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Reconnect with Nature.

Dear Aged Care Providers

You're warmly invited to attend the official launch of "Excellence in Care: A Guide for Managers and Nurses" by Gillian Robinson-Gibb.

This newly updated 2025 edition builds upon Gillian's earlier publication, offering expanded and updated content designed to support excellence in care.

Essential reading for all care professionals, the book features a foreword by the Honourable Tracey Martin, CEO of the Aged Care Association NZ.

Date:    May 6^th 2025

Time:    1pm

Venue: Nazareth Care, 220 Brougham St, Christchurch

A light lunch will be provided.

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase discounted signed copies of the book at the event.

This event, which is also a celebration of aged care, is proudly hosted by Nazareth Care.

To book attendance for this free event, please click on the Trybooking link below:

https://www.trybooking.com/nz/WRI

EXCLUSIVE OFFER - 

We are offering 5% off the Gyenno Bravo Twist and our INMU Range just enter the code  "ELDERNET5" at checkout.  This offer is only valid till the 30th April.  

https://www.sensorycorner.co.nz/discount/ELDERNET5

The Gyenno Bravo Twist Spoon is a thoughtfully designed, smart utensil that brings comfort and ease to individuals with hand tremors, including those living with Parkinson’s disease. Its innovative self-stabilizing technology helps reduce the impact of tremors, making mealtime a more manageable and enjoyable experience. For both those with Parkinson’s and their caregivers, this portable, versatile spoon is the perfect solution to foster independence at the dinner table, providing a greater sense of dignity and confidence. Whether you're at home or on the go, the Gyenno Bravo Twist Spoon is an invaluable tool to help maintain autonomy and comfort during meals.  Click HERE to see the Gyenno Bravo Twist Spoon / Fork 

Feel free to contact us on 0800 34 34 38 for further information or sales@sensorycorner.co.nz.

The Gyenno Bravo Twist is a specially designed utensil that reduces the impact of tremors. Here’s how it can help:

1. **Tremor Stabilization**: The Bravo Twist features technology that stabilizes the utensil, counteracting the effects of hand tremors. This helps the person maintain better control and reduces spills, allowing for a more dignified dining experience.
2.  **Ergonomic Design**: The utensil is ergonomically shaped, making it more comfortable for people with Parkinson's to hold. The grip helps reduce the effort required to hold it steady, which can reduce strain on the hand and wrist.
3.  **Restores Independence**: By improving the ability to eat independently, the Bravo Twist helps restore a sense of autonomy. This can improve confidence and quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s.
4. **Improved Social Interaction**: Being able to eat more comfortably and with less assistance can improve social interactions, allowing individuals to feel more included in mealtime conversations and gatherings. 
5. **Dignity and Respect**: For many people with Parkinson’s, the challenges of eating can be an emotional hurdle. The Gyenno Bravo Twist helps restore dignity during mealtimes by enabling individuals to eat more effectively, reducing reliance on caregivers If you're supporting a loved one with Parkinson's, this type of aid can truly transform the mealtime experience, not just in terms of ease and practicality, but also in terms of emotional well-being and independence. 

Our Team are looking forward to Easter and would like to wish our residents and their families a Happy Easter. 

Our Team are looking forward to Easter and wish all our residents and their families a Happy Easter. 

$30 off your Enduring Power of Attorney with a Gold Card at Public Trust.

Reducing Risk of Falling at Home

Living independently at home is a wonderful goal, and it’s something many of us cherish as we age. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety to maintain that independence. Falls are a common concern for older adults, but with a few simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk and keep your home a safe haven.

The Reality of Falls:

We recently had a couple of incidents where our clients tripped while rushing to answer the door. It’s a reminder that even familiar routines can pose risks. Falls can lead to serious injuries, affecting mobility and overall well-being. But don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do to prevent them.

