Eldernet Community

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

Queen Rose Day Care openings

At Queen Rose, we believe that every day should be filled with laughter, purpose, and companionship. Our professionally designed program offers a vibrant and nurturing space where everyone can thrive.

Operating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am- 4pm, the dayprogram provides a supportive andengaging environment for people whohave been assessed as requiring thisservice, as well as those who wish to
attend privately.
The fee is $50 per session; additional charges apply for transport services- please enquire for further details.

Our experienced facilitators, bring over 20 years of combined experience in aged care. We warmly invite you to connect with us to explore how the Day Program can benefit you or your loved one.

Program Features:

Physical Activites
Concerts and Entertainers
Van Trips
Outing and Special Events
Arts and Crafts
Arranged Transport
Nutritious Meals inc. Morning Tea
and Afternoon Tea

Gentle ways to keep craft organised.

Our latest article shares ways for crafty types to keep their crafts in order so they can spend more time creating craft not looking for craft items. With a simple strategy and a few simple rules, you'll keep your passion alive while keeping the craft clutter and chaos well away

❤️ A Delicate Conversation ❤️

Talking with a loved one about accepting extra help at home isn’t always easy. Here are a few gentle ways to approach the discussion:

• Choose your words with care, keeping their feelings at the centre.
• Focus on reassurance and the positives rather than entering a power struggle.
• Take your time and ease into the conversation so it doesn’t feel overwhelming.

Sometimes, a little support can make a big difference — helping them stay safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

WINNER Ōtorohanga People's Choice Business Awards

We’re absolutely thrilled to share that Beattie Home & Hospital was named the winner of the Health & Wellbeing category and co-winner of the Not-for-Profit/Community Groups category at the Ōtorohanga Districts People’s Choice Business Awards 2025.

This recognition belongs to all our dedicated staff, residents, families, volunteers, and supporters — we couldn’t do it without you.

Caregiver Pagers & Alerting

Eldertech's range of Caregiver Pagers provides peace of mind for caregivers, allowing older adults to maintain independence safely in their own homes.
These innovative wireless systems offer a variety of alerting options to suit different needs, ensuring caregivers are promptly notified when assistance is required.

Key features and product types include:

Portable Pagers: Lightweight, discreet pagers that can be clipped to a belt or kept in a pocket, alerting caregivers with adjustable audio, vibration, and flashing lights.

Call Buttons & Pendants: Easy-to-use SOS buttons can be worn as a watch or pendant or mounted on a wall, allowing individuals to call for help with a simple press.

Specialised Sensors: The range includes motion sensors to monitor movement, pressure sensor mats for fall prevention (alerting when someone leaves a bed or chair), and door/window transmitters to prevent wandering.

Smartphone Integration: Some advanced systems connect to Wi-Fi and send instant warning alerts to a smartphone app, enabling remote monitoring and allowing multiple family members to receive notifications.

Expandability: Systems are designed for DIY installation and can be expanded with additional pagers and transmitters to cover various areas of the home.

Eldertech's solutions are ideal for those caring for individuals with dementia, mobility problems, or a tendency to wander, filling the gap between simple alarms and more complex nurse call systems. Explore the full range of options on the Eldertech website to find the best solution for your caregiving needs.

TWILIGHT MARKET

Thursday, 20 November 2025
4:00PM - 7:00PM

Join us for an evening of fun, food and festive cheers!

*Over 15 stalls - crafts, brick & brac, gifts, and more!
*Live entertainment to get you in the spirit
*Sausage sizzle and sweet treats available

Bring your family and friends for a great night out supporting our community!

For more information, contact Wendy: 06 759 0080

Waiapu House Fun Fair & Open Day

Come on down and enjoy a morning of fun, food, and festivities, including:

A Sausage Sizzle, Baking, Coffee Cart and Candy Floss. PLUS a Bouncy Castle, Face Painting, Jumble Sale including Bric-a-brac, Plants, Whiteware and Arts & Crafts.

You'll also be able to explore the village with Jude, take a tour around our villas and discover great value retirement living at Waiapu.

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

Waiapu House & Village
10 Danvers Street, Havelock North 4130

For further information call Reception on 06 872 8930.

Independent Advice choosing a Retirement Village.

We take the time to understand what matters most to you and your loved ones, creating a personalized plan. We arrange tours of suitable villages and facilities, and accompany you to appointments so you're never facing this process alone. We also help you make sense of the terms and conditions, upfront and ongoing costs, so you can make informed, confident decisions.

"Carmel made finding a suitable retirement village so much easier than us having to go from village to village ourselves" Doug and Lillias

This is a big step and we are here to make it easier.

Let’s talk.
Let’s talk.
Carmel – 027 227 635
carmel@nextstepinfo.co.nz
nextstepinfo.co.nz

The Christmas Spirit Has Arrived!

