The inmuRELAX is a small 'pebble' shaped cushion that plays calming music and vibrates gently. A fabulous tool to calm agitation, to relax during the day, or to help with sleeping at night. The calming music becomes more complex with more movement, but will quieten and slowly fade when it is still. slight movement will 'wake' the inmuRELAX, making it an easily accessible tool for those with limited movement. See the inmuRELAX in action click the here.   Feel free to contact us on 0800 34 34 38 for further information or sales@sensorycorner.co.nz.

The Range: 

inmuRelax , inmuDance  ,inmuRhythm & inmuJoy each offer a different sensory sensation depending on what you are seeking.  

Getting out and about! 

Engaging in the community promotes a sense of purpose and fulfilment, physical activity, cognitive stimulation, enhancing overall quality of life. 

Our vans make it easy for all residents to get out. Recently residents from our Demetia Wing and Hospital Wing visited Daffodil and Whalers Bay.

At Clare House we offer a range of care options including Rest Home, Dementia Care and Hospital Level Care. 

We invite you to come in, meet the team and we can discuss what we can do to support you loved one. 

We moved into new premises at the end of March 2024 which have been a great hit.  We have some lovely outside space that will enable us to do more outdoor activities and perhaps bbqs in the summer.  We are very excited about the possibilities for 2025.

It's that time of year when the shops are unavoidable but with the right frame of mind and a little help it can be really enjoyable. Many Companion Wheels clients are enjoying seeing the trees in the malls and shops.  Give us a call if you'd like to do some Christmas shopping - we also work in the evenings if you want to go when it's a little bit quieter. 03 341 5057

In August 2024 we celebrated our staff who have been working at Ali's, providing exceptional care and support to our clients. We celebrated with an afternoon tea for our 36 long-term employees. We enjoyed a relaxed afternoon chatting with colleagues, our Founders, and Kelly our current owner. Followed by presentations for staff who have served 5, 10 and 15 years with us. Thank you all have been so dedicated.

More recently we have implemented a new staff benefit where every staff goes into a draw to win petrol vouchers for time worked on a particular day, just one more way to show your carers how valued they are.

At Ali's, we CARE.  We not only pride ourselves on looking after our clients but also our staff and this year we introduced Ali's CARE Penapena Friendly Society.  This is like a Christmas savings club for the staff.  It means they will have support from the society for emergencies and enable them to save through the year.

Penapena is a Māori word meaning, to cherish, look after, save up, and store.  I believe this means we will be able to support ourselves and our whanau better in the coming years with the potential recession going to affect us all in different ways.

This is just some of the ways Ali's makes a difference.

Give the Gift of Life and Change a Life:

Helping you make giving truly meaningful!

Gifts of Life is a great way of sharing our blessings with people in need – and passing on the true meaning of giving to our loved ones at the same time. It’s a way of saying “thank you” for the many blessings we receive.

When you purchase Gifts of Life, your gift helps to improve the lives of people with disabilities in the world’s poorest places.

Give a chicken or help grow vegetables? Help a child to walk or give the miracle of sight? Whatever you choose, your gift will be a blessing and help to restore hope where hope is lost.

Maybe this is your wish for Christmas. A Gift of Life.

You could also consider gifting your birthday, anniversary, another celebration, or even honour a loved one’s memory to support people with disabilities in poverty.

By doing so, you will help transform the lives of children and adults facing unimaginable challenges in the world’s poorest places.

Thank you for your kind and caring heart towards children and adults with disabilities in the world’s poorest places.

Because of people like you… lives will be changed forever!

Find out more…

The benefits of bidets for older people.

As New Zealand’s population continues to age, providing high-quality care and maintaining the dignity of older adults in homes and residential aged care becomes an increasingly important challenge. A wonderful approach to independence and personal hygiene are bidets.

Testimonial – Bidet User

"I am an older lady living by myself in beautiful Auckland New Zealand, I’ve always seen myself as independent. But as the years get on, daily jobs started to become a little harder, especially in the bathroom. 