Practical Steps to Fall Prevention:

• Clear Pathways:
  • Remove clutter, throw rugs, and any obstacles that could cause tripping.
  • Ensure hallways and walkways are well-lit.
  • Keep cords and wires tucked away.
• Lighting Matters:
  • Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.
  • Use brighter bulbs in main living areas.
  • Consider motion-sensor lights for added convenience and safety.
• Bathroom Safety:
  • Install grab bars in the shower and near the toilet.
  • Use non-slip mats in the shower and on bathroom floors.
  • Consider a shower chair or bench for added stability.
• Stairway Safety:
  • Ensure handrails are sturdy and easily accessible.
  • Make sure stairs are well-lit.
  • Consider adding non-slip treads to steps.
• Answering the Door Safely:
  • Avoid rushing to answer the door. Use a peep hole to see who is there.
  • Consider a video doorbell, so you can see who is at the door through your phone or a screen.
  • If you have mobility issues, consider a chair near the door, so you can sit while answering.
• Footwear:
  • Wear sturdy, supportive shoes, even indoors.
  • Avoid walking in socks or slippers that lack traction.
• Home Assessments:
  • Consider a home safety assessment by an occupational therapist or other professional. They can identify potential hazards and recommend solutions.
  • Many local senior centers offer these services.

Staying Active and Strong:

• Regular exercise can improve balance and strength, reducing the risk of falls.
• Consult with your doctor or a physical therapist about appropriate exercises and your medication.

Embrace Technology:

• Personal emergency response systems (PERS) can provide immediate assistance if you fall.
• Smart home devices can help with lighting, and other home functions.

Conclusion:

Maintaining your independence at home is about enjoying your space safely. By taking proactive steps to prevent falls, you can continue to live comfortably and confidently. Remember, a safe home is a happy home.

The lounge located on the ground floor is a popular destination for our residents to come together for various activities and social events; as shared but one of our residents, " the common areas are particularly well planned , luxurious and enjoyable places to relax and to meet up with other residents.’ -

Blindness steals so much more than sight – it takes away hope, education, independence, and even survival. In Nepal, 5-year-old Krind’s vision was so poor, he couldn’t see anything just a few feet away.

His teachers noticed he was struggling, unable to keep up with other children, he stopped playing. His world was closing in. For families trapped in deep poverty, the diagnosis of childhood cataracts is challenging. Without intervention a child, like Krind, faces a lifetime of blindness and despair. But thanks to the generous support of people like you, there is hope.

Learn how you can help children with blinding cataracts in the world’s poorest places…

We can visit you at home! 

Lease Program, your gateway to state-of-the-art low vision devices without high upfront costs.

Discover the latest assistive technology that fits your budget!

With our leasing options, enjoy state-of-the-art Ruby Electronic Magnifiers for less than $1 a day! Or opt for the state-of-the-art Topaz OCR, which transforms text into speech, making reading easier than ever before.

No need for large upfront payments—spread your costs over time.

Plus, try before you buy and benefit from unlimited support!

Check out our website to find out more: LEASE OPTIONS

For more information and advice, please call our friendly team at 03 376 5071 .

Be empowered to look after your own hearing!

We can all to take steps to take care of our own hearing. Being empowered to look after your own hearing includes preventing hearing loss, checking your hearing regularly, and using appropriate tools to manage hearing loss. Read on to see how we’re celebrating World Hearing Day at Hearing Auckland.

Preventing Hearing Loss

Exposure to loud sounds can impact your hearing. The World Health Organisation has lots of tips for protecting your hearing and preventing hearing loss. These include wearing earplugs in noisy environments. Musicians and those who regularly attend live events may benefit from custom earplugs. At Hearing Auckland we offer ear plugs which are custom-made to your ear impression and fitted with noise filters at the level of your choosing. High quality custom earplugs can make listening to concerts or playing music in a group safer and more comfortable, without sacrificing sound quality. If you’re interested in custom ear plugs, give us a call or book an ear-impression appointment.

