Eldernet Community

A Gentle New Light for Pain Relief

Many people ask if there is a gentler way to support healing and ease everyday aches and pains – especially as we get older and the list of medications grows longer.

We’re excited to introduce BIOPTRON medical light therapy to our community.

What is BIOPTRON?
BIOPTRON is a Swiss-made medical device that looks a little like a lamp, but it’s designed specifically for therapy. You simply sit or lie comfortably while a safe, warm light is directed onto the skin over the area of concern – for example knees, hips, back, shoulders or slow-healing skin.

What makes this light different?
Inside the device, ordinary light is passed through a system of special optics and nano-filters that:
organise the light waves (instead of the “messy” light from a normal bulb)
shape them into a very ordered, nature-inspired spiral pattern – similar to what we see in sunflowers, shells and many structures in the human body
In simple terms, BIOPTRON takes everyday light and restructures it into a form that is designed to work in harmony with our cells and tissues.

Why this matters for older adults
As we age, many of us live with:
ongoing joint or back pain
stiffness that makes movement harder
fragile or slow-healing skin
sensitivity to medications or concerns about side-effects

BIOPTRON therapy is:
Non-invasive – nothing enters the body
Drug-free – can sit alongside existing medications
Designed to support natural healing, improve local circulation and help calm pain and inflammation in the treated area
It is used in hospitals and clinics around the world and can also be used in home settings under guidance.

If you’d like to learn more about how this “smart light” therapy could support you or an older family member, we’ll be sharing more information and real-life experiences in the coming weeks.

Find Out More

New SPCA Truck Service Launches in Southland!

We’re excited to bring our free furniture pick-up service to Southland, helping you donate large, good-quality items directly from your home. Your furniture will be sold in SPCA Op Shops to raise vital funds for animals in need.

Our Southland team now operates Wednesdays and Thursdays, covering Invercargill, Riverton, Gore and Bluff. It’s an easy, no-cost way to declutter while supporting animals in your community.

Book your pick-up, call 03 214 1865

New 22 Bed Wing

Wesley Home & Care is pleased to welcome residents to our newly refurbished Lodge wing, thoughtfully restored and reintegrated as part of our Mt Eden home. The Lodge offers a calm, comfortable environment while benefiting fully from Wesley’s established clinical oversight, onsite GP services, shared activities, and home-style meals.

The reopening of the Lodge reflects Wesley’s ongoing commitment to quality, continuity of care, and creating a genuine home for residents — where familiar faces, strong relationships, and person-centred support remain at the heart of everyday life.

Hearing Auckland is Independent

As an independent clinic, Hearing Auckland offer hearing aids for purchase from all of the leading brands. 2026 at Hearing Auckland will see us continue to have no affiliations with one brand over another, so you can count on us to provide trustworthy, independent recommendations.

We work with all major hearing aid brands in New Zealand:
-Phonak
-Oticon
-Signia
-Widex
-Starkey
-Beltone by GN Hearing

We are also able to supply assisted listening devices through our NZ-based supplier Reid Technology.

Part of ensuring all kiwis can access good hearing means offering reliable hearing aids. We recommend hearing aids based on budget, lifestyle, hearing loss, and style preference; rather than brand affiliations.
If you’ve been looking for independent hearing advice, get in touch! Hearing Auckland have been your local independent hearing clinic for almost 100 years.

Read more on our blog!

Do you feel confident about your finances...

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. We’re happy to work with family members too, so everyone feels informed and supported.

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

Visit rivalwealth.co.nz/knowledgehub

"Making Informed Choices for the Years Ahead"

Ageing well is about maintaining your quality of life, independence, and wellbeing as we grow older. This includes thinking ahead about our future housing needs and requirements, before decisions become urgent.
Carmel McLaughlin, Independent Advisor Next Step Retirement Living understands that retirement is not a single decision, but a transition that looks different for everyone.
The way we choose to live matters, and taking time to explore options early can make a significant difference.
Today, retirement living choices are more varied than ever. Villages, Independent living, supported living, and care options all differ in terms of contracts, costs, services, and flexibility. Without clear information, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or pressured into decisions, particularly during times of health change or family concern.
Planning ahead allows people to make choices from a position of strength.
A personalised plan helps clarify priorities, understand financial implications, involve family in meaningful discussions, and avoid rushed decisions later.
Independent guidance can also play a key role. Having someone on your team who works solely in your interests, not for a village or provider, can help ensure we make informed decisions, realistic, and aligned with what matters most to you.
Ageing well is not about having all the answers today. It is about asking the right questions early and knowing where to turn for trusted, independent support.
Carmel McLaughlin – Independent Advisor
Mobile: 0272276356
Email: carmel@nextstepinfo.co.nz
Visit: nextstepinfo.co.nz

"Making Informed Choices for the Years Ahead"

Palmerston North Market Report

Palmerston North City December 2025

Owner-occupiers and first home buyers were the most active. Investor activity was light. Most vendors were realistic regarding asking price; if their property was in the right price range, it would gain interest.
Sales counts increased compared to 2024, continuing a year-on-year lift seen over the previous three months. The local market appears to have shifted to a balanced state. Local salespeople cautiously predict that February will see more activity and that there will be a better opportunity to assess the market then.

