we do need to discuss your needs before hand. All the various funding support options can be utilised toward this service.

Royal Heights is proud to have achieved four years certification (three times running).

Culture is a big part of team and residents, and we celebrate it!

Palmerston North City July 2025

“Owner-occupiers and first home buyers were the most active. New listings drew good attention at open homes. Properties that remained on the market for some time became stagnant, with most vendors needing to adjust prices to generate interest.

Market sentiment was primarily shaped by the seasonal market shift, with key concerns being vendor expectations, job security, and unemployment rates. Local salespeople say the market is hard to predict for the coming months, but remain hopeful that spring will bring change and optimism to the region.”

Market Commentary Source - Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive

Continued upgrade of rooms and three- monthly changes of floral plants on resident's decks. Further improvement of gardens will commence for when autumn arrives.

Added monthly themed lunches as recommended by residents.

New destinations for luncheons and van outings stretching up North to Matakana and Hobsonville on the other side.

The walking group has been introduced a year ago and the number of participants is growing. They walk for about 15 to 20 minutes daily enjoying the scenery and interesting changes to nearby streets.

Everil Orr Open days

Join us at our next open home 10 am to 2pm on Sarturday 16th August 2025

or phone for a personal booking 021357034

Everil Orr Open days

Join us at our next open home 10 am to 2pm on Sarturday 16th August 2025

or phone for a personal booking 021357034

This month we focus on GPS Location Trackers available from www.eldertech.co.nz Their main features, and why they matter to families wanting peace of mind:

Eldertech GPS Trackers — Key Highlights

Eldertech offers a range of GPS location trackers tailored to support individuals with memory challenges—especially those experiencing dementia. They include:

• GPS Locator Unit (with options for standard or Bluetooth charging). It’s a sturdy, standalone device featuring:

  • SOS button that shares GPS location immediately.

  • Automatic fall detection.

  • Two‑way voice communication.

  • 4G connectivity; no monthly tracking fee; includes a Spark prepay SIM and one month or 12 months of credit

Why These Features Matter for Families

In Summary

Eldertech’s GPS Location Trackers offer a well-rounded, user‑friendly solution for families caring for loved ones with memory loss. With real‑time tracking, emergency alerts, fall detection, and seamless two‑way calling—all supported by robust 4G coverage and no ongoing fees—they empower seniors to retain independence while creating peace of mind for caregivers.

Would you like more details on any specific product category or advice on selecting the perfect device? Visit us at www.eldertech.co.nz

Once you get to my www.12U.co.nz website (changing to www.12umobility.co.nz June 2025) you will see I am expanding the ranging. In the 8 or 9 years 1.2.U Mobility has been operational I am 'honing' ranging using my experience to 'bring the bling'!

Now in stock 5x new models to supplement the range with electric wheelchairs and 2x new compact mobility scooter options - well worth a nosey as the prices are really low..

We are now available in Hamiton and Christchurch

Christchurch: (03) 260 0296

Auckland and Hamilton: (09) 623 0274

Email: info@portablexray.co.nz

Healthcare Compliance Solutions Ltd, one of New Zealand’s foremost providers of aged care digital health solutions, is proud to announce its rebrand to Hercules HealthTM, marking a bold new chapter in the company’s evolution.
What began as a compliance-focused service has grown into a comprehensive, fully integrated digital health ecosystem, now supporting over 160 aged care sites across Aotearoa New Zealand. This rebrand reflects the platform’s expansion well beyond compliance and into clinical management, operations, workforce development, finance, and beyond - offering aged care providers a single, robust solution to manage the full spectrum of healthcare operations.

What happens to estate assets if you die without a Will?

There are many misconceptions surrounding the process for winding up a deceased’s affairs. Many people believe that notifying the family of their wishes is sufficient and that those wishes will be carried out when they pass.

Unfortunately, this is not the case in New Zealand. If the deceased did not have a valid Will, the Estate will be distributed in accordance with the Administration Act 1969. Section 77 of the Administration Act 1969 specifies who is entitled to benefit from the estate.

