Eldernet Community

How to Use Your 224 Hours of Funded Respite Care?

If you’re caring for an older loved one, taking a break isn’t a luxury – it’s essential.
Through Te Whatu Ora’s Carer Support Subsidy, many family carers are eligible for:

224 hours of funded respite care each year
That’s the equivalent of 28 full 8-hour days of support.

Respite care gives you time to rest, recover, attend appointments, or simply recharge – while your loved one is safely supported.

Here are four practical ways you can use your 224 hours:

1️⃣ TAKE A FULL WEEK OFF
7 consecutive days of care
8 hours per day
56 hours used

❤️ Perfect for:
- Taking a short holiday
- Recovering from illness or burnout
- Managing urgent family situations

[This option gives you proper time to switch off and reset]

2️⃣ A FWE HOURS EACH WEEK

4 hours of care per week
Lasts for 56 weeks (over a year)
224 hours used

❤️ Perfect for:
- Regular weekly rest
- Running errands
- Attending appointments
- Preventing carer burnout

[Small, consistent breaks can make a big difference to your wellbeing]

3️⃣ OVERNIGHT STAYS

8 hours of care per week
Up to 28 overnight visits per year
224 hours used

❤️ Perfect for:
- Getting uninterrupted sleep
- Evening respite
- Emergency or unplanned support
- Times when night-time care is most demanding

[A full night’s rest can be life-changing for carers]

4️⃣ MIX AND MATCH

For example:

1 overnight stay (8 hours)
2 half-days per month (4 hours each)
Used flexibly across around 7 months
~224 hours used

❤️ Perfect for:
- Families who need flexibility
- Changing care needs throughout the year
- Combining short breaks with occasional longer support

[This approach lets you tailor respite care to your lifestyle]

❤️ You Don’t Have to Do It All Alone ❤️

Respite care isn’t just about time off – it’s about protecting your health, your energy, and your ability to keep caring long-term. Planning how to use your funded hours can make caregiving more sustainable and less overwhelming.

If you’re unsure how to access respite care, how to book it, or how to use your funded hours in Christchurch or Canterbury, Eldernet can help connect you with trusted local support services.

Discover how Home Carers supports families across Christchurch and Tauranga

Easter Raffle Basket

Thank you for supporting our
Kimihia Sunday Fun Walk – 22 March!
We’re putting together a special Easter Basket to be raffled off on the day, and we’d love your help.
Please place your donations in this basket.
Easter treats, small gifts, and family‑friendly items are all welcome!
Your contribution helps make the event even more exciting for our community.
If you wish to purchase a ticket it is $5 for 3 tickets.

"Making Informed Choices for the Years Ahead"

Retirement living decisions can be complex, emotional and financially significant. With so many options, contracts and costs, it’s easy to feel unsure, especially if choices suddenly become urgent.
Carmel McLaughlin from Next Step Retirement Living offers independent, personalised guidance so you can understand your options, avoid expensive mistakes, and move forward with confidence.
Next Step works for you, not the provider.
Whether you’re beginning to explore, comparing villages, or wanting clarity for family discussions, Carmel helps you ask the right questions and make informed decisions.
Plan from a position of strength, not stress.
Carmel McLaughlin – Independent Advisor
Mobile: 0272276356
Email: carmel@nextstepinfo.co.nz
Visit: nextstepinfo.co.nz

"Making an informed decision starts here"

Apartment and Garden Tours

Not all retirement villages are created equal — especially when gardens take centre stage.
Remuera Gardens isn’t called the Garden Village by chance. This established, family-owned village — now home to brand-new apartments — is set among eight acres of cottage and tropical gardens, filled with a wonderfully eclectic mix of native and exotic species. It’s a place where nature, character, and community come together.

Open Days, every Wednesday

We’d love you to see it for yourself. Join us for our Apartment & Garden Tours:
Every Wednesday (February–April)
11am – 2pm
Remuera Gardens, 57 Richard Farrell Avenue

Or contact Fiona to arrange a personal tour:
fiona.roberts@realliving.co.nz
027 436 5442

You’ll have the opportunity to explore The Avenue Apartments — 61 modern, light-filled residences designed for effortless living, with generous floorplans (up to 163 sqm), beautiful interiors, and enviable garden outlooks. One-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are available now from $849,000. Afterwards, take your time wandering through the gardens and chatting with our passionate gardening team. With more than 150 varieties of roses and 150 varieties of camellias, there’s always something in bloom.