Usually for my birthday, my children buy me towels or pillows and once even a basket for the cat. Last year, after a wonderful lunch in the park with my family, we came home and I found that for a birthday gift my son had organised the replacement of my old toilet seat with an electronic Bidet toilet seat. I had seen them advertised on TV and thought what a great idea. I was absolutely shocked and thrilled to find I now have one on my toilet.”

My daughter explained that she had recently purchased one from The BIDET SHOP® herself and found her husband and children loved it so much they decided to buy one for me as a birthday gift.

 After two weeks of having my new Bidet, I wondered how I had ever survived previously without it. All I have to do is sit down on my nice warm seat and go to the loo, and once I am finished I simply press a button and I get a warm water wash and a gentle stream of warm air dry.

Now almost a year later, it has changed my life, I have saved a fortune in toilet paper and, I see going to the toilet as a time of luxury. It is the best birthday gift I have ever received!

Whether you live in a big city like Auckland or a small town, a bidet is the best upgrade you can make for your health and comfort. It’s a simple change, but it’s really changed my daily life. I couldn’t recommend it more!"          {Mary Rangi - Auckland}

A New Approach to Personal Hygiene
Bidets offer a superior cleansing experience, preventing skin irritation and infections. Their introduction in aged care homes addresses the unique needs of older adults, making personal hygiene easier and more comfortable.

The InteliCare and National N-2000 Bidets are here to revolutionize the bidet market. 

The BIDET SHOP is your go-to for all things bidet, promoting independence and well-being, one spritz spray at a time.
Join us in the quest for cleaner bums, happier lives!

Contact Us

What to Look For When Visiting Elderly Loved Ones Over the Holidays:

Are your elderly loved ones managing well at home? The holiday season is a valuable time to observe their wellbeing and assess whether independent living is still safe. If you notice signs that daily tasks are becoming difficult, it might be time to discuss retirement facilities or residential care homes.

5 Key Signs Independent Living May Be Too Challenging

1. Physical Appearance Changes

• Look for: Weight loss, neglected grooming, or unexplained bruises.
• Why it matters: These could indicate struggles with self-care or mobility, potentially impacting health and safety.

2. A Decline in Home Maintenance

• Look for: Messy, cluttered spaces, missed yard work, or broken appliances.
• Why it matters: A poorly maintained home often signals that household tasks have become overwhelming.

3. Increased Forgetfulness

• Look for: Unpaid bills, missed appointments, or medication errors.
• Why it matters: Memory lapses may be early indicators of dementia or cognitive decline.

4. Emotional or Social Withdrawal

• Look for: Avoiding hobbies, increased isolation, or signs of anxiety and depression.
• Why it matters: Emotional health is critical to overall wellbeing and can highlight the need for companionship or professional care.

5. Mobility and Safety Challenges

• Look for: Difficulty walking, using furniture for support, or signs of recent falls.
• Why it matters: Mobility issues often require living environments designed with safety in mind.

When to Discuss a Move to Retirement or Residential Care

Starting the conversation can be tough but is essential for their safety and wellbeing.

• Tip 1: Choose a calm moment to talk.
• Tip 2: Use “I” statements to express concern (e.g., “I’ve noticed…”).
• Tip 3: Share research on local retirement facilities or care options.

How Senior Transitions Can Help

Navigating this transition alone can feel overwhelming. At Senior Transitions, we specialize in helping families:

• Assess elderly care needs.
• Research and book retirement facilities.
• Handle the move and asset management.

Visit our Free Resources page for guides and tools, or Contact Us to schedule a consultation.

Final Thoughts

The holidays are a time of togetherness and care. Use this opportunity to check in on your elderly loved ones and ensure they’re living safely and comfortably. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—reach out for support and plan for their future.

Wax suction

Healthy ears contain wax, which is produced by a special lining in the ear canal. Wax protects the ear and helps prevent infection by trapping micro-organisms, dirt and other irritants. Wax is constantly travelling towards the outer ear where it can drop out. In a normal ear, wax is produced in the ear canal and slowly moves towards the entrance of the ear canal – at about the rate that your fingernails grow. This process can slow down as we age, and wax can get stuck in the ear canal.