Although the legislation is quite detailed, it doesn’t always cover the nuanced relationships families may have and can unintentionally exclude people the deceased may have wanted included in the distribution of their estate.

There are many decisions that need to be made on behalf of the estate and many requirements that need to be met before the assets can be dealt with.

1. Determining the value of your estate.

In New Zealand, estates with assets worth more than $15,000 in the deceased’s sole name or with property held in the deceased’s sole name, must apply for a grant of administration from the High Court before the estate can be dealt with. Where the deceased did not have a Will, the grant is called “Letters of Administration on Intestacy”. You must gather information about all of the deceased’s assets before you can complete the application.

1. Appointing an Administrator.

Someone will need to be appointed to act on behalf of the estate, to make the necessary decisions, sign all of the documentation and arrange for all matters to be wound up. This person would be called the Administrator of the estate. There is an order of priority for who can apply to be the Administrator.

The surviving spouse, de facto partner or civil union partner would have the highest priority to apply, then the children of the deceased, then the parents of the deceased, brothers or sisters of the deceased, grandparents and so on. If the person with the highest priority to apply is unable or unwilling to act, the person next in line can apply. Where a person with lesser priority is going to apply to be the Administrator of the estate, they will need written consent from all persons that would have equal or higher priority to apply.

1. Advertising for a Will.

The proposed administrator (and family in general) will need to conduct a search for a valid will. This may involve going through the deceased’s records and paperwork to see if a Will can be located. Sometimes a handwritten Will is located, and this would then kick off an entirely different process to prove the handwritten document qualifies as a valid Will. In addition to searching the deceased’s records, the administrator will need to advertise for a Will with law firms in New Zealand to see if a Will was executed in the past. The advertisement for a Will must be “live” for a certain period of time, with no Will being found before the Administrator can apply for the grant of administration. There is more information later in this article addressing what happens when a valid Will is found.

1. Status of Children Act.

Another requirement that must be met is conducting a search for all biological children of the deceased (specifically those born out of wedlock where paternity has been ascertained). The Administrator will need to attest to the fact that searches have been undertaken to discover any children previously unknown to the family.

As you can imagine, gathering the requirements listed above can be a time-consuming and expensive process. This can often delay the application for a grant of administration by two to three months after death. If the deceased had a valid Will, the application could be completed as soon as five to ten days after death.

Once all of the above requirements have been met, and the potential administrator has obtained consent from the necessary parties to apply, the grant for Letters of Administration on Intestacy can be applied for. When the grant is received, the estate can be administered.

In some cases, the search for a Will is successful. This can be extremely helpful if the deceased’s personal circumstances have not changed since the Will was executed. For example, the Will was executed after all the Will-maker’s children were born and the deceased spouse, de facto partner or civil union partner was the same person when the Will was drafted and when the Will-maker died. In cases such as this, the person appointed as executor in the Will can apply for a different grant of administration and does not need to complete the above requirements.

Alternatively, a Will could be located that was executed more than 20 years ago when the Will-maker did not have any children and was not in a relationship. If, at the time of the Will-maker’s passing, they were married, the Will would be revoked, and the search would continue.

How can Pier Law help?

Instructing a law firm and executing a Will can be an intimidating task. You may have questions like, who will I leave my assets to and who will I appoint to act for my estate?

Our team at Pier Law specialises in assisting you with this process, guiding you through the necessary questions to make sure your Will accurately reflects your wishes. While there is also a cost involved in creating a Will, this is far less than the extra cost involved in obtaining a grant of Letters of Administration on Intestacy.

If you already have a valid Will, but your personal circumstances have changed since it was executed, we urge you to review it and check whether it still represents your wishes for your estate.

Need to make a Will, update a Will or have questions relating to your estate? Get in touch with our team today.

Discover Effortless Reading and Viewing with the TOPAZ 24" OCR Desktop Video Magnifier

Limited-Time Offer — Get More for the Same Price!

Upgrade your daily experience with the TOPAZ 24" OCR Video Desktop Magnifier, specially designed for people with low vision.

