Eldernet Community

Helping you make sense of money matters

At RIVAL Wealth, we know that managing money can feel overwhelming, especially when life changes or you're unsure what your next step should be. That’s where we come in.

We help New Zealanders make sense of their financial options every day and feel confident about what’s next. Whether it’s reviewing your investments, your KiwiSaver, checking your insurance, or making sure your savings are working for you, we offer plain-language advice that fits your life. We help take the emotion out of making financial decisions.

It costs nothing to have a chat. We’ll listen, ask the right questions, and offer support that’s tailored to you and your family. Explore our Knowledge Hub: Visit rivalwealth.co.nz/knowledgehub and take a tour. Hub. It’s full of easy-to-read articles, tools, and tips to help you and your family stay informed and in control.

Let’s talk: Call Daryl Buckingham – Financial Adviser on 021 422 001 or reach us on 0800 474 825.

Visit rivalwealth.co.nz/knowledgehub

CAR EXIT BAR $35

Make getting out of the car a breeze!
A handle to help position and push on to lift yourself out of the vehicle.

https://www.nursemaudehealthandmobilityshop.co.nz/

Pink Ribbon Day

We recently came together to celebrate our beautiful residents for Pink Ribbon Day.
The team and residents all wore pink as we enjoyed a very special morning tea, made even more memorable by a stunning piano performance from one of our resident’s daughters.
It was a morning filled with love, laughter, and appreciation — and our residents were delighted to receive lovely pink goodie bags to finish off the celebration.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make it such a special day.

Check out the new Elder at Home Independence Guide

This guide is for you if:
> You’re looking for simple, practical ways to support an older parent or loved one to keep living well independently.
> Your whanāu member is still well enough to be living alone but could use a little extra support.
> You want to provide support but without constantly hovering or intruding on their privacy and independence.
> You’re interested in finding out how technology can help keep loved ones keep living well at home for longer.

See the downloads section to get your copy of the guide.

We've recently had a name change to Alden.

Alden means 'wise or old friend' and we believe this more closely aligns to what we're about; providing compassionate, trusted care to those within our community, no matter their means or background.

Kimihia Khronicle – October Edition is Out Now!

This month’s newsletter is bursting with heartwarming stories, cultural celebrations, and community spirit:

Diwali at Kimihia – Our first-ever Festival of Lights lit up the home with vibrant colours, dance, and shared traditions.
Robert Turns 90 – A beautiful milestone celebrated with whānau, food, and memories.
Fiji Day Fun – Our Fijian staff brought island vibes and flavour to the lunch table.
Quiz Night Success – Over $3,000 raised for Kimihia Home thanks to our amazing community!
Grill Power – Huge thanks to Bunnings Hamilton for their generous donation supporting events and emergency readiness.
Plus: Measles outbreak alert, clothing updates, seasonal wardrobe tips, and food safety excellence!

Read the full issue and stay connected with the heart of Kimihia Home & Hospital: http://www.kimihia.co.nz

Kimihia Website

Client Stories - Declutter to downsize

Making the decision to move to a smaller home is a big decision and getting TaskMasters involved early in the process was John’s BEST decision.

John’s partner had passed away and he was living in the family home of many years. John knew he had to downsize, but he was feeling overwhelmed with the process and how he was going to go about this enormous task on his own.

TaskMasters worked alongside John for several weeks leading up to getting his house on the market systematically going through every room in his home including the garage to help John decide what he wanted to take with him, what could be sold on his behalf and what was able to be donated or discarded.

“Faced with downsizing to a tight deadline the prospect could not have been more daunting. Taskmasters stepped in, over several weeks bringing order to everything, and aiding with much empathy the decisions on what to keep and what should go, with a ready knowledge of suitability for giving away or auction, or dumping as a last resort. They became a trusted advisor. Thank you, Taskmasters, for going beyond any expectations, giving me peace of mind, and then leaving me at ease in the new flat.” John Tiley

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

We’re hiring! Senior Health Care Assistant (At least Level 3)
Join our team at Kimihia Home & Hospital and lead with care.
Supervise and mentor HCAs
Support RNs and deliver exceptional resident care
NZQA Level 3 Certificate required
3+ years aged care experience

https://www.seek.co.nz/job/88263756?ref=search-standalone&type=standard&origin=jobTitle#sol=0ace4fa7203ceb893bb8c520e1e412c48db59905

It took just 20 minutes to catch a killer: a Taranaki man’s skin cancer wake-up call

Congratulations to our latest Puzzle Competition winners Donna and Helen. They each win a $100 Woolworths voucher :)

Sensor mats! We have done a deeper dive into the evidence and current practice around the use of sensor mats in aged care. It seems that we may need to rethink our use of this common measure.