If you use hearing aids, the aids themselves can push wax back down the canal and cause it to build up.

Wax can also build up and become impacted if you use cotton buds

Microsuction is the preferred method of ear wax removal and offers several benefits compared to irrigation such as:

• The procedure is quicker.
• Your doctor can clearly see inside your ear during the procedure.
• Microsuction doesn’t expose your ear canal to moisture.

Unlike irrigation, microsuction can often be performed on people who have:

• a ruptured eardrum
• a history of ear surgery
• foreign matter in their ear
• mild otitis externa (outer ear infection)

Our registered nurses at Kapiti Hearing, Waikanae, will safely remove excess wax from your ears using microsuction. 

TENA ProSkin Flex is a range of innovative belted incontinence briefs for easier and more ergonomic changes, helping the carer in the physical demands of their job, as well as providing great protection for the wearer. TENA Flex are ideal for those with medium to very heavy incontinence. Available in a range of sizes and absorbency levels. Take the TENA Flex challenge today, contact jo.curran@essity.com for your free trial today.

Check them out here:    https://www.tenaprofessional.com.au/professional/products/flex-incontinence-briefs-with-belt/

Don't miss out on our special offer for the Ruby 10 Video Magnifier with Speech, an essential tool for those who want to easily read fine print and complete detailed tasks. 

Purchase one Ruby 10 Video Magnifier with Speech and receive an additional unit without Speech for FREE!

With our buy one, get one free deal, you'll receive two top-of-the-line devices for the price of one!

The Ruby 10 Video Magnifier is packed with features designed specifically to meet the needs of those with low vision:

• Crystal-clear magnification: Featuring high-definition image quality, the Ruby 10 allows you to easily read books, labels, prescriptions, medicine bottles, menus, and more with sharp clarity. 
• Anti-Glare Screen: The 10-inch anti-glare screen enables users to view magnified content even in direct sunlight, providing flexibility for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Speech function: The built-in speech feature reads text aloud, making it accessible for people with varying levels of vision impairment. With a touch of a button, you can scan even full-page documents and have them read aloud to you. 
• Swing-out arm feature: The swing-out arm allows you to view items in your hand and write.
• Distance camera: The dedicated camera for short-distance viewing of objects such as signs and menus on a wall enhances usability in various situations.
  
• Headset for convenience and privacy: The option to connect a headset to listen to documents privately adds an extra layer of privacy and convenience for users of the speech model.
  
• Lightweight and portable: Take the Ruby 10 with you wherever you go, whether it's to the grocery store, doctor's office, or on vacation. 
   

Don't miss out on this special offer - get two Ruby 10 devices for the price of one and make everyday tasks simpler and more enjoyable!

Click on the link below to learn more↓

RUBY 10 ELECTRONIC VIDEO MAGNIFIER

Elegant and Spacious villa available

The Kea design is one of our most sought after and popular styles of villas within our boutique village. It offers an elegant and modern layout with a north facing aspect and plenty of privacy.

Luxury components of this villa include 10ft vaulted ceilings in the open plan living area, providing an unmistakable impression of style and sophistication. Large arched windows and French doors leading out to the private deck adds a further touch of sophistication and plenty of natural light.

The generous size kitchen is both functional and sleek with modern stone waterfall countertops offering plenty of useable space, complimented by a large breakfast bar, perfect when entertaining.

Both double bedrooms offer plenty of in-built storage and are separated by a large Jack and Jill bathroom.

www.elmswoodretirementvillage.co.nz

Expert Guide to a Smooth Move in Auckland

Moving furniture is often one of the most challenging parts of relocating, especially in a diverse city like Auckland. From narrow city apartments to expansive suburban homes, each move presents unique challenges. That’s why choosing the right furniture removals service in Auckland is essential for a seamless and stress-free experience.

Why Hire Professional Furniture Movers in Auckland?

Hiring professional furniture movers in Auckland can greatly simplify the moving process. These experts have the experience and equipment needed for all types of moves, whether you’re relocating from a small city flat or a spacious suburban home. They know Auckland’s streets well and can manage even the trickiest moves with ease.