This advanced device makes reading and viewing easier than ever — and it's now available at the same price as the standard model!

Why You'll Love the TOPAZ OCR:

- Reads Aloud to You

Let the built-in text-to-speech feature read newspapers, letters, and books out loud — no more eye strain!

- Crystal-Clear Magnification

Enjoy ultra-sharp images and crisp text on a large 24” screen, perfect for reading comfortably.

- Same Price as the Standard Model

Get powerful new features without paying more — a smart upgrade at no extra cost.

Lease or Buy Today — While Stocks Last!

Take control of your reading and independence. Whether you're supporting someone close to you or using it yourself, the TOPAZ OCR brings comfort and ease to everyday life.

Click here to learn more: https://shorturl.at/7d3FF

Or call us at 03 741 7921 — we're happy to help

Your Hearing, Your Health: Why It All Matters More Than You Think

For many Kiwis over 65, hearing changes are a normal part of ageing. But hearing loss doesn’t just mean turning up the TV or asking someone to repeat themselves — it can quietly affect many other parts of your wellbeing.

Here on the beautiful Kāpiti Coast, staying active, independent and connected is something we all value. So it’s worth knowing just how much your hearing plays a role in your overall health.

Hearing Loss and Brain Health

Did you know untreated hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of dementia? When your brain works overtime trying to make sense of muffled speech or background noise, it can take energy away from memory and thinking. Over time, this can lead to cognitive decline.

Feeling left out of conversations or avoiding social events because of hearing issues can also increase isolation — another known risk factor for dementia.

The good news: Hearing aids and early intervention can help keep your brain sharper for longer.

Hearing and Balance

Your ears help more than just your hearing — they play a key role in balance too. Many people with hearing loss don’t realise it can increase their risk of falls. You might miss sounds like footsteps, traffic, or even your own movement, which help orient you in space.

Tip: Staying steady on your feet can start with something as simple as checking your hearing regularly.

Staying Social and Independent

If you’ve ever nodded along in a conversation, hoping you caught enough of it to respond — you’re not alone. But over time, this can lead to frustration, withdrawal, and even depression.

Here’s the truth: You deserve to stay connected — with whānau, friends, and the community. Being able to join in conversations at the café, over a cuppa, or at the RSA makes a big difference to quality of life.

What Can You Do?

• Book a hearing check – especially if you’ve noticed any changes.

• Don’t wait – the sooner you act, the more options you have.

• Talk to a local audiologist – someone who understands life here on the Kāpiti Coast.

Looking after your hearing can help you keep enjoying the things you love — walking along the beach, catching up with friends, or helping out with the mokopuna.

Ready to hear better and live better?
Pop in and see us at Kapiti Hearing – your local, independent audiology clinic.

• 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

Ring in and make an appointment to visit our home and see the residents take part in activities. Meet our Clinical Manager who has a wealth of knowledge on dementia. Also you can chat with our friendly staff.

Every day is a new day at Sunhaven as there is never a dull moment at Sunhaven. Our residents make us laugh, keep us challenged and this keeps our staff going :-)

WHEN IS IT TIME?

As a spouse or primary caregiver, you are intimately familiar with your loved one's daily rhythms, habits, and capabilities. This close connection often means you're the first to notice subtle changes. Yet, the moment of acknowledging that your loved one might need more support than you can provide, or more than they're currently receiving, can be incredibly difficult. It's often accompanied by a swirl of emotions: worry, sadness, guilt, and even a sense of being overwhelmed.

This isn't a sign of failure on your part, but rather a courageous recognition of evolving needs. In New Zealand, informal caregivers like you form the backbone of our health system, with around 480,000 people providing regular unpaid care for someone with an illness or disability. Many spouses provide care for their partners, and research from organisations like Carers NZ shows that caregivers often experience reduced health-related quality of life, particularly in mental health and social functioning domains. Recognising when to seek additional help is crucial not just for your loved one, but for your own well-being too.