Rethinking Sensor Mats in Aged Care - On The Go Physio

Always a reason to Dress Up - Halloween 2025

In September 2025, we opened 10 new apartments to meet growing demand, reflecting our ongoing commitment to providing secure, comfortable living for seniors on fixed incomes.

Discover a comfortable and secure lifestyle at Stillwater Lifecare & village in Nelson’s picturesque surroundings.

Designed to cater for your needs, these serviced apartments offer a range of services and facilities, ensuring a fulfilling and relaxed living experience.

Located in a peaceful setting, Stillwater Lifecare & Village, Richmond provides residents with the privacy and space they need to enjoy their retirement years, with the care they may need in the future, available. The serviced apartments features a spacious bedroom, ensuite bathroom, and a cozy living area that is perfect for relaxation and entertainment.

The apartments are equipped with a range of amenities, including a kitchenette, heating and an emergency call button.

As a resident of Stillwater Village, Richmond, you will have access to a range of facilities, including a communal lounge, dining area, landscaped gardens.

Our friendly and caring staff are always on hand to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have.

Call Lisa today on 027 213 8424 to arrange a viewing and experience the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Stillwater Lifecare.& Village.

We’re thrilled to share that Country Club Huapai has been recognised as the Best Medium/Large Retirement & Lifestyle Village, North Island at the 2025 Seniors NZ Best Awards!

This award reflects the dedication of our team and the warmth of our community. It’s our residents, families, and friends whose experiences and feedback make moments like this possible. At Country Club Huapai, we’re committed every day to providing a welcoming, vibrant environment where residents can live life to the fullest.

Find out more

Excitement is mounting at The Sterling, Kaiapoi as construction officially begins on the highly anticipated amenities building; an essential step toward completing the thriving North Canterbury retirement village.

Designed to be the heart of The Sterling, Kaiapoi community, the new amenities building will house the village’s reception, a clubhouse, lounge, cinema, café, restaurant, bar, library, and a state-of-the-art wellness centre. The surrounding grounds will feature a community vegetable garden, glasshouse, putting green, multi-use pavilion, children’s playground, BBQ area, and facilities for lawn bowls, pétanque, and croquet.

Village General Manager Suzi Cadigan says the project is generating immense excitement among residents.

“The anticipation around this development is electric,” says Suzi. “Residents are eager to enjoy their brand-new swimming pool, spa, sauna, and gym – not to mention the luxury of having a cinema, café, and a permanent clubhouse right at their doorstep.”

Beyond enhancing village life, the amenities building will also provide a boost to the local economy, creating new jobs and welcoming the public to enjoy the café and outdoor areas.

“The Sterling, Kaiapoi has always been envisioned as an inclusive, intergenerational community,” explains Suzi. “By opening our café to the public, and employing local talent, we’re not just building a retirement village – we’re fostering a vibrant hub for the wider Silverstream community.”

Since construction began in 2021 as part of the Silverstream Estate development by Lime Developments, The Sterling, Kaiapoi has rapidly expanded. The first stage saw the establishment of the village offices and temporary clubhouse, followed by architecturally-designed retirement villas. Today, 113 residents call The Sterling, Kaiapoi home, with 76 villas already completed.

“The demand for our villas has been incredible,” says Sales Manager Michelle Allan. “We’ve just released our Stage Seven villas, including the milestone 100th villa to go on sale. With 184 homes planned altogether, and the amenities building taking shape, we’ve now passed the halfway point in our development.”

The Sterling, Kaiapoi’s final development stages will include a care home, dedicated memory care suites, and a selection of modern retirement townhouses.

“With the amenities building on the way, The Sterling, Kaiapoi is truly becoming the vibrant, modern, and welcoming retirement destination we envisioned from the start,” says Suzi.

Save $30 on Your Enduring Power of Attorney with SuperGold

Our friendly, door-to-door service provides safe, reliable, and caring transport for seniors who no longer drive — whether it’s to a medical appointment, a family gathering, or a relaxing outing. With Dementia NZ certification, NZQA Health and Disability qualifications, and First Aid training, you can trust that every trip is handled with genuine care and professionalism. Best of all, you’ll always see the same friendly face behind the wheel — offering comfort, companionship, and peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

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

A Night of Knowledge, Camaraderie, and Community Spirit
The Friends of Kimihia Trust hosted a successful Quiz Night with 15 teams competing across four fun rounds.
Winners:

• Overall Champions: Just Making up Numbers
• Best Themed Attire: Mooloo Maniacs
• Chocolate Fish Winners: Lei Girls

Thanks to the amazing support from teams, sponsors, and the community, over $2,500 was raised for Kimihia Home and Hospital.
Huge thanks to everyone who made the night a success—your generosity truly makes a difference!

