Eldernet Community

How CODA compares to other caregiving devices

When it comes to supporting ageing parents or vulnerable loved ones at home, families in New Zealand have a growing number of options. From push-button alarms to wearables and cameras, many devices promise peace of mind. But each comes with limitations and often, those limitations only become clear in the middle of a crisis.

That’s where UltraCall CODA is different. CODA is designed around prevention, privacy, and independence. Check out this blog post to see how CODA compares.

How does CODA compare?

Waiapu Village Family Splash Day!

Come and join us on Friday 23rd January in the Waiapu Village back garden from 1pm for an afternoon of splashy family fun!

On the day we'll have: Slip N Slides, Water balloons, Supersoakers, Bubbles, Bouncy castle and outdoor games!

For further information call reception on 06 872 8930 or email village.waiapu@hll.org.nz.

Save the date and spread the word. See you there!

Waiapu House Lifecare & Village 10 Danvers Street, Havelock North

Waiapu Village Family Splash Day!

The Importance of Sensory Input in Aging Community

Why Are Sensory Experiences Important as we get older?

As people age, sensory functions such as vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell often decline. Mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and reduced social engagement can also limit sensory experiences, leading to isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. Maintaining sensory input is crucial for overall well-being, as it helps older adults stay connected to their surroundings, improve mood, and enhance quality of life.

Sensory Products for Seniors

Benefits
1. Cognitive Health and Memory Retention

Engaging the senses stimulates the brain, helping to maintain cognitive function and slow memory decline. Sensory activities can activate neural pathways, reducing the risk of dementia and enhancing recall. Smells can often bring back memories from the past. 

2. Emotional Well-Being and Mental Health

Sensory engagement has a profound impact on emotions. Pleasant sensory experiences—such as soothing textures, familiar scents, or calming sounds—can reduce anxiety, depression, and agitation. This can be of great help for individuals with dementia.

3. Social Connection and Engagement

Limited sensory input can lead to withdrawal from social interactions. Stimulating activities encourage communication, interaction, and participation, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

4. Physical Health and Mobility

Sensory activities can encourage movement, balance, and coordination, even for those with limited mobility. Gentle sensory exercises promote circulation, reduce stiffness, and improve overall physical health.

Ways to Maintain Sensory Input in Older Adults

Even when vision, hearing, mobility, or interest declines, there are many ways to keep sensory engagement alive.

1. Vision Loss or Impairment
Tactile Stimulation or Touch Exploration:
Use textured fabrics, Weighted Blankets, to provide comforting touch-based experiences. Encourage handling of familiar objects with distinct textures, such as Soft Brushes shells, smooth stones or knitted items.

Aromatherapy:
Incorporate familiar or calming scents (lavender or citrus) to evoke memories and create a soothing atmosphere.
Auditory Stimulation:
Audiobooks, music therapy, and nature and calming sounds can replace visual experiences and provide cognitive stimulation.

2. Hearing Loss or Impairment
Vibration Feedback:
Use Vibrating objects to provide touch and non-auditory input.
Proprioceptive feedback and Tactile Cues:
Weighted lap pads, hand massages and Weighted Animals for relaxation. Weighted animals also provide soft tactile input. Weighted products can be useful for grounding. Fear of gravity, falling, losing balance, or feeling unstable is not uncommon in old age, and weighted products can be useful to bring more comfort, increase feelings of stability and presence
Visual input:
Sign language, or written communication to enhance interaction. Visual timers for calming, or signaling a change in activity; watching the sun set (or rise) can be a fabulous calming visual activity.
Music with Low Frequencies:
Deep, rhythmic sounds like drumming or classical music with bass tones can still be felt and enjoyed. The Inmu range of Interactive music cushions are fabulous for tactile and vibration input

3. Limited Mobility
Hand-Based Activities:
Knitting, Theraputty or Fidget items can provide tactile stimulation without requiring full-body movement.
Chair Yoga and Stretching:
Gentle seated exercises help maintain proprioception (body awareness) and prevent stiffness.
Warm or Cool Sensations:
Soothing warm towels, cooling gel packs, or hand massages with Scented Body Lotions can engage temperature-based sensory input.