Apartment and Garden Tours

Join us for the 2nd annual Sunday Fun Walk!

Come together for a scenic stroll around Kimihia Lakes and help us support the incredible work of Kimihia Home!
Sunday, March 22
Registration opens 9:00 AM | Walk starts 9:30 AM
$10 per adult | $5 per child under 14 (cash only)
Enjoy food trucks, spot prizes, and a fun community atmosphere — plus be in the draw to win our exciting Easter prize basket!

Community Donations Wanted!

We’re also creating a special Easter Basket for fundraising, and we’d love your help! If you’re able to donate Easter treats or small goodies, please drop them off at Kimihia Home Reception.

Let’s walk together, support together, and make a difference together.

The Retirement Move Hack Nobody Told You About !!!

Moving in retirement isn’t just about packing boxes. It’s about making decisions, letting go of memories, and turning a new place into home. The hardest part is often knowing what to keep, what to pass on, and how to move everything safely.

Here’s a simple way to make the process easier:

1. Use the “Three-Pile” method
Sort your belongings into three groups: Keep, Rehome, and Let Go. Ask yourself, Does this still add value to my life today?

2. Take small steps
Focus on one room or one category at a time. Even 15–20 minutes a day can make a big difference without feeling overwhelming.

3. Plan ahead
Measure the spaces in your new home before you move. This helps avoid frustration and ensures everything fits comfortably.

4. Get the right support
Having experienced, patient help can make all the difference : especially with heavy items, tight spaces, or tricky decisions.

With a little planning and the right support, a retirement move can feel calm, organised, and even uplifting.

Want to see how this works in real life?
Discover how we helped one retiree move smoothly, stay organised, and feel confident every step of the way.

Relocation Moving Case Study

Cantabria at the Rotorua Home & Garden Show

We’re excited to be attending the Rotorua Home & Garden Show, and we’d love you to come and say hello.

Download your 2 for 1 voucher below or https://heritagelifecare.net/RotoruaHomeandGarden241
Present the voucher at the box office to receive 2x Adult entries for $6.

Visit us on stand 214 to:
- Learn more about our vibrant village lifestyle and care options
- Chat with our friendly team and ask any questions you may have
- Go in the draw to win a luxury gift basket*

Whether you’re planning ahead, supporting a loved one, or simply exploring what’s available in Rotorua, this is a great opportunity to come and say hello.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Cantabria Lifecare & Village at the Rotorua Home & Garden 241 Voucher

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

Are you eligible for a 12-month prescription?

From February 2026 some people with stable, long‑term health conditions will be able to receive prescriptions lasting up to 12 months (controlled drugs excluded). Only one co‑payment will be required when prescriptions are first collected.

Most prescriptions are currently limited to three months. This means many people with stable conditions need regular appointments just to renew their scripts.

The upcoming change allows prescribers to offer longer prescriptions where appropriate, helping reduce both the cost and the inconvenience of frequent renewal appointments.

Visit the link below to find out more, or book an appointment with your Carefirst doctor or nurse practitioner to find out if a longer prescription is right for you.

Carefirst Community News: 12-month prescriptions

The Importance of Sensory Input in Aging Community

Why Are Sensory Experiences Important in Old Age?

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 signalling 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

Rentals

Rentals Short or Long Term, available on a large selection of Mobility Equipment

www.mobilitymanawatu.co.nz

Making downsizing and moving easy

2026 might be your year to move into a smaller home to focus on new joys. If moving and downsizing seems impossible, we are here and with lots of experience and a true purpose in making this easier, we are your partners to simplify the transition into retirement living. Based in the Bay of Plenty, let's have a chat.

Let's Chat

Tea Tasting Morning Tea Fun!

We were treated to a very special tea tasting morning tea thanks to our lovely chef, who hosted a fun and informative session for some of our staff and residents.

We sampled four different teas, each thoughtfully paired with a delicious bite of food that perfectly complemented the flavours.

Along the way, we learned how each tea should be poured at a different temperature and brewed for specific times to really bring out the best in each one — who knew there was so much to it!