Professional movers provide the necessary tools to safely transport your belongings, offering you peace of mind. By entrusting the heavy lifting to experts, you can focus on settling into your new home.

Top Tips for Successful Furniture Removals

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Move

Early planning is crucial for a successful move. Start by creating a comprehensive checklist covering all aspects of your move, from packing to scheduling with your chosen Auckland furniture removals team. The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to address any potential issues.

Declutter Before You Pack

Before packing, take the time to declutter your home. Determine which items are essential and consider donating or selling those you no longer need. This reduces the number of items to move and makes unpacking simpler.

Use Quality Packing Materials

Investing in quality packing supplies is key to protecting your belongings during the move. Sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape are must-haves. For fragile items, use extra padding to prevent damage.

Label Boxes Clearly

To streamline the moving process, clearly label all your boxes with their contents and the room they belong to. This helps movers place them in the correct rooms in your new home, making unpacking easier.

Communicate Effectively with Your Movers

Clear communication with your Auckland removals team is vital. Ensure they understand any special requirements or concerns you have. This will help them provide the best possible service and ensure your move goes smoothly.

When is the Best Time to Move?

Timing can significantly affect the success of your move. Auckland’s weather can be unpredictable, so planning your move during the drier months can help avoid complications. Moving during off-peak times can also be more cost-effective and offer more flexibility in scheduling.

Choosing the right furniture movers is an investment in a successful move. With professionals managing the logistics, you can focus on the excitement of settling into your new home. Whether you’re moving within Auckland or to another city, expert furniture removals will make your transition as smooth as possible.

For a stress-free move, consider professional furniture removals services in Auckland. Visit our website to get an estimate quote today or call 0800 432 796 for more details. Your peace of mind is worth it. Visit our site for more information.

Community Hearing Screening

In June our team visited a Tokelauan community group to do hearing screening. Peter and Rebecca from our clinic as well as Latasi Koro and Seiafi Sapolu from our trustee committee went along.

Here at the Tamaki Makaurau Hearing Trust we are dedicated to making sure all New Zealanders can access good hearing. Visiting our local community groups in their own spaces is one way we work towards that goal.

We know that transportation can be a barrier that prevents people from accessing hearing services. Because of this, we provide hearing screening at relevant community events as much as possible. Hearing Auckland are working closely with Ngati Whatua Orakei and Te Puea Marae to provide hearing services to our local Maori community. We are excited to develop new relationships with our Pasifika community as well. Research conducted right here in Aotearoa has highlighted the challenges faced by our Pasific Island communities in accessing hearing services. Our clinic was proud to be a part of that research project. We are also currently involved in research for our Maori community with hearing loss. We know that making sure all New Zealanders can access good hearing means finding out what stands in the way.

If you’re interested in learning more about hearing screening and how it might benefit your community, we’d love to hear from you. You can find all of our contact information here. Our phone number is (09) 524 9847 and our email address is info@hearingauckland.org.nz

For a limited time, Tasman Serviced Apartments offers you an amazing opportunity to claim a generous $20,000 cashback upon settlement to spend as you please — whether it's for fees, furnishing your new home, or even treating yourself to a holiday. The choice is yours! Don't let this fabulous chance to elevate your living experience pass you by! Contact us for full Terms and Conditions.

ALBANY HOUSE

September 2024

Welcome to all readers.

 The big news is that we are now on Facebook so check us out; it would be awesome if you would comment on our page.

We have had a wonderful winter in Gore and spring is here. The gardens at Albany house are blossoming with colorful flowers.

This week we have had a mystery crop in our flower garden. At first we noticed that Swedes had been planted upside down in a row and when next seen all Swedes had pink hair, eyes, tiaras and were holding wands!!!! How did all that happen?

Murray is doing detective work and says that he will track the culprit down.

Joke for the Month

There was an old man whose family could no longer afford to take care of him. So the family decided that a nursing for the aged would be appropriate.