4. Low Interest or Engagement
Personalied Sensory Kits:
Create memory-based sensory boxes with familiar textures, scents, and objects that resonate with personal history.
Social Storytelling:
Combine sensory stimulation with conversation, such as sharing scented herbs from a garden while discussing past experiences.
Use Nature:
Outdoor exposure, even through an open window or a small indoor garden, provides fresh air, natural scents, and gentle environmental sounds.
Routine Sensory Activities:
Incorporate familiar and predictable sensory experiences into daily routines to create comfort, anticipation, and predictability.

Maintaining sensory experiences in old age is essential for cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health. By adapting sensory activities to accommodate vision loss, hearing impairments, limited mobility, or reduced engagement, caregivers and family members can provide enriching experiences that enhance an older adult’s quality of life. Sensory engagement fosters connection, joy, movement, active participation, and a sense of purpose, making everyday life more fulfilling.

Sensory Corner Aids for Daily Living

Walking Stick Stability Foot- $24.50

Add stability to your walking stick- fits on 19mm tips.
The stability foot gives your stick 4 points on the ground- this helps to prevent wobbling and tipping.
This also adds a bit of weight to your stick which allows it to stand on its own- useful when you are at a counter etc because you can leave your stick standing by your side.

https://www.nursemaudehealthandmobilityshop.co.nz/product/walking-stick-stability-foot/

Check out our new website!

https://rest-home.co.nz/

Book a tour or pop in today!

Find out more about Royal Heights Rest Home.

Walk for Dementia 2026

Dementia Canterbury’s ‘Walk for Dementia’ is being held on Sunday 8 March, 10.30am -12pm, at Ngā Puna Wai in Wigram. Join us to walk in memory or support of a loved one with dementia and help raise funds to support our work in the community. Prizes for the best dressed team & spot prizes, walk for as little or as much as you want at this fun community event. Enter by registering now at www.dementiacanterbury.org.nz or for more information contact Diane at diane@dementiacanterbury.org.nz

Kimihia Khronicle – NovemberEdition is Out Now!

Kimihia Newsletter – November Edition is Out Now!
Catch up on all the latest updates, stories, and happenings from our community. Don’t miss out—check your copy today or view it online!

Download Here

❤️ 5 Common Signs to Arrange Cleaning Support ❤️

Keeping on top of housework can become more difficult as we get older, especially when mobility, energy, or health changes. Needing a bit of help is very common – and it can make everyday life safer and more comfortable.

You might consider arranging cleaning support if you notice:

1. Bathrooms
Soap scum or mould starting to build up, making surfaces harder to keep clean and safe.

2. Floors
Crumbs, spills, or slippery floors that increase the risk of slips or falls.

3. Kitchens
Grease or clutter on benches, making meal preparation more difficult or tiring.

4. Dust
Dust settling on furniture and triggering sneezes, coughing, or allergies.

5. Laundry
Washing or ironing feeling overwhelming or physically demanding.

A clean, well-maintained home supports independence, wellbeing, and peace of mind. Cleaning support can be tailored to suit individual needs – whether that’s a little help each week or more regular assistance.

If you or a family member are finding household tasks harder to manage, gentle support at home can make a real difference.

Discover how Home Carers supports families across Christchurch and Tauranga

Respectful, compassionate care every day

From occasional assistance to ongoing care, our team is here to support you and your loved ones in the comfort of your own home.

Our services include:
- Personal Care - showering, grooming, mobility support, continence care
- Companionship – reading, chats, walks, games
- Errands and appointments - accompanied or unaccompanied
- Meal preparation and light housework – cooking, laundry, cleaning
- Medication reminders and support
- Early-stage dementia support
- Post-operative recovery
- Respite care – timeout for family caregivers (regular or occasional care)
- Nursing

Give us a call to discuss what support could look like for your family: 09 243 7088 or email us at care@havencare.co.nz

Find out more about us

Ivy Suites Serviced Apartments

Speldhurst's newest gem - the Ivy Suites Serviced Apartments is state of the art modern living at its finest. It is the next step in the continuum of care, with 144 one- or two-bedroom apartments to choose from with light, airy and spacious layouts and amenities galore. This three-story building will have some beautiful views.
All located in a beautiful rural setting, only an hour from Wellington and with the new Expressway (O2NL) underway, our Village will be very accessible to the Capital.
It is the perfect way to take a load off household chores like cooking, cleaning and laundry - leaving you more time to enjoy the onsite facilities.