Overnight, our beautiful Christmas tree was put up, and it’s absolutely stunning — adding a wonderful festive sparkle to our reception area!
To celebrate the start of the Christmas season, residents and staff gathered for a special morning tea in reception. We enjoyed delicious Christmas mince pies and festive treats while being serenaded by our concert grand piano, which filled the space with beautiful Christmas carols. There was plenty of singing, laughter, and reminiscing as we shared cherished Christmas memories together.
It was a truly joyful morning that captured the magic and warmth of the season.

Rosedale has recently been awarded with a 4 year Certification from the Ministry of Health audit

Modern spacious brand new Care Suites are now ready for sale at Kensington Court Village.

Care Suites are an alternative to rest home rooms. Residents can live in their own apartment and still receive rest home or hospital-level care. Bring your own personal furniture and mementos secure in the knowledge that this apartment is yours for life .

Our care suites have a large ensuite bathroom and a small kitchenette area where residents can make a cup of tea or coffee for themselves or visitors, Several suites also have access to the peaceful landscaped gardens.

Kensington Court is less than a kilometre from supermarkets, a medical centre and a shopping mall and library and care suite residents enjoy all the benefits of both village living whilst receiving full rest home or hospital care.

If you would like to see your loved one in the new alternative to rest home living please contact the village now as numbers are limited

Melbourne Cup Day Fun

What an unforgettable day we had celebrating the Melbourne Cup!
We started with a beautiful Melbourne Cup–themed morning tea shared between residents and staff, before being treated to a special visit from Sparrow the pony — and his adorable friends, including rabbits, guinea pigs, a sheep and a goat!
The fun continued with our very own horse race quiz that had everyone laughing and cheering. Later, family members joined us for canapés and champagne as we watched the big race together — fascinators and all!
It was a fabulous day full of fun, friendship, and a touch of sparkle.

What's New at Brookhaven Lifecare and Village

At Brookhaven, we are constantly evolving to meet the needs and desires of our residents, ensuring that they enjoy the highest quality of life in a warm, welcoming environment. Here are some of the exciting new developments and enhancements we’ve recently introduced:
*Enhanced Dining Experience - We’ve made significant updates to our dining services to offer an even more enjoyable eating experience. We’ve expanded our menu options to cater to a wider range of dietary needs and preferences, with a focus on fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals. Our buffet-style continental breakfasts have been introduced, allowing residents to enjoy a variety of options each morning. Residents also have the option to provide input on meal choices, ensuring we meet individual tastes and needs.

At Brookhaven Lifecare and Village, we are continuously looking for ways to improve the lives of our residents and create a dynamic, enriching environment. These new additions and updates are part of our ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care, comfort, and a sense of community that feels like home.

We invite you to visit us and see these changes for yourself. Please feel free to call or arrange a tour to experience all that’s new at Brookhaven!

We've recently had a name change to Alden.

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

Kimihia Khronicle – October Edition is Out Now!

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

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

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

Client Stories - Declutter to downsize

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

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

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

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

We have welcomed another Furbaby into Aroha house - Come in for a Respite break for the last couple of months of 2025 or into 2026 and say hello or have a cuddle with PATU

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

Rethinking Sensor Mats in Aged Care - On The Go Physio

Always a reason to Dress Up - Halloween 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Respite options coming soon

Healthcare Compliance Solutions Ltd, one of New Zealand’s foremost providers of aged care digital health solutions, is proud to announce its rebrand to Hercules HealthTM, marking a bold new chapter in the company’s evolution.

What began as a compliance-focused service has grown into a comprehensive, fully integrated digital health ecosystem, now supporting over 160 aged care sites across Aotearoa New Zealand. This rebrand reflects the platform’s expansion well beyond compliance and into clinical management, operations, workforce development, finance, and beyond - offering aged care providers a single, robust solution to manage the full spectrum of healthcare operations.

The 17 Cottages share a site with Glenwood Home in Timaru. The reasonably priced Occupation Right Agreement, low monthly service maintenance fee, and the high standard of accommodation continues to make the cottages an attractive option for people in their retirement years.

All the units, have safer wet-floor showers, energy efficient heating, modernized interiors and new kitchens to provide an open, inviting work space for those who love to cook and bake.

For those who love gardening, there are lovely little gardens surrounding each cottage, as well as the central garden for the cottages. the gardeners supports individual gardens. You can potter at will, or just enjoy the park-like surroundings.

Contact the General Manager to view

Lockerbie Village Open Day

Saturday 15 November - 10am till 2pm

Tour our Lodge, explore homes for sale & meet residents. Enjoy a village walk & a cuppa on us! Join us in beautiful Waikato

Celebrating Diwali Together

Our team and residents lit up the day with colour, laughter, and celebration as we came together for Diwali – the Festival of Lights!

The day was filled with joy — from beautiful traditional clothing and intricate henna designs to energetic dancing and delicious Indian food lovingly prepared by our amazing staff. We enjoyed every bite, from fragrant savoury dishes and sweet treats to Indian popcorn and refreshing mango lassis!

It was truly a wonderful day of sharing culture, connection, and light — reminding us how special it is to celebrate together.

Happy Diwali!