Market Commentary Source - Lizzy Ryley, REINZ Chief Executive

Assisting client in walking

The client has just started to resume his mobility and was assisted by the carer to stand and walk. This was after the client had a hip replacement.

Assistance with walking

Save $30 on your Enduring Powers of Attorney!

If you’ve got a SuperGold card, you’re eligible for a $30 discount on the cost of setting up your Enduring Power of Attorney with Public Trust.

Simply book an appointment or use the offer code GOLD30 when creating your EPA online. It’s a smart way to plan ahead and save.

Start your EPA online today

Frequently Asked Questions About Dementia Care

If you have a loved one suffering from dementia, you might be considering dementia care in Auckland to ensure your loved one’s safety, happiness and enrichment.

We’ve compiled a list of a few top questions about dementia care below. If you have a question we haven’t touched on or would like more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our specialist dementia care team here at Ambridge Rose.


When should my loved one with dementia go into a care home?

Everyone experiencing dementia will be impacted differently, and over time will likely require a higher level of care as symptoms progress. Look out for signs that your loved one is increasingly unable to look after themselves, maintain hygiene, are at a heightened risk of hurting themselves, or if you as a carer could benefit from some additional support.

We’ve developed an online resource that may be helpful to find out more about how dementia may affect your loved one, and what symptoms may suggest you consider an assessment for residential care.


At what point will dementia patients need 24-hour care?

Dementia care comes in many different forms to cater to the individual needs of your loved one. Round-the-clock care may be the best care option for you and your loved one if you’re worried for your loved one’s safety. It can be difficult to ascertain when their safety is truly at risk but as a rough guideline, things like struggling to drive safely; wandering; disorientation or incoordination around sharp objects or frequent injuries are all signs it may be time to explore dedicated care.

At Ambridge Rose, residents are provided with 24/7 dementia care in our Auckland facilities and have access to round-the-clock support from our healthcare team, with an on-call doctor available as required. Find out more in our online resources.


How are care home staff trained to care for residents with dementia?

At Ambridge Rose we pride ourselves on providing specialist, bespoke dementia care in Auckland for our residents. Our healthcare team are trained in understanding dementia progression, communication techniques to assist with communicating with people who have difficulty with language, memory or reasoning, behavioural management and person-centred care, ensuring a tailored care plan for every resident.

Our staff utilise diversional therapy techniques and activities to tailor to different cognitive abilities, such as reminiscence therapy, sensory therapies such as music and art, pet therapy, common household tasks such as gardening, dancing and singing to music, and open-ended activities like drawing or painting.

This form of dedicated dementia care provides 24-hour supervision due to the increased risk of wandering, falls, and other safety concerns. Staff are trained to intervene effectively and compassionately in difficult situations at all Ambridge Rose facilities.


Can residents with dementia participate in activities or therapies?

Yes, absolutely. Participating in activities and therapies, even in a limited capacity, is encouraged at Ambridge Rose. Participation can help strengthen neurological pathways, stimulate communication and improve quality of life. Check out our online resources for some great activities you can do with your loved one to keep them engaged throughout every season.


What is the process for transitioning a loved one into dementia care?

Dementia care comes in many forms, and as such, the level of care your loved one may require will vary. The dementia care transition process typically begins with a carer seeking support or assistance to effectively care for their loved one, while juggling their own life’s responsibilities, or if the person living with dementia requires extra care beyond a caregiver’s capabilities.


Do you have to pay for dementia care in New Zealand?

There’s a range of options for both subsidised and unsubsidised residential care in New Zealand. For more information on this please visit the Work and Income New Zealand website.

Access to subsidised care will depend on a range of factors, including your ability to pay for dementia care, your location, the degree of care required, and more. Access to dementia care as a service requires ongoing consultation with Health New Zealand. A medical assessment is the first step to determine the dementia care needed from providers like Ambridge Rose.


How do you support families of residents with dementia?

We understand that dementia can be an intense and overwhelming experience for families, so we have a holistic approach to care, ensuring families are supported. We take care to consider individual beliefs, preferences, dietary requirements and can accommodate most requests when putting together a care plan.

