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| From Minister for Seniors Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall |
 It was my pleasure to announce last month the appointment of the inaugural Aged Care Commissioner, Carolyn Cooper. Carolyn has over four decades of experience across health systems in both New Zealand and Australia – starting her career as a registered general and obstetric nurse. Over the years she’s held many leadership roles, including in aged care. I know that Carolyn will be a strong advocate for older people and their whānau, along with providing critical oversight across the aged care sector as a whole. This will also include home and community health services. This is a role that Grey Power and many other others in the senior sector have lobbied hard to establish. I look forward to working alongside her to progress issues facing our older population.
As we take the next step in our plan to reconnect with the world, I know many people will be looking forward to reuniting with family and friends from overseas. Vaccinated Kiwis overseas can now return to New Zealand without entering MIQ or having to self-isolate. This means travellers can hop off a plane and immediately connect with family and friends, as long as they test negative within 24 hours of arriving.
The majority of older New Zealanders have now received their boosters. It is important to ensure that we have maximum protection against Omicron as we go into winter and to keep the pressure off the hospital system. If you still need your booster you can book online or find a walk-in clinic on the Book My Vaccine website or call 0800 28 29 26.
Preventing people from getting COVID-19 in the first place, through vaccinations, and mask-wearing, is still the best protection for people. This has kept the health system free for those who need it. I have been made aware of the increased vigilance among some people, despite the change in restrictions. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you all that if you need to seek out health advice and support, please do not hesitate to do so.
While you are at it, don’t forget to book your annual flu jab with your GP or local pharmacy. And watch out for the Winter Energy Payment which will start again from the 1st of May.
Take care and stay warm.
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In this issue we sit down with the newly appointed Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper.
How do you feel about being named the first New Zealand Aged Care Commissioner?
It is an honour to be appointed Aotearoa’s first Aged Care Commissioner. I’m committed to advocating on behalf of older people and their whānau, so they have greater confidence in the quality of care and quality of life. I bring an optimistic and pragmatic approach to the challenges this sector faces to make a tangible difference through collaboration and