The Good Companion

16/02/2025

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Art has a way of imitating life, two of Aotearoa’s most celebrated actors have found - both on-stage, and at home.

12/02/2025

How do you feel about this? New Zealanders should be able to enjoy retirement!

Pension incomes are set at about $520 for single people and just under $800 for couples. A Massey University report released last week found that a single retiree with a no-frills lifestyle would need $196.59 per week over and above their NZ Super, dropping to to $183.54 in a metro centre. For a cho...

02/01/2025

"As a caregiver for over eight years, I’ve seen the gaps in public facilities firsthand. Ramps too steep, beds too low, and toilets that simply aren’t functional. These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re barriers to dignity and independence."

Jill’s story highlights what many face daily. She calls for practical changes like better ramp designs, properly equipped toilets, and accessible seating.

🌟 Together, we can push for inclusive spaces that truly cater to everyone. Have you experienced similar obstacles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

👉 Read Jill’s story and her heartfelt suggestions here: Link to Article - https://nelsonapp.co.nz/.../let-down-by-public-disabled...

23/12/2024

📢 Have You Ever Faced These Challenges?
Navigating public facilities as a disabled individual or caregiver can feel like an uphill battle. Jill, a dedicated caregiver, shares her struggles: "Ramps are too steep, toilets lack proper grab rails, and chairs in public spaces are too low. It’s a constant reminder that our spaces aren’t built for everyone."

We believe in raising awareness and advocating for better accessibility standards. If you've faced similar challenges or have thoughts on how public facilities could be improved, share your experiences below! Let's amplify the voices of those who deserve to be heard.

👉 Read more: Link to Article - https://nelsonapp.co.nz/news/articles/let-down-by-public-disabled-facilities

13/11/2024

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We had a lovely time in Blenheim last week hosting the Life After Stroke seminar for a large group of stroke survivors, carers and their whānau members 💙

Emma, Community Stroke Navigator, facilitated the event providing free blood pressure checks, information on fatigue after stroke and practical rehabilitation tips.

Stroke survivor Paula (pictured in the image), was invited to have a discussion with the group about her lived experience, providing advice and support for others.

Thanks to Emma and everyone who joined us last week 😄

08/10/2024

The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes returns with 10 new volunteers living with dementia as they work to run a restaurant. Premieres Monday, October 14, on One and TVNZ+.

03/09/2024

Cognitive tests to assess driver impairment called into question | Grey Power is calling for a change to elderly driver assessments, claiming the process for assessing driver capability is penalising some of the very people who need their licences the most.

Grey Power acting vice president David Marshall said a nationwide survey of members had revealed a lack of practical driving assessors in the regions and also widespread use of cognitive tests - SIMARD-MD and Mini-ACE - to assess driver impairment.
Waka Kotahi NZTA says it does not mandate cognitive tests for elderly drivers and maintains the use of such tools is left to the discretion of health practitioners. Draft guidelines on how to assess medical fitness to drive are currently under review and are expected to be released in June. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515659/cognitive-tests-to-assess-driver-impairment-called-into-question

03/09/2024

https://anxiety.org.nz/mental-health-awareness-week | Source- The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand | Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause frequent, difficult-to-control nervousness, fear, apprehension or worry which is out of proportion to the situation or stressor.

Anxiety disorders affect how people live day-to-day, as they feel the urge to avoid situations that are the focus of this fear. Mild anxiety may feel vague and unsettling and may impact only one or a few areas of your life. Severe anxiety can feel overwhelming and have a serious impact on your ability to function in a number of areas. With the right support and treatment, you can find relief from these symptoms.

Anxiety disorders are different from the normal feelings of fear that every person has at times. We are all “hardwired” to experience fear so that we can act quickly and without thought when we are in danger. This survival response focuses the mind and prepares the body for action (to fight, run away, or freeze). It is our brain’s way of protecting us.

Anticipating possible danger or imagining danger produces the same response in the body as facing real danger. This is where anxiety comes in. Anxiety occurs when we think we are in danger, even if there is no actual danger present. Again, this is a normal part of the human experience. If we have money worries or a sick loved one, we feel stressed and worried. If we see something on TV that is disturbing, such as a terror attack, we feel horror, temporary distress and dismay. Usually, we can then continue with our activities and put it out of our minds. For people experiencing an anxiety disorder, though, this physical response happens often and feels overwhelming and hard to control.

Anxiety disorders are the most common of the mental health conditions. Adopted from The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand is a charity that works towards creating a society free from discrimination, where all people enjoy positive mental health & wellbeing. Improving individuals, whanau, organisations and communities.

Uplevel My Wellbeing challenge

14/08/2024

We reviewed the health habits of centenarians. These 4 things could lead to a longer life!

The number of centenarians around the world rose from 151,000 in 2000 to 573,000 in 2021. People are living longer, and we can expect to see more people reach 100 in the years to come.

Centenarians exemplify successful ageing, often experiencing fewer chronic diseases and...

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09/08/2024

🚨 Did you know? As of 2024, there are approximately 6,192 centenarians in Australia and 295 in New Zealand! This incredible increase reflects how advances in healthcare are helping more people live longer lives. But with this longevity comes new challenges in housing and social services as our population ages. Could we see the retirement age pushed to 75 in the next 25 years? 🤔 Let's start the conversation!

Analysis: It’s time to re-evaluate the relationships between age, society and economy, writes Sajia Ferdous.

02/08/2024

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After a torrid week for the health system it was good to get back to the things that inspire me. I enjoyed meeting with Jo, Meena and Anna from the Stroke Foundation to discuss how we prevent stroke and rehabilitate better. Keeping people well in our community needs to be the focus of our health system

30/07/2024

A potentially lifesaving donation to Age Concern South Canterbury is set to give the organisation additional peace of mind during its activities...