Our ‘open door’ policy is always in place, to help families feel able and comfortable to discuss their loved one’s healthcare at any time, and we offer guidance and access to resources for families to seek additional assistance or support. At all our dementia care homes, we hold regular family support groups, where families can come together to share their dementia journey. We also use the AgedConnect app, to share memorable moments of a loved one with their family in a safe and secure way, helping families stay in touch and connected, even if they are unable to visit.

We aim to always be supportive, uplifting, and offer a caring and understanding ear, not only for our residents, but their families too.

Access more helpful resources

Haven Care – personalised in-home care

Personalised support means you or your loved one receives tailored care and attention at home. With one‑to‑one, relationship‑based support, we offer an alternative to shared facility care.

We take great care in matching each client with the right caregiver, considering individual needs, preferences, and personality. Consistency matters, so we prioritise familiar faces who can build trust, comfort, and meaningful connections.

Our services include:
• Personal care - showering, grooming, mobility support, continence care
• Companionship - reading, conversation, 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 - regular or occasional breaks for family caregivers
• Nursing

With flexible care plans, from occasional assistance to full support, we’re here when you’re ready. To explore what care could look like for your family, call 09 243 7088 or email care@havencare.co.nz.

Find out more about us

Sleeping with dementia: how you can help

Disrupted sleeping regularly affects people living with dementia, impacting their restfulness, health and wellbeing, which can impact the rest and quality of life for their families and loved ones.

Understanding the challenges of sleeping with dementia means you can find practical solutions that work for your loved one and help them get a better night’s sleep.

As a neurodegenerative disorder, the brain changes that occur with dementia directly affect the body’s internal clock. The disorder damages the part of the brain that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, (the suprachiasmatic nucleus), meaning people with dementia often lose their natural circadian rhythm, which impacts every aspect of the rest of your loved one’s life.

This is why a person living with dementia may be wide awake at 2 AM or exhausted just after lunch. Also known as sundowning, this is a common side effect of dementia. Many people experience increased confusion, agitation, and restlessness into the afternoon or as evening approaches. Fading light, such as at sunset, can trigger anxiety and disorientation and caregivers may notice their loved ones often become more challenging or upset during these hours, making bedtime routines increasingly stressful.

Physical discomfort can also inhibit good sleep. Arthritic pain, the need to use the bathroom frequently, or uncomfortable room temperatures may wake someone repeatedly throughout the night, especially if they were a light sleeper before their dementia diagnosis. People who experience sleeping with dementia will naturally struggle to identify or communicate these problems to you and might simply feel distressed without understanding why.

The bedroom should become a sanctuary for your loved one to rest. Keep the room cool, quiet, and dark during nighttime hours. Many families find success with nightlights that provide just enough illumination to prevent falls, without being stimulating and keeping your loved one awake. Blackout curtains can help, especially during New Zealand’s long summer evenings, where it stays hot long into the night.

A small snack before bed can help to prevent hunger from causing nighttime waking. Warm milk or chamomile tea can promote relaxation, though be mindful of how liquids may increase the incidence of more bathroom visits.

Consider whether any active medications your loved one is taking may be affecting their rest. Some dementia medications, as well as treatments for other conditions, may heighten insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Discuss timing and dosages with your GP or specialist to see if they have recommendations for the timing of certain medications to improve sleeping with dementia, such as earlier in the day.

Implementing a consistent daily routine forms a foundation for better sleep. The body responds well to predictable patterns, even where dementia has impacted the brain’s internal clock.

We recommend caregivers try to wake the person living with dementia at the same time each morning, serving meals at regular intervals, and beginning the bedtime routine at the same hour every evening. A daily structure like this can gradually retrain disrupted sleep patterns and ease the challenge of sleeping with dementia.

Being exposed to natural light during daytime hours can make a big difference. Take your loved one outside in the morning or open the curtains and window to let sunshine stream in. Bright light tells the brain it’s time to be alert and active. Research shows that exposure to bright ambient light in the morning can significantly improve sleep efficiency and sleep time in older adults with dementia.

Physical activity helps tire the body out. Encourage gentle exercise like walking, gardening, or dancing to familiar music during the day. Avoid vigorous activity after 6pm, as this can have the opposite effect by energising them too close to bedtime. Even simple household tasks like folding laundry or setting the table can provide beneficial movement.

Your patience and care will go a long way towards helping your loved one sleep well and communication will go a long way in soothing stress. It’s very natural for fear, apprehension or disorientation to accompany poor sleep. Many people feel frightened or confused when darkness falls, so providing a familiar object like a favourite blanket, a photo of loved ones on the bedside table, or soft background music can provide comfort at these times. This is a form of reminiscence therapy (RT) which has been noted to be effective with some sleeping with dementia patients.