Checking Your Hearing Regularly

Even when we’re not celebrating World Hearing Day, we always encourage checking your hearing regularly. Getting regular hearing tests is the best way to know if your hearing has changed. If your hearing has changed, our audiologists at Hearing Auckland can guide you in the next-steps for how to look after your hearing. Have you had your hearing tested before? Come to see us for a Hearing Review to review your hearing. If you’ve never had your hearing tested before, come to see us for a Hearing Screening (it’s free!).

Managing Hearing Loss

If you have a hearing loss, your audiologist may advise you to get Hearing Aids. One of the most common ways of managing hearing loss, hearing aids come in a wide variety of styles and a wide variety of price points. As an independent clinic, Hearing Auckland are able to supply hearing aids from all major brands including Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Signia, Widex, and GN. Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in hearing aids. We are happy to provide more information and answer any questions you have. If you already have hearing aids from another clinic, you are still able to come to see us for adjustments and maintenance.

World Hearing Day

We are celebrating World Hearing Day and the theme of “Empower Yourself”. Our services for preventing hearing loss, checking your hearing regularly, and managing hearing loss are available all year round.

For more information, give us a call or book an appointment.

(09) 524 9847

info@hearingauckland.org.nz

We have a hospital 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 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!

At Canterbury’s Most Spacious Retirement Village
This Saturday 12 April, 10am-4pm
Amberley Country Estate, Canterbury’s most spacious retirement village, is having a Special Open Day and you’re invited! Come and enjoy our amazing Amberley hospitality, with a Sausage Sizzle and Devonshire Teas. Visit us this Saturday, explore our latest brand new, high-quality, energy-efficient villas and find out for yourself what our residents say about living at Amberley Country Estate. If you’re 65+ and looking for an active lifestyle with spacious country estate living, visit our website, phone 0800 573 573, or come down to our special public Open Day, this Saturday, April 12th, from 10am-4pm. Come see us

Come and view our show villa and register your interest in the villas remaining in this last stage. 

Show villa open days will be advertised but can be viewed at other times by appointment. 

Ring Karen on 027 373 9463 

Auditory Rehabilitation/Auditory Training

Auditory Rehabilitation refers to the process of restoring and improving hearing and communication abilities for individuals with hearing impairments. This involves a combination of therapies, strategies, and technologies aimed at helping individuals with hearing loss to adapt to and overcome challenges associated with their hearing deficits.

The goal is to improve their quality of life by enhancing their ability to understand speech, engage in conversations, and interact with their environment.

Auditory Rehabilitation involves: Fitting appropriate hearing aids and assistive device; Auditory Training and communication strategies. 

Speech perception training involves exercises to help individuals improve their ability to recognize and understand speech sounds.  Similar to working a body part to gain muscle or running regularly to keep fitness; we must exercise our ears and brain to help improve its ability to recognize and understand speech sounds.

Communication strategies involve teaching individuals with hearing loss techniques for effective communication, such as asking people to speak clearly, facing them directly, reducing background noise, and using written or visual aids.

At Kapiti hearing we are able to help devise an Auditory Rehabilitation Plan.  This may involve new or existing hearing aids, but primarily it helps your brain adapt to the changes in your hearing and provide tailored exercises to improve listening skills, such as recognizing sounds, distinguishing between words, and understanding speech in different environments. 

The Value of a Funeral and Pre-planning

Throughout our lives we mark milestones.  We celebrate birthdays, graduations, weddings and anniversaries.  A funeral is a chance to mark a major milestone in the life of a family.

Everyone has a story to tell, and even those who appear, on the surface, to have lived an ‘ordinary 'life, have things that make them unique.

Ferdi Bosch, General Manager of Seddon Park Funeral Home says his team is very aware of the need to mark the milestone of death.

“Some people tell us they don’t want a funeral because they don’t want to put their family through the stress of having to organise things at a difficult time.  But funerals are not just for the person who has passed away, they are very much for the living,” says Ferdi.