Of course the old man rejected the idea, but no sooner he was convinced that it was the right thing to do. On his first day at the home, he spent most of his time laying in bed reflecting on life, feeling lonely. A while later, an orderly stopped by to see how the old man's first day was going.

"How you doing today?” she said to the old man, "First day I see". The Old man replied with a nod.

In no time the two began talking up a storm. As the conversation began to drag on, the orderly was eyeing the room filled with fresh flowers, cards and balloons from friends and relatives. She noticed a bowl full of peanuts sitting on top of the table next to the bed, and helps herself to a handful.

As the two continued to converse with each other, the orderly kept eating more helpings of the peanuts. She looks at her watch and noticed that nearly 2 hours had passed and said, "My goodness, the time has gone by quickly. I have to tend to other people here too." "That's okay.” said the old man, "I feel so much better being able to talk to someone." Looking into the bowl the orderly said, "I feel awful! I ate almost all of your peanuts!" The old man responded, "That's okay. Ever since I got these false teeth, all I was doing was sucking the chocolate off of them anyhow."

Spring Birthdays  

Happy birthday on your special day!!!

September

Gilbert Thomson

November

Jean Tayles

What’s happening?

Recently a number of residents had a great time at the Country Music Club in the Longford rooms. They heard and joined in with toe tapping music for the afternoon and come home desperate for a cup of tea but very happy.

A van load of residents went out on a daffodil hunt to Alison Nichol’s beautiful garden and also Pauline Weirs garden-both in the Waikaka area. Thank you Alison and Pauline for all your hard work that gives us so much pleasure.

The American Cup has kept us all glued to the screen in the mornings- sometimes we have wide smiles other times groans of frustrations but still enough energy to shout  “Go Team New Zealand!!!”.

Residents have been touring Gore area in the afternoons admiring the fabulous blossom tress.  With the breeze blowing the petals our lawn looks as if it’s covered with pink snow.

Happy news!

Royal baby – Prince William & Kate Middleton had their first baby, Prince George Alexander Louis born on 22^nd July 2013.

 Memories

Bob Barnett

Mary Butler

Marie Herron

Doris Thayer

Myrtle Leighton

Looking forward to...

We are looking forward to more settled sunny days so that we can do walking and checking out other people gardens.

With the warmer days we can sit in the lounges and have the doors open for some breeze.

Recipe of the Month

Lemon Sago

Ingredients

2 Cups Sago

2 Tbsp golden syrup

Sweetener to taste

Lemon essence/juice

5-6 cups boiling water

Put everything together in a pot except lemon essence and simmer for 30-40 minutes

Add Lemon essence last

Best served with fruit, ice-cream or whipped cream.

  It would be awesome to have feedback and suggestions for our news letter.   All contributions welcome.

Albany Rest Home

28 Albany Street, Gore

Phone 032080749

Email: albanyhouse2004@xtra.co.nz

Find us on Facebook

We are excited to announce the renovation of our chapel, designed to provide a more comfortable and welcoming space for the families we serve. With thoughtful updates and enhanced amenities, our newly renovated chapel reflects our commitment to offering a serene and dignified setting to honor your loved ones. We look forward to continuing to support our community with care and compassion in this beautiful new environment.

We have recently redecorated Rose Avon in a modern color scheme with live plants and paintings of New Zealand landscapes.

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

Daisies don’t push themselves up.

For more information and to get started, visit: 

https://www.publictrust.co.nz/expecttheexpected/ 

We're excited to announce our Bid Day Out auction campaign - a summer filled with incredible opportunities!

This is your ultimate chance to showcase your property, get it SOLD, and secure the premium price it deserves. What makes Bid Day Out so extraordinary? It's a marketing program that saves you money while attracting more qualified buyers, igniting more competition for your property.

If you've considered selling, now is the perfect time. Schedule a FREE and quick property appraisal between November 10th and December 20th, 2024.

Need assistance to downsize, declutter or estate clear?

