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Your home, your life, your way

Making Life Easier at Home

‘Making Life Easier at Home’ is all about supporting older people to live the life they want! We want to empower you to use your voice and to make decisions that are right for your future. Here you’ll discover a huge range of care and support options, community groups, and service providers throughout the country that will help make life at home easier. Whether you’re still living in the family home, or are settled in a retirement village or residential care, these resources are for you.

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What should I consider when getting help at home?

Making Life Easier at home

Many older people are happy living at home and just need a bit of extra support now and again – whether that means assistance around the house, getting professional support and advice, or simply connecting with like-minded people. Yet these services can be difficult to find if you don’t know where to look or if you’re not sure yet what you are looking for; in fact, sometimes you don’t know you have a problem until you find the solution. That’s where ‘Making Life Easier’ comes in.

As we all lead different lives, the support and assistance we need will vary widely. Perhaps you’re looking to meet some like-minded people in your community, join a club or group, or take up a new hobby? Or perhaps you’ve moved to a new area and want to know what services are available? Whatever support you require, you’ll find options in your region to suit.

We all need to look after our eyes, ears and feet – regardless of our age. Some of us may find we need a little extra help around the home, such as cooking and cleaning, while others may require help with their personal care. While there may be some challenges ahead as we get older, there are options to help you navigate these.

If you’re requiring home support, there are a wide range of services to choose from, including practical services and personal care. You may be eligible to receive subsidised home help (via an interRAI assessment) or you can choose to pay privately. There is a lot to consider so use our checklist to help you navigate the process – then browse home support providers in your region. You can also find loads more information about getting help at home and in your community on our Knowledge Lab.

Your questions answered

Looking for independent and impartial information to help you on your ageing journey? Looking for help but not sure where to start? The Knowledge Lab is our comprehensive resource library; dive in and find informative and practical articles and videos covering a wide range of topics, plus answers to questions you didn’t even know you had. Start browsing now.

Financial & legal issues
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Are rest homes free for the elderly?

No, rest homes and residential care facilities are not free for older people. Paying for, or contributing towards, rest home care and other residential care services is your responsibility, much like any other living arrangement. Eldernet lists providers who meet certain requirements and have a Maximum Contribution (MC) limit. This...

Home & community
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What are some alternatives to retirement village living?

‘Buying’ into a retirement village can be a great option for those who are wanting to maintain their independence while living among a like-minded community. Yet it’s not the only choice – there are myriad other living options to suit all lifestyles. Staying where you are There is benefit in...

Equipment & technology
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Dad won't use computers. How can I get him online?

Not everyone wants to go online. While you may understand the numerous benefits and be capable of handling the drawbacks, it appears that your enthusiasm for the digital world fails to inspire someone close to you to make the move. There can be several reasons why people don’t want to...

Home & community
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Mixed feelings after a loved one goes 'into care'?

Giving up a caregiving role is difficult. You’ve probably invested a lot of physical and emotional energy in supporting your spouse/partner, relative or friend to remain at home for as long as possible. When the decision is made to go into a care home you may experience conflicting feelings –...

find more articles in the Knowledge Lab

What's New

Curious about what’s happening in the Eldernet community? This is where you’ll find the latest updates and news from people across the motu.

image for what's new at Nurse Maude Health & Mobility Shop
6 hours ago - Christchurch
Nurse Maude Health & Mobility Shop - Mobility aids & useful products

Conni Washable Continence Underwear $35.00 This discreet underwear is great for light leaks - comfortable and easy to wear. Soft lining with sewn in waterproofing so these can be worn instead of a light disposable liner. Available in Beige (Pictured) or Pale Pink in a Ladies option or in Grey...

image for what's new at CBM Christian Blind Mission
9 hours ago - Auckland
CBM Christian Blind Mission - Charitable Organisations

Life-changing treatment for children like Hosnima. Every day in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, parents are carrying burdens almost too heavy to bear. Our CEO, Murray Sheard, has seen this with his own eyes. They carry the trauma of fleeing violence. They carry the daily struggle for food...

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