Proposed Completion is December 2027.

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.

Now Open In Rotorua & Taupō

We’re excited to announce our expansion into two new regions, now servicing Rotorua, Putāruru, Tokoroa and Kawerau as well as Taupō and Kinloch, along with their surrounding areas. For nearly two decades, we’ve been helping Kiwis make the most of their technology, earning ourselves the most 5-star ratings of any tech repair provider in the process. Thanks to over 8,900 5-star reviews.

Learn More About Our New Regions

Introducing Steve & Hayley

Hi everyone — we’re Steve and Hayley, the proud new owners of Sensomat!
We took over the business in May this year and are really excited to continue (and grow) the important work Sensomat does — helping people stay safe, supported, and cared for, whether at home or in aged care.
A little about us — Steve has an extensive background in sales and customer care and now runs Sensomat full time. Hayley has worked in the freight and logistics world for many years and supports the business part time while continuing her role as a General Manager in the moving industry.
We live locally with our two grown boys (both electricians!), our cheeky mini schnauzer Cash, and our very well-fed ginger cat Fred.
When we were looking for a business, we wanted something that combined Steve’s customer focus and people skills with something meaningful — a business that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives. That’s exactly what we found in Sensomat.
We’re passionate about helping more people understand the support and peace of mind our products can bring — especially when caring for loved ones at home.
Our goal is simple: to deliver exceptional service and ensure every customer feels cared for.
We’re looking forward to getting to know more of you — and to sharing updates, tips, and stories along the way.
Thanks for being part of our journey
Steve & Hayley

Caring at home

Health insurance for audiology

Here at Hearing Auckland, we provide a full range of professional audiology services. Did you know you may be able to claim on your health insurance for audiology appointments? Whether you’re a new or returning client, audiology appointments may be eligible to claim with your health insurance provider. Read on to find out more!

Insurance providers
Hearing Auckland are Affiliated Providers with Southern Cross and part of the First-Choice network with NIB health insurance. This means that when you see us for audiology appointments, if you have coverage for audiology, we can submit your claim right away! Save time and hassle dealing with paperwork and insurance claims. We can make things easier by submitting your appointment to Southern Cross or NIB directly. If you are with a different provider, you may still be able to claim on your health insurance for audiology appointments. Just let our team know when you come in for your appointment. We can print or email your appointment payment receipt for you to make the claim. Our audiology team are fully qualified and registered with the NZ Audiological Society, which is a requirement for many insurance providers.

What’s covered?
You’ll need to check your policy with your insurance provider to be sure. We usually find that hearing tests and annual hearing check-ups are included when you have health insurance coverage for audiology appointments. Other appointments, such as on-site repairs, or discussions may be covered depending on your provider.

How to claim?
Next time you visit Hearing Auckland for an audiology appointment, remember to let the front desk know you have health insurance. Our admin team -Margret, Rebecca, and Peter- will help you with your claim.

What about ear nurse appointments?
Of course you know that with the right coverage you can claim on health insurance for audiology appointments, but what about ear nurse appointments? Many of our clients are covered for ear cleaning with their health insurance policy, however, ear wax micro-suction appointments are not eligible for Easy Claim even if you are covered. Hopefully this may change in the future! We are registered providers with Southern Cross and NIB and this is a company-wide policy for both of these health insurers. Our ear nurse team are fully qualified, registered nurses so if you are covered for ear cleaning appointments with a nurse, you should be able to claim your appointments at Hearing Auckland. Whether you see Justine or Vivien, just ask and we will give you a copy of your receipt to claim manually after your appointment.

Free appointments
We offer Free Hearing Screening appointments. As the name suggests, there is no charge for these appointments! A hearing screening is perfect for someone who has never had their hearing tested before, or hasn’t previously been found to have a hearing loss. Hearing Auckland offers 30 minute free hearing screening appointments with our professional, registered audiologists. Book one today to find out about your hearing.

Other support
Our clinic at Hearing Auckland is operated by a registered charity (Tamaki Makaurau Hearing Trust). It is our mission to make good hearing accessible to all kiwis. If you do not have private health insurance, and would struggle with the cost of hearing tests or hearing aids, please still get in touch. We have several programs to support different communities to access good hearing, and we will do what we can to support you.