We are friendly and professional home organisers who provide downsizing, decluttering and estate clearance services in the greater Wellington area.  We're here to help people who don't have the time, strength or support to get these jobs done.  These jobs can be hard to start, so we offer a non-judgmental, personalised service to help you get them underway and completed.  That frees you up to do whatever you have to do next.

Call 021 227 3345 for a Free half hour consultation.

Find out more about our services at www.sortoutservice.co.nz

JMI Wealth and Louis Botes …

JMI Wealth understands the importance of partnering with someone who recognises their unique needs and aspirations. That's why, at JMI Wealth, every client benefits from the expertise of a dedicated advisor. Your JMI Wealth advisor is committed to providing absolute transparency in all portfolio discussions, delivering reports in clear and straightforward language. Rest assured, they are readily available to you via phone or email, ensuring a seamless and responsive collaboration.

You will also benefit from our seasoned team of investment professionals, with a wealth of experienced fund managers adept at navigating the intricacies of managing client asset. We bring a comprehensive suite of offerings to enhance your investment and retirement journey, from personalised portfolio advice to strategic guidance on asset allocation, security and manager selection, with timely market insights, commentary and regular investment reports and feedback.

Weather you have a KiwiSaver, a direct share portfolio, a combination of managed funds or even just term deposits, we are a one-stop and independent wealth manager. Please visit our website at www.jmiwealth.co.nz  for more information or watch the short video, https://www.jmiwealth.co.nz/about-us  introducing JMI Wealth.

You can also get in touch with Louis Botes on his mobile 021 472 471 or email louis.botes@jmiwealth.co.nz .

For more information on his background, qualifications and experience please visit his personal web browser where he posts relevant articles on retirement and investment planning ... www.louisbotes.co.nz

Our home has been revamped to become a modern, light, bright and airy unit with up to date artwork and access to seating in the garden areas being updated.

For a limited time only - No Premium room fees for Hospital level Respite care. Valid from 23rd October until 30th November 2024. Terms and Conditions apply

“Everything we do comes from the heart of who we are. It is not just about providing a service, it’s offering a bit more and enhancing the well-being of the residents in care".

We’re excited to announce the opening of our village Toolshed!

This new space is designed for residents to come together and collaborate on various projects, fostering creativity and community spirit. A heartfelt thank you to all the residents who generously donated tools for our shed - your contributions are greatly appreciated! Not only will this space be used for hands on projects and repairs, but our onsite builders will also be dropping off leftover supplies for upcycling, making our Toolshed an eco-friendly hub. We can’t wait to see the amazing creations that come out of this initiative!

Kai 2 You brings fresh, healthy meals to your door on Tuesdays and Fridays, or you can pick them up at 86 Harris Crescent, Papanui, Christchurch. Our meals are made with seasonal ingredients sourced from local Christchurch suppliers.

See below our new Christmas Menu! Delivery or pick up between 8am until 12pm on the 24th December. Orders in by Tuesday 17th December:

Christmas glazed ham with all the trimmings $18

 Slices of glazed ham with new potatoes, roast pumpkin, pigs in blankets,                 

new season carrots, cauliflower & broccoli with cheese sauce, baby peas & gravy.

Christmas turkey with all the trimmings $18

Roast turkey breast with new potatoes, roast pumpkin, pigs in blankets, new season carrots, cauliflower & broccoli with cheese sauce, baby peas, cranberry sauce & gravy.

The perfect end to your Christmas meal.

Sticky date & prune pudding $8

Rich sticky date & prune pudding with whisky and brown sugar custard.

Baileys & chocolate cheesecake $8

Creamy baileys cheesecake with hints of chocolate.

The secret ingredient of our Christmas menu?

A dash of love in every meal!

The Most Important Reasons To Have A Will

A Will, also called a testament, is a legal document in writing signed by you and two witnesses, where you make decisions about your estate after you die. According to the Public Trust, only 50% of New Zealand adults have a Will. Dying without one means that your estate will be distributed solely according to intestacy law and not according to your wishes.