It was a wonderful morning full of learning, laughter, and of course, lots of yummy treats. Thank you to our chef for such a fantastic experience!

I am here to help make your move easier.

Buying or selling a home is more than a transaction. It's a big life moment. My job is to make it easier, less stressful, and far more rewarding.

My role is to make that process easier, less stressful, and far more rewarding. Whether you’re moving into a retirement village, looking for a more manageable space, or helping family make important decisions, I’m here to guide you every step of the way with empathy, clarity, and care.

Clients often tell me they appreciate my ability to listen first, understand what matters most to them, and guide them through the process step-by-step — so they’re never left wondering what’s next. Backed by the strength and reach of the Harcourts Holmwood team, I’ll be there from the first conversation to the final handshake, making sure you get the result you’re aiming for.

Find out the value of your property and see comparable sales, suburb performance and more. It takes seconds and it’s free.

Reach out and let's chat about your property today.

7 fun dementia friendly summer activities

As we enter the peak of summer, finding dementia friendly summer activities to do with your loved one can be challenging.

We have some great seasonal activities to work in with your budget, environment and more!

Light gardening can be a great way of getting some fresh air and connecting with nature. At Ambridge Rose, gardening is a fan favourite dementia friendly summer activity for our residents, many of whom love getting into the garden and planting seasonal flowers or vegetables. We recommend investing in raised garden beds or planting at a waist-high table to reduce fatigue, and using simple tools like a trowel and gardening fork.

Get outside and onto the lawn with an outdoor picnic. Pack nice, simple and easy-to-eat snacks and foods, like club sandwiches, cherry tomatoes, chocolate, pretzels and more! Don’t forget to bring a clean, comfortable picnic blanket and some sturdy, durable picnicware.

A drive along the coast, countryside or familiar neighbourhoods can be a great way to get out of the house and out for some sightseeing. It doesn’t have to be far – even just some loops around the suburbs can provide a healthy change of scenery and bring a feeling of nostalgia.

Finding a short, shaded nature walk is easy and convenient, and costs nothing! There are a number of these types of walks in and around Auckland, and range in distance and ease of access.

If that’s not an option, even taking your loved one on a nice walk around your neighbourhood can be a rewarding, enjoyable dementia friendly summer activity.

Cool off in the water during the hot days! It’s a great idea to dip your loved one’s feet or hands in cool water for a refresh. Even a damp towel or sponge in the shade can be a great way to cool off and beat the summer heat.

Take a drive with your loved one with dementia to a nearby domain, reserve or native path and enjoy the beautiful birdsong of New Zealand’s native birds. You don’t have to get out of the car to achieve it either. It’s a great way to reconnect with nature and centre yourself.

Your loved one will want to help in planning out your dementia friendly summer activity too! Ask them what they want to do and include them in the planning or organisation where appropriate. Even if it’s inviting them to help fold towels, lay out plastic cups at a picnic, or hold the hose in the garden, find ways to incorporate your loved one into the plan.

When you’re planning dementia friendly summer activities, choosing something that prioritises their health, safety and condition is typically the key priority. Ensuring they’re in a safe environment, where they can enjoy themselves.

No matter what you plan to do this summer, here are some friendly tips that will help make the outing more enjoyable for you and your loved one:

Bring water! It’s easy to get dehydrated in the summer heat, so pack a bottle of water and a strong plastic or metal cup that might survive being dropped.

Wear sunscreen and a hat. At its peak, New Zealand’s sun can have a burn time of less than 15 minutes. Bring quality sunscreen and apply it 20 minutes before heading into the sun, wear a hat and covered clothing. Don’t rely on just overhead shade to keep your loved one protected from the sun.

Know your environment. It pays to know where available amenities may be, including the nearest bathroom, water fountain or refill station, suitable parking and more. It also pays to know the ground or terrain and whether it’s stable, to reduce fall-risks.

Be willing to leave if needed. Due to the changeable nature of dementia, the situation may no longer suit your loved one, and they may wish to return home earlier than expected. Choosing fun, enjoyable things to do that you can easily pack up or leave without being locked into plans is a good idea. Be open and flexible when planning activities.

Access more helpful resources

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.