Key Signs Your Loved One May Need More Support

Observing a cluster of these signs, rather than just one, often indicates a growing need for additional assistance:

1. Decline in Personal Care and Hygiene:

• What you might see: Unkempt hair, body odour, wearing the same clothes repeatedly, difficulty bathing, dressing, or grooming themselves, neglected oral hygiene.
• Why it's a concern: It can indicate physical limitations, memory issues, depression, or a fear of falling during hygiene tasks.

2. Changes in Home Environment & Safety:

• What you might see: A noticeable decline in household cleanliness, spoiled food in the fridge, unpaid bills piling up, missed appointments, signs of mismanaged medications (e.g., incorrect doses, missed pills, bottles running out too soon or too late).
• Why it's a concern: These can point to cognitive decline, reduced mobility making household tasks difficult, or an inability to manage complex administrative duties. Safety hazards like cluttered pathways or burnt pots on the stove are immediate red flags.

3. Mobility and Fall Concerns:

• What you might see: Unexplained bruises, difficulty getting up from chairs, shuffling gait, frequent trips or near-falls, reluctance to move around the house or leave it.
• Why it's a concern: Reduced mobility significantly increases the risk of serious injury. Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalisation among older New Zealanders. Early intervention can prevent severe consequences.

4. Nutritional Changes:

• What you might see: Significant weight loss or gain, lack of fresh food in the fridge, reliance on processed or easily prepared foods, forgetting to eat meals, difficulty chewing or swallowing.
• Why it's a concern: Poor nutrition can lead to fatigue, weakened immune systems, and exacerbate existing health conditions.

5. Cognitive and Behavioural Shifts:

• What you might see: Increased forgetfulness (beyond normal aging), confusion, difficulty following conversations, getting lost in familiar places, changes in mood (increased irritability, withdrawal, depression), paranoia, or unusual behaviours.
• Why it's a concern: These signs often indicate progressing dementia or other neurological conditions, making independent living unsafe. A New Zealand study found that caregiver distress was three times more likely among those supporting someone with cognitive impairment or dementia.

6. Caregiver Strain (Your Own Experience):

• What you might feel: Chronic exhaustion, increased stress, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, withdrawing from your own social life, resentment, or feeling constantly overwhelmed.
• Why it's a concern: Your well-being directly impacts your ability to provide care. Ignoring these signs can lead to caregiver burnout, which in turn can lead to earlier admission to residential care for your loved one. Research using New Zealand's interRAI data found that distress was reported by nearly 40% of informal caregivers and was significantly associated with care recipients' earlier admission into aged residential care.

What It Means for You (and Them)

Acknowledging these signs is not about giving up, but about making a proactive, loving choice. It means recognising that:

• Their Safety is Paramount: Bringing in professional support ensures your loved one is safe, even when you cannot be there.
• Their Quality of Life Can Improve: Expert assistance with daily tasks can restore dignity, promote better hygiene, and ensure proper nutrition and medication management, leading to a higher quality of life in their own home.
• Your Relationship Can Be Reclaimed: By sharing the practical burden, you're freed up to be more of a spouse, child, or friend, focusing on connection and companionship rather than just the tasks of care.
• Your Own Health Matters: It's an act of self-preservation, ensuring you have the energy and mental well-being to continue being a supportive presence for years to come.

How Home Support North Steps In

At Home Support North, we understand that this is a deeply personal and often difficult decision. Our role is to be your partner, offering flexible, compassionate, and professional home support that adapts to your loved one's evolving needs.

Whether it's assistance with personal care, household tasks, medication prompts, or simply companionship, our team can provide the additional support that allows your loved one to remain safely and comfortably in their own home, while also lightening your load. We can help you navigate the Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) process and discuss how our services can provide the right level of care for your unique situation.

Recognising "when it's time" is a brave step. It's a commitment to ensuring the best possible quality of life for your loved one and to protecting your own capacity to care with love and resilience.

Rawhiti Estate has a wonderful video series Navigating Dementia Care. Have a look to see how we help families through the dementia care transition