Here are some of the most important reasons to have a Will:

1. To determine who will administer your estate: When you nominate an executor you choose the person who will be responsible for ensuring your estate is administered and distributed in accordance with your wishes.
2. To decide who gets your assets and property, and who does not: You can appoint beneficiaries for specific assets (e.g. your grandmothers watch), or for the residuary of your estate (everything remaining). Most commonly, people detail the people they wish to benefit in their Will, but it is becoming more common for people to detail people they wish to exclude from an inheritance as well. Make sure you talk to us if you wish to exclude someone from your Will, as this is quite a complex area of the law.
3. To choose who will take care of any minor children: You can nominate a guardian for minor children in your Will. This is particularly relevant in the case of both parents’ death, since the guardian will be responsible for all your children’s daily needs. If you don’t nominate a guardian in your Will, a court will have to choose one for you.
4. To provide a home for your pets: You can detail in your Will someone to take care of your pets, and even leave them funds to assist with your pets care.
5. To leave instructions for your digital assets, which may include online accounts, social media, and cryptocurrencies. Sometimes these assets can be forgotten about, so providing specifically for these will ensure they are dealt with in your estate.
6. To donate to your favourite charity or cause: You are able to preserve your legacy by leaving a part of your estate to a charitable organisation. Often people do this if they have been involved or had experience with a particular charity (e.g. St John) and they wish to give back.
7. To provide instructions about your funeral wishes: You are able to detail matters such as: the type of funeral service and location; the music played during your service; the ability for your estate to cover any travel expenses for friends or family to attend your funeral; to make requests of your final resting place; or if you wish to be buried or cremated.

While you can draft your own Will, home made wills are often challenged and not completed as per the New Zealand High Court’s requirements. As such, they may raise difficulties and extra cost when probate is sought after you have passed. It is advisable to get a help of a lawyer experienced in Wills to draft your Will for you to ensure that it is legally valid and that you get all the related advice regarding your wishes.  

Having your Will drafted, and keeping it updated when events in your life change your circumstances, will give your loved ones an easy map to follow after you pass. If you would like to talk to one of our friendly experts, please contact us.

READER'S DIGEST QUALITY SERVICE AWARDS 2025 
GOLD - HOME MAINTENANCE

"We have an amazing team of highly trained, experienced Techs, who really care about our customers’ properties. They treat these homes and businesses, as if there are their own. To have JAE’s passion and commitment to quality recognised with GOLD in the Reader’s Digest 2025 Quality Service Awards, is amazing, and we thank all of the Kiwis that voted for us.”

Mike Barron - JAE Group

We are pleased to announce we have added a wheelchair accessible vehicle to our Tauranga North fleet!

We use a VW Caddy which is stable, safe and reliable, with wheelchair restraints to keep you safe and secure. Our wheelchair accessible vehicles are equipped with a ramp for additional stability. There is plenty of room for you and your family to ride together to your destination.

Jimmy's Story and Home Healthcare

Jimmy* is a regular at Te Kapu, Visionwest’s free community lunch. One day, Simon, our Chaplain, visited and found Jimmy wasn’t doing too well due to some mental health issues. Simon continued to call in regularly and, on one visit, found that Jimmy hadn’t eaten for five days. Simon took him to get some food.

Simon also realised that Jimmy’s rental agent was trying to get Jimmy evicted because the home was quite often rather messy – Jimmy just couldn’t keep up with the housework. Simon and his team headed over and gave Jimmy’s home a good clean to ensure he could continue with his rental.

Over time, Jimmy’s health worsened, however, and he eventually needed hospitalisation.

When Jimmy was discharged, Simon went to see him only to discover he wasn’t at all well. When Simon asked if he was taking his medication, Jimmy responded that he’d been sent home with no medication and had no way of getting to the pharmacy to fill the prescription he’d been given. Simon took him to the chemist and to a café for lunch (once again, he’d not been eating).

The awesome end to the story is that Jimmy’s health has now stabilised, partly due to the regular visits of Visionwest Home Healthcare support workers who helps with cleaning and meal preparation. He also has wellbeing checks three days a week from a social worker.