Watch this space ....DHB Respite services are coming to Glenwood soon

Breakfast in bed or full sit-down service from 8am.

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to fall into a sense of complacency regarding personal safety. Whether at home or out and about, our routines often lull us into a feeling of security. However, maintaining vigilance is crucial to ensuring the safety of ourselves and our loved ones. Here’s a timely reminder to reassess and reinforce your personal safety strategies.

Strengthening Your Safe Haven

1. Lock It Up: Ensure all entry points to your home – doors, windows, and garages – are secure with sturdy locks. Consider a home security system with cameras and motion sensors for an extra layer of protection.
2. Emergency Plan: Regularly update and practice a family emergency plan. Know your escape routes, have a designated meeting spot, and ensure everyone knows how to contact each other in case of separation.
3. Safety Audit: Conduct a periodic review of your home’s safety features. Check smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure they are in working order.
4. Stranger Awareness: Be cautious about sharing personal information with unfamiliar individuals. If someone shows up at your door unsolicited, verify their identity before opening your door.

Staying Alert in Public

1. Situational Awareness: Keep your awareness tuned to your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as texting or using your phone when walking in unfamiliar areas.
2. Secure Your Belongings: Always be mindful of your possessions. Keep a close eye on your wallet or handbag, and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight in your vehicle.
3. Travel Smart: When using public transportation or ride-sharing services, confirm the identity of your driver and check that the vehicle matches the description provided by the app.
4. HaloGuard Wearable Alarm and Safety App: Consider investing in your personal safety with the Haloguard wearable alarm and safety App (available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App store), add your trusted guardians so you have a quick, easy and discreet way to alert your loved ones when you need help.

Safety is an ongoing journey and by taking some of the steps mentioned above you can create a safety net that allows you to maintain safety and independence while giving you peace of mind.

Stay safe everyone xxx

Sharron, Polly & Joy

DOPAMINE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

- What's that?!

Hi I'm Jen from The Gentle Art Company!

I'd love to tell you about some workshops I'm running between now and christmas on the Northshore. You can come to me, I can come to you or we get some girlfriends together and have a group workshop at your venue!

Dopamine Christmas Decorations are like a burst of holiday happiness for your home. Bright, bold, maximalist and unapologetically fun!

Inspired by the dopamine decor trend, these wreaths and topiaries are all about using vibrant colors, quirky ornaments and a sprinkle of sparkle to boost your mood and your visitors too! Its like maximalist magic, meets festive joy. It's EXTRA everything!

The Christmas Wreath Workshop - Dopamine Wreath @ 45cm Diametre

- $55

- All materials supplied

- 2 hour duration

- You need your own glue gun and plenty of glue sticks and anything you'd like to incorporate into your wreath

- You can come to my Glenfield studio, maximum of 4 people *not wheelchair friendly sadly

- I can come to you, 1 on 1 is totally fine

- We can get a group together at your venue (larger than 4) and I can come to you

The Christmas Topiary/Table Centrepiece Workshop

* please have a look through the photos on my listing to view the Dopamine Topiary/Table Centrepiece @ 45cmH

- $100

- All materials supplied

- 3 hour duration

- You need your own glue gun and plenty of glue sticks and anything you'd like to incorporate into your topiary

- You can come to my Glenfield studio, maximum of 4 people *not wheelchair friendly sadly

- I can come to you

- We can get a group together at your venue (larger than 4) and I can come to you

I will be there to guide, coach, cheer, encourage and empower you into your wildly imaginative, dopamine christmas decor!

If you're interested in making your christmas decor a little bit quirky, way fun and bursting with colour and energy this season, please contact me.

You can find me at hello@thegentleartcompany.nz

021 139 6840

Facebook & Instagram @thegentleartcompany

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.

From your garage to a great cause: You donate, SPCA collect, animals benefit!

Moving into a retirement village or downsizing? You don’t have to struggle with large furniture you no longer need.

Our free pick-up service makes it simple to pass on good-quality items directly from your home. Once in our SPCA Op Shops, your donations are sold to raise vital funds to help protect over 30,000 animals each year – animals who are sick, abused, injured or vulnerable.

It’s a hassle-free way to declutter, simplify your move, and make a meaningful difference all without lifting a finger.

Book a free pick-up (select regions): spca.nz/opshops/free-pickup-service

We have a hospital bed available now... please call Lee on 027 508 3809 to come and see our beautiful 'gem' on High Street! The food is delicious and the staff are friendly, professional and welcoming... our recently renovated facility offers fantastic activities for all to enjoy :-)

Put Highview on your list to visit today, there is easy parking just waiting for you!