‘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.
Browse categories

Home help & personal care
Meal prep | Cleaning | Personal assistance | And more...

Supporting your carer
Respite care | Day programmes

Equipment & products
Mobility aids | Stair lifts | Continence | And more...

Around your home
Repairs & maintenance | Gardening | Downsizing | And more...

Housing options
Rentals | 60s + housing | Public & private housing

Recreation & transport
Exercise | Transport options | Travel

End of life
Palliative care | Funerals | Hospice | And more...

Support and advocacy services
Government organisations | Advocacy & support | And more...

Staying healthy
Vision | Hearing | Podiatry | Therapies | And more...

Local community resources
Culture | Kaumātua programmes | Libraries | And more...

Professional services
Financial assistance | Legal matters | And more...

Industry suppliers
Industry suppliers | Recruitment & training
Let us help you find what you're looking for
What should I consider when getting help 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.
Are some home support services free?
Some home support services may be free to the client. There may be a part charge or you may have to pay for your services yourself. It depends on your situation. Funding agencies such as the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora, the government...
What are shared goals of care in New Zealand?
Shared goals of care in New Zealand refer to a collaborative approach between people, healthcare professionals, and family/whānau, which aims to align their goals and expectations for a person's treatment and care. Shared goals of care outline how providers should approach discussions of care with adults and their whānau. They...
Clinical decision making for older adults with multiple chronic conditions
Can I get financial help to insulate my home?
The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme offers insulation and heater grants to low-income homeowners. Homeowners who hold a Community Services Card and those who live in areas that are identified as low income (you can check if you live in an eligible area on the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority website)....
Your options
Home and Community
Fully independent and living at home. There are many services to make life at home easier.
Retirement Village
Independent living in a purpose built property with varying levels of support.
Residential Care
The full service options for all the support and levels of care you could need.
News in the community
Want to read the latest news and events? See what's going on around NZ. This newsletter is created by contributions direct from the Eldernet community and is filled with good news and updates.

Dementia Canterbury - Formal groups & organisations
Dementia Canterbury’s ‘Walk for Dementia’ is being held on Sunday 9 March, 10.30am -12pm, at Ngā Puna Wai in Wigram. Join us to walk in memory or support of a loved one with dementia and help raise funds to support our work in the community. Prizes for the best dressed...

Sensory Corner - Mobility aids & useful products
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...

Companion Care Solutions - Home help & personal care
Welcome to Companion Care Solutions, where I provide comprehensive in-home assistance services beyond basic companionship and chores for the elderly or adult people of Havelock North and Hastings, Hawke's Bay With a focus on enhancing quality of life for your adult or elderly relatives, I offer a range of engaging...

Next Step Retirement Living - Advocacy services
Next Step Retirement Living - Independant advice when choosing a Retirement Village. Assisting you with determining your needs and future requirements so you can confidently choose a retirement living solution that best suits you. As retirement approaches, making important decisions about the next phase of life can be both exciting...