Jimmy’s story is one of a person whose ability to remain independent was just hanging by a thread until a crisis hit and everything threatened to come crashing down. But, with the right in-home healthcare support from Visionwest, Jimmy was able to get past that crisis and feel safe staying in his own home.

* We appreciate being able to tell Jimmy’s story but have changed his name for privacy reasons.

For more information about Visionwest Home Healthcare, phone 0800 222 040 or to go https://visionwest.org.nz/home-healthcare/.

Respite Bookings currently CLOSED for 2024 but accepting Respite Bookings for 2025, booking fee will be required. 

Do you or a loved require additional support? Our dedicated team provides compassionate care to enhance your quality of life. If you are looking for a care home that feels like home, contact us. 

In the Skyhawk unit, we've been enjoying the sunshine and making the most of the great weather. A team of residents is actively tending to our new vegetable garden, where we’ve planted lettuces, radishes, and carrots that are growing well. Now, we need to thin out some of the seedlings to encourage the plants’ growth. Everyone is looking forward to the day when we can harvest and enjoy our fresh, homegrown vegetables together.

Discover our new range of retail items at Auckland Health Services! Perfect for enhancing comfort, mobility, and daily living, our products are carefully selected to meet a variety of needs. Visit us to find quality equipment and helpful accessories available for purchase—designed to support your independence and well-being. Check out our latest offerings today, we deliver nationwide!

www.aucklandhealthservices.co.nz 

0800247472

or visit our showroom at 739A Great South Road, Penrose, Auckland

This week, we had an exciting opportunity to delve into the vibrant world of Brazilian culture by learning about the samba, a lively and rhythmic dance that embodies the spirit of Brazil. We were fortunate enough to watch an expert dancer showcase their incredible skills, demonstrating the intricate footwork and joyful movements that define this dance. The performance was captivating and gave us a deeper appreciation for the art form, as well as the cultural significance of the samba in Brazilian traditions. Overall, it was a delightful and enriching experience that left us eager to learn more.

Are you looking for a safe and caring family owned and operated Rest Home or Dementia facility in Otago for your loved family member?

We have vacancy in rest home and dementia level care and would love to have you come and visit us.

Our family understands the challenges of entering a rest home and we would love to help answer any questions you may have.

To arrange a visit or have a chat, contact Jasmine at 034177888 (9am-5pm) or on 027 387 2538 (Anytime). 

Watch the video on the importance of complete bladder emptying.

Coloplast is setting a new standard for bladder emptying with Micro-hole Zone Technology
Luja™ Male & Female intermittent catheter is designed to reduce the risk of UTIs by enabling complete bladder
emptying in one free flow– because the less residual urine, the better.

For more details please check our website

Are you needing more help with a loved one or are you feeling a bit isolated?  Harbour View rest home is located above the beautiful Oamaru Harbour next to the Victorian Precinct.  This boutique rest home has the lovely feeling of home for everyone who comes. Most of our rooms have beautiful expansive views. Book in respite and come see the lovely spot today. Come take in the ocean air and join our family today. 

With a St John Medical Alarm help is never far away. St John Medical Alarms support independence and confidence, offer families peace of mind, and are the only medical alarms that connect directly to Hato Hone St John. Whether at home or out and about, they provide around the clock access to expert care.

Get in touch with a friendly Hato Hone St John representative to answer any questions you may have:
Phone: 0800 50 23 23
Email: telecare@stjohn.org.nz
Website: https://www.stjohn.org.nz/medical-alarms/

We have a rest home bed available. For a viewing please call Lee on 027 508 3809 to make a time to see our 'gem' on High Street!  The meals are delicious, the staff are friendly and the facility is homely and welcoming.

We have parking for easy access, there is a fantastic  activities program for the residents to enjoy with van rides and live entertainers... so if your loved one is looking for somewhere to go, please do come in and see us!

We have hospital a 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!

We were delighted to have a visit from our local pharmacy Unichem Spitfire who set up a charming Christmas pop-up shop right here in the rest home. Residents had the opportunity to browse a selection of holiday goodies and festive gifts, making it a fun and heartwarming way to kick off the season.

How can a pharmacist help you?