If sleep problems persist and your loved one isn’t getting regular quality sleep, specialised dementia care facilities can provide relief. Professionals understand how to help people to help those sleeping with dementia get to sleep at night using evidence-based approaches. They maintain structured routines, provide appropriate daytime stimulation, and monitor for underlying health issues that might disrupt sleep.

Access more helpful resources

How leak-proof underwear works

If you’ve been searching for leak proof underwear, you’re not alone. Struggling with leaks can leave you feeling embarrassed, uncomfortable, and unsure what to try next. We hear it all the time: “I’ve tried everything, nothing seems to work.” The truth is, it’s not about trying everything. It’s about finding something that works for you. And that’s where Advance® comes in.

At ContinenceCare NZ, we stock the full range of Advance® continence products because we know what works. Our customers need products they can trust, not just at home, but out and about, through the night, or during a hospital stay. One of the key reasons Advance® products work so well comes down to what’s inside them.

Whether you’re managing bladder leaks during the day, staying dry through the night, or supporting a loved one as a carer, having the right product makes all the difference. That’s what we’re here to help with.

All Advance® incontinence products contain Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs) – high-performance materials that play a key role in leak protection and skin comfort.

They sound technical, and they are, but the concept is simple.

SAPs are tiny particles that absorb liquid and turn it into a soft, stable gel.
That means moisture gets locked away, instead of sitting on the surface of the pad or against your skin.

You’ll find SAPs inside most incontinence products; but the quality, quantity, and design make a real difference. Advance® products use high-performance SAPs and distribute them in ways that make the most of every millimetre. They’re fast, effective, and reliable; just like the people who use them.

Here’s what a good SAP does (and why you’ll feel the difference):
1. You’ll stay drier for longer - SAPs wick liquid away quickly and stop it from seeping back to the surface, even when you’re sitting or moving.
2. Fewer leaks - Combined with good product design and fit, SAPs reduce overflow and help prevent leaks from the sides or back.
3. Less skin irritation - The gel layer means moisture doesn’t stay sitting against your skin, helping reduce rash, chafing or pressure-area issues.
4. More confidence - When you’re not constantly checking or second-guessing your protection, you can focus on what matters, and that’s not your bladder.

It’s not just what’s inside, it’s how you use it.

Even the most absorbent product can leak if it doesn’t fit well or isn’t changed when needed. That’s why the ContinenceCare team will always help you find the right fit, absorbency, and product combination for your needs.

* Add an Advance® Booster Pad for extra absorbency overnight
* Pair an Advance® Male Guard with your regular underwear for everyday comfort
* Use breathable materials for outerwear for skin protection and airflow

The bottom line for your continence care?
You don’t need bulky underwear or guesswork. You just need the right product, with the right support.

Advance® incontinence products are powered by Super Absorbent Polymers and backed by real people who know how to help.

Use our Product Finder Tool or call 0800 72 66 33 for free, confidential advice.

Room open now

Is life for yourself or a loved one becoming harder at home?

Come live close to your loved ones and become part of our community. Enjoy engaging activities, social connections, and the convenience of nearby shopping and cafés. Call us today to find out more!

Helping you decide what to keep

Often when we meet with clients moving into retirement they are feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start. With over ten years experience working with clients, helping them make decisions about what to keep, what they no longer need and finding homes for their unwanted possessions we quickly find we can guide our clients towards feeling much more in control of their move. We bring an element of fun to the process and sometimes just having someone to work with you can make all the difference in making those decisions. Our experience working with people making similar decisions gives us a wealth of knowledge and expertise which we gladly share with our clients.

Deciding what to keep

Open Day - Saturday 17th of January, 10am to 2pm

We’re holding an Open Day at Longridge Country Estate on Saturday 17 January, 10am–2pm.
Come and have a look around our village and view a range of villa layouts.

Weekly fees fixed from age 75 – only at Longridge

Space to Live Life Your Way

Set across 90 acres of open countryside in Paeroa, Longridge Country Estate is unlike any other retirement village in New Zealand. With wide roads, Coromandel views, and generous space between villas, this is a community where residents enjoy fresh air, natural beauty, and the freedom to live independently for longer.

Our two- and three-bedroom villas are light, modern, and easy to maintain, with plenty of room for visitors, hobbies, or just relaxing on your own terms. Whether you’re from Auckland, Hamilton, or further afield, Longridge offers a fresh approach to retirement living- space, connection, and peace of mind, all in one place.

12 Months Power On Us!

Gorgeous 2 bedroom villa with private outdoor living – all of this and when you move in, don’t worry about your power bills for the first 12 months, they are on us!

Call today to view – 06 755 2880

Click here to learn more

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