Is it time to use your health insurance for audiology appointments?
To book an appointment or to find out more, give us a call today!

(09) 524 9847

You can also contact us via email:

info@hearingauckland.org.nz

Read more!

Show off "What's New"

Use this space to keep your community in the loop about what’s happening at your facility. Share updates, celebrate milestones, highlight upcoming events, or showcase the wonderful activities your residents are enjoying. It’s a great way to stay connected, build trust, and give families a glimpse into daily life at your home.

Find out more about us

Show off "What's New"

This space is dedicated to keeping our community up to date with what’s happening at Eldernet Showcase. Here, we share stories from around the facility—events, activities, resident highlights, staff introductions, and special moments that make our home unique. It’s a place for families, residents, and visitors to stay connected, celebrate achievements, and enjoy a glimpse into daily life at our care centre. Check back often for fresh updates and heartwarming news from our community.

Find out more about us

How Live-in Care Helps Couples Stay Together

After decades of marriage, facing a health decline can feel overwhelming – not just for the person needing care, but for their devoted partner who suddenly finds themselves in the role of primary carer. If this resonates with your situation, you’re not alone, and there’s hope for preserving both your wellbeing and your precious relationship.

The Hidden Struggle of Caring Partners
Caring for a spouse is often described as the ultimate act of love, but the reality can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Many caring partners report feeling like they’re losing themselves in the process – no longer a husband or wife, but simply “the carer.” The person you fell in love with is still there, but your relationship has become overshadowed by care tasks, worry, and fatigue.

This transformation affects both partners. The person receiving care may feel guilty about the burden they’ve placed on their spouse, while the caring partner often experiences what experts call “compassion fatigue” – a gradual reduction in empathy and emotional availability caused by prolonged stress and exhaustion.

When Love Isn’t Enough
“I love them with all my heart, but I’m just so tired” – this sentiment is expressed by thousands of caring spouses every day. The harsh reality is that love alone isn’t enough to sustain 24/7 caregiving without support. Carer stress and burnout are significant risk factors, not just for the carer’s health, but for the quality of care they can provide.

Perhaps you recognise these signs in yourself:
- Feeling overwhelmed and questioning your ability to keep helping
- Exhaustion that doesn’t improve with rest
- Irritability or reduced patience with your partner
- Feeling isolated from friends and family
- Physical symptoms like headaches, sleep disturbances, or muscle tension
- Rediscovering Your Partnership
- Live-in care offers a unique solution that addresses both partners’ needs. Rather than replacing your role, professional live-in care supports it, allowing you to return to being a loving spouse rather than a full-time carer.

Imagine having your morning coffee together again without worrying about medication schedules. Picture enjoying a conversation that isn’t dominated by care concerns. Think about sleeping peacefully, knowing your partner is safe and that professional help is just a room away if needed.

This isn’t about giving up or admitting defeat – it’s about recognising that getting help preserves what matters most: your relationship, your wellbeing, and your loved one’s dignity.

Real Benefits for Both Partners
Caring partners often report that live-in care gives them back their energy and patience. They can once again enjoy quality time with their spouse – sharing meals, watching favourite programs, or simply holding hands without the weight of care responsibilities.

For the person receiving care, having a professional caregiver can actually increase their independence. They’re less likely to feel guilty about asking for help and may feel more comfortable discussing certain health concerns with a trained professional rather than burdening their spouse.

Find out more about Dovida's live-in care

Live-in care with Dovida

Clinical Trial - Antiviral Medication for COVID-19

COVID-19 infections are still a major concern for many in the community, especially those who are most at risk of complications from infection. Antiviral medications can stop the virus from replicating in your body, which means your infection may not be as bad, or last as long as it would without it. If you have been told by your health professional that you are not able to take Paxlovid when you have a COVID-19 infection, you may be able to take part in this study, which offers a different antiviral medication that is not otherwise available in New Zealand.

Are you at least 75 years of age?
Do you have an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19?
Are you immunocompromised?
Do you have multiple medical conditions?
Are you unable to take Paxlovid?
If you have answered yes to any of these questions and would like to learn more, please apply for our trial.

Find out more about us