Funerals serve a greater purpose than simply saying goodbye.  They are often the spark that brings family members together.  They help to smooth conflict and reaffirm the importance of family connections in day-to-day life.  Funerals provide healing and are a good start on the journey of grief.  They provide an opportunity to express feelings without having to hide away.

Ferdi says funeral’s don’t have to be grand events.  They can be very simple.  He sees them as a chance for friends to show their support, and many families welcome hearing stories about things they might not have known about their loved ones.

“One of the best things about funerals now is that they can be done to suit the needs of the families who want to hold services in a garden, sport clubs or even in the back yard”

“Some people think that not having a funeral will shield them away from the pain of grief, but we find it actually makes it harder,” says Ferdi

“More people are choosing to write down their wishes, and this is very important.  It means they can choose their own music, venue for the service, and even things like flowers they want”

He says this takes the pressure off a family at a very difficult time because they have fewer decisions to make, and they know they’re following the wishes of their loved one.

Without doubt funerals are emotionally difficult, but they can also be a wonderful time for sharing great memories.  They can be a celebration of a good life, and a celebration of family ties.

“We encourage people to think carefully before saying they don’t want a funeral.  Today’s funerals are not the sombre affairs of days gone by, and that’s a very good thing.”

Request our free pre plan funeral booklet “a time such as this”.  This will give you the chance to put down your funeral wishes.  email us at info@seddonpark.co.nz or call us on 07 846 1561 

Be the first to see the Dying Matters Week 2025 programme

Dying Matters Week connects people across Aotearoa to start conversations in a safe space, learn from local experts and seek support to get affairs in order and navigate grief or loss.

Join us from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th September at local libraries and other community spaces around New Zealand. The programme includes: hands-on workshops and presentations from experts in end-of-life, grief and death-care, resources and information from local businesses, curated collections of books on grief and dying, online events and podcasts, art and theatre, poetry and storytelling, Death Cafes and panel discussions.

Find out more & sign up for updates at www.gowithgrace.nz/dyingmatters/

Palmerston North City February 2025

Owner-occupiers were the most active buyer group, with increased activity from first home buyers and investors. While new properties that hit the market initially attract good attendance, listings that have been on the market a while have fewer viewers. Sales counts increased and there were certainly signs of green shoots. Increased optimism, easing interest rates, job security concerns, the cost of living, and the country's current economic state impacted market sentiment.

Market Commentary Source - Jen Baird REINZ CEO

Come check our our new refurbishment in both facility and gardens

Need A Nerd Waikato is a Hamilton based technology company serving small business and the residential community. Our knowledgeable Nerds are ready to help your home or business with its tech. No matter the issue, from PC repairs to WiFi networks and everything in between, we’ve got a Nerd for that. We come to your level and listen to what you need. Then we provide it. This includes setting up new smart phones, TV, computers and iPads/tablets.

With Need A Nerd Waikato's partnership with Lightwire, we have the ability to provide world class internet service both urban and rural. No long waits on the phone to get assistance.

We are now Dovida:  New name, same quality care

You used to know us as ‘Home Instead New Zealand’. But now you can call us Dovida. 

For the last 4 years across New Zealand, and with 20 years experience in Australia, we have been your trusted partner, proudly delivering the highest quality home care to ageing adults in your communities. Our mission has always been to enhance the lives of ageing adults and their families, by providing personalised, relationship-based care at home.

Under its new brand, Dovida will continue to serve our communities, building on our company’s legacy with the same commitment to excellence and compassion, the same faces you have come to know, and the same high quality care that our clients, their families, our network and caregivers have come to rely on.

To further grow our vision for this next chapter, we have introduced our ‘Circle of Care’, which renews our commitment to person-centred care by placing the individual at the heart of a holistic support system uniting families, our skilled caregivers, our support teams, and the wider healthcare community.

We now present: Dovida. Your Life, Your Way.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter period - it’s not too late to book a Respite Bed for April 

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.

Nutrition and physical activity are vital for healthy aging.

