Senior friends - Companionship and care service

13/03/2026

Hi everyone this morning I would like to explain my idea and concept around starting Senior friends.

After many years working for two of the largest aged care providers, I saw first-hand the dedication of the staff and the care that was given every day.

But I also recognised that many older people simply needed more time, companionship, and one-on-one support than busy systems could always provide.

That experience inspired me to create Senior Friends.

Senior Friends is built around the belief that older people deserve meaningful time, genuine companionship, and personalised support to help them continue living independently in the comfort of their own homes, retirement villages, or care facilities.

Our team are experienced aged care workers who are passionate about supporting people with things such as:

• Personal cares
• Medication reminders
• Light home duties
• Companionship and meaningful activities
• Dementia support

We also have a couple of very special companions who have been personally trained by me, Alicia, the owner of Senior Friends, to provide warm, respectful companionship for those who simply need someone to spend time with, talk to, or brighten their day.

In addition, we provide extra services such as home cleaning through our specialised team, helping support people with the practical things around the home so they can continue living comfortably and independently.

All of our staff are police vetted, and I personally ensure that I only hire the very best people — those with the experience, compassion, and personality that truly make a difference in someone’s day.
At the moment, we are not seeking any additional companions, as we already have a wonderful small team.

However, we are always open to hearing from experienced and qualified aged care staff who may need additional hours. 💜

11/03/2026

Rainy day activities 💓

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10/03/2026

Disability support services ❤️

From 1 April 2026, people who use flexible funding through Disability Support Services (DSS) will have more flexibility in how they use their funding for disability-related supports.

The purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed, while people’s allocated budgets stay the same as they are now. This means there will be no disruption to current supports.

These changes apply to people who use flexible funding. If you don’t receive flexible funding, nothing changes for you.

We know the last period of change has been hard for many disabled people, families, whānau and carers, and that it created uncertainty for many. Since then, work has been underway to improve the disability support system so it is fairer, more consistent, and easier to understand.

In February, DSS introduced a nationally consistent way of assessing needs and allocating funding. These April changes build on that work and reflect what the disability community told us through consultation.

From 1 April:
👉 Purchasing rules for flexible funding will be removed.
👉 People keep the same allocated budgets for flexible funding they have now.
👉 This gives more choice and control over disability-related supports, including respite options for carers
👉 You still need to keep your spending within your allocated budgets
👉 Flexible funding must still be used in line with people’s plans
👉 A small number of items will remain prohibited or require pre-approval
👉 There will be more support to help people to plan and manage their flexible funding.

These changes mean people can feel confident their supports will continue to reflect their assessed needs. You don’t need to do anything to get ready for these changes. Your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site will continue to support you, and your current arrangements remain in place.

If you have questions about your own situation, your Host, NASC or Enabling Good Lives site is the best place to talk through what this means for you.

Thank you to the disability community for your feedback and patience as we begin to deliver these improvements.

You can find more information below 👇

https://www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz/news/more-choice-control-and-certainty-for-disabled-people-with-flexible-funding

10/03/2026

Changes with carers support subsidy ❤️

09/03/2026

Music movement and memories on a Tues ❤️

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08/03/2026

Positive news stories ❤️

A new generation of students have joined the group, which became a symbol of hope after the quake.

08/03/2026

07/03/2026

When we visit our clients in care homes, our focus is always on that special one-on-one time -
companionship, connection, and making sure each person feels valued and seen. But something that is just as important to us is building genuine relationships with the incredible staff who work in these homes every day. 💜

Care home staff are the backbone of aged care. They work tirelessly to support residents with compassion, patience, and dignity. When we come in to provide private visits, we see ourselves as part of a wider circle of care — not separate from it.

Taking the time to greet the nurses, caregivers, and support staff, learning their names, and working alongside them respectfully makes a real difference. When everyone communicates and supports each other, the resident benefits the most.

It creates a warm, safe, and positive environment where our clients feel truly cared for.
We have so much respect for the people working in these roles. Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and we are always grateful to work alongside them.

Because at the heart of it all, caring for someone is a team effort. 🥰

06/03/2026

Good morning everyone my names Alicia I own and operate Senior friends - Companionship and care service .

Our Senior friends team provide meaningful care and support to keep older people living independently in the comforts of their own homes 🏠

Bettys Story 🩷

Betty is living independently in a retirement village and is in the early stages of dementia.

We visit her three times a week to check in on her wellbeing, make sure she’s managing safely, taking her medication, help with personal care if needed and helping with light home duties. Giving Betty the support she needs.

We assist Betty to appointments, run errands together and enjoy regular walks with our little pet therapy dog, Roxy 🐾

We also focus on meaningful activities to help keep Betty engaged and doing the things she loves.

For many sons and daughters, knowing someone is checking in regularly and supporting their parent can bring real peace of mind.

If you're starting to worry about how Mum or Dad is managing on their own, having the right support can make all the difference.

Affordable home care focused on what really matters connection, care and independence 💜

We are all experienced and police vetted 💜

Website: seniorfriendsagedcare.co.nz

05/03/2026

Celebrating all the special woman in the world ❤️

04/03/2026

Good afternoon, community ☀️

My name is Alicia and I own and operate an aged care and disability support business.

This week we have been supporting my client Jamie Leigh who is visually impaired and lives with cerebral palsy. She creates and sells these beautifully handcrafted coasters.

We have had a pop up table at The Real food kitchen who support people and their talents.

It has been such a pleasure to see the community supporting her work.

We have had Jamie Lee’s coasters and book marks in the store for the past week and the feedback has been amazing.

Many people have purchased them already and she is now running low on stock — which is wonderful to see!

If you would like to purchase one of the remaining coasters, please feel free to message us. We also offer free delivery around Orewa, Silverdale, and Red Beach.

Thank you again to everyone in the community for supporting Jamie-Leigh.

A special thank you to The Real Food Kitchen in Hillary Square for their support.

If you haven’t visited yet, they serve amazing food, fantastic coffee, and have incredibly friendly staff.

We truly appreciate the support ❤️

13/02/2026

Love this! I know it can be a hard time for some people. Thank you for sharing this important valuable information Dementia New Zealand ❤️❤️❤️

Valentine’s Day can bring complex emotions for care partners – love, grief, and longing for what has shifted when your partner is living with dementia | mate ware ware.

Love may look different now, but it still exists – in shared moments, familiar routines, and gentle reminders that you are still connected.

Acknowledging your partnership on this day can be a meaningful way to honour the love you’ve shared and the bond that remains. And it’s also okay if today feels like any other day.

If it feels right, here are a few gentle ways to celebrate together:
🌸 Look through old photos
🍪 Bake a favourite sweet treat
🎬 Watch a favourite film
💭 Share memories of how you fell in love
🌹 Add fresh flowers to your space
🍽️ Enjoy a favourite meal together

However you approach today, you’re not doing it wrong. If Valentine’s Day brings up difficult feelings, support is available through your local dementia advisor.