‘Making Life Easier’ 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 and advocacy groups, and service providers throughout the country – not to mention a raft of information and resources – to help make your life easier.
Browse categories
Home help & personal care
e.g. meals, home help, showering assistance
Taking a break
e.g. respite, support for carers
Equipment & products
e.g. continence products, mobility aids
Around your home
e.g. gardening, trades, downsizing & moving home
Housing options
e.g. rental, 60s+ housing, public & private housing
Recreation
e.g. exercise & recreation, companion drivers & transport
End of life
e.g. funeral, palliative care, hospice
Nationwide services
e.g. government agencies like MSD, NASC
For your body & mind
e.g. dental, vision, hearing, looking after your feet (podiatry)
Local community resources
e.g. libraries, classes, cultural services
Professional services
e.g. financial and legal assistance
By the sector for the sector
e.g. industry supplies, sector recruitment
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.
I’m thinking of volunteering. What are the benefits?
Not only does volunteering have a positive impact on the economy, but also the community and the volunteers themselves. The most common reasons people give for doing voluntary work are: being helpful to others, “paying back” to society, and having a sense of obligation to the future generations. It is...
Am I paying too much for power?
A free online tool called ‘ Powerswitch ’ (provided by ConsumerNZ) allows people to compare electricity and gas prices offered by providers throughout New Zealand. This service was previously known as ‘What’s My Number.’ Finding out how much you can save takes less than two minutes and involves answering some...
Do I need a medical certificate to renew a driver’s licence?
To renew your licence past your 75th birthday you will need to visit your doctor to get a 'Medical certificate for driver licence'. Tell your doctor the certificate is for your driver licence. You will have to pay for the appointment yourself. During your appointment your doctor will discuss your...
Carer stress is real - carers need time out too
A caring role is often stressful and no matter how strong and capable you think your carer is, they will need regular time out to recharge their physical and mental batteries. So, who is a carer? While in this instance it’s Sally, a person may be considered a carer even...
Your options
Home and Community
Fully independent and still living in your own home. There are many options to help you.
Making Life EasierRetirement Village
Independent living in a purpose built property with varying levels of support.
Retirement VillagesResidential Care
The full service options for all the support and levels of care you could need.
Residential CareNews 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.
Seddon Park Funeral Home Ltd - End of life & funeral
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...
Kai 2 You - Meals & nutrition
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...
Walking Football New Zealand - Sports & recreation
North Harbour Walking Football on November 25th start time 6pm at Rosedale Park, Albany See attached flyer for details. Walking Football is a unique and rapidly growing sport designed to make football accessible to a wider range of participants, particularly older adults and those with limited mobility. Unlike traditional football,...
Pier Law Lawyers - Legal
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....