A well-balanced diet, combined with regular exercise, supports many age-related health concerns, empowering older adults to maintain their independence and enjoy a high quality of life.​
Proper nutrition is essential for preserving strength, mobility, and cognitive function—key elements that enable older adults to perform daily tasks independently and confidently.​

I am a New Zealand Registered Dietitian with nearly a decade of experience in aged residential care and working with older adults. I specialise in meeting the nutritional needs of older adults, enhancing their quality of life through tailored dietary care.

Introducing my at home consultations within the Auckland Region and virtual consultations New Zealand wide. 

Contact me today, whether for yourself or for a loved one, I’m ready to help.

At Hire a Daugther, Maxine and her team are able to help with shopping trips, appointments, we now help with cleaning homes around the Manawatū. We are a companion driving service but we offer so much more! We stay with you the whole time from pick up to return trip home.

Give us a call on 02041441004 to discuss how we can help you.

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

Peter and Judy's experience with Dementia

Peter and Judy Davies spent three years navigating Judy’s Dementia diagnosis before connecting with Dementia Canterbury. They say the support they have received has brought much-needed positivity to their experience. Originally a nurse, and then a teacher, Judy wanted to learn everything she could about her diagnosis. “I found out what I could online and it wasn’t good news." However, after joining the Living Well with Dementia course, Judy says she felt more encouraged about what was to come. “Lee (the Educator) made it fun, was matter of fact and we had lots of jokes. I felt better after getting all the information.”

While Judy was in her course, Peter was next door taking part in education for carers. He says this helped him understand how the disease might progress for Judy and gave him useful, practical techniques for coping. “It was reassuring to be with other people coping with similar, after managing on our own for so long."

Peter and Judy agree that the best part about Dementia Canterbury's support is the positivity. “It’s a pretty awful disease and it was so overwhelming for Judy, and for me as a husband and carer. It’s very important to stay positive and focus on the things Judy can do.” Their advice to others coping with a diagnosis is to access support early and to know that there are many other people on the journey with you.

How can a pharmacist help you?

What's Happening ...

• Library Visit- fortnightly 1^st and 3^rd week
• Weekly Communion- Saturday morning [Catholic]
• Shopping – fortnightly 2^nd week and 4^th week
• Pastoral Visits-
• 3^rd Thursday of the month- at 2pm in Upland Library [Anglican]
• 4th Thursday of the month -at 2pm in Upland Library [Catholic]
• Drum Fit Class- 4^th Wednesday of the month- in the Atrium
• Daily exercise class - chair yoga 

Do you suffer from pain, arthritis or skin problems?
Experience the healing power of light!

Each wavelength contained in BIOPTRON® Hyperlight is absorbed by different biomolecules, cells and living tissues improving cell metabolism and triggering specific biological and cellular reactions. The induced biological response is called photo-biostimulation.

When diffuse light (emitted by a halogen bulb), collides/ interacts with the Brewster's optical unit, it reflects and becomes a Vertically Linearly Polarized Light (VLPL).

When such VLPL passes through the Hyperlight Optics®, it interacts with C60 (integrated in the optics), which twists at a near-inconceivable 18 billion times per second. C60 reflects from each other without friction (paramagnetic and diamagnetic properties). As a result of VLPL interactions with twisting C60, VLPL photons change their orientation: a. the 20 hexagons in C60 obtain the Faraday’s effect (the plane of photon polarization rotate in hexagons), and b. the 12 pentagons in C60 obtain the Fibonacci-sequential effect (the plane of photon polarization rotates and twists in all directions in pentagons). Thus, the photons’ electrical plane of polarization changes position step-by-step, from Vertically Linearly Polarized Light (VLPL) into Hyperpolarized Light that has circular left and right polarization and Linearly Vertical and Horizontal polarization (“sunflower photons pattern”). This unprecedented, perfectly-ordered Hyperpolarized Light, called Quantum Hyperlight, with its unique photon pattern, arranged by the Fibonacci Law, is the ideal energy-structure/symmetry that is fully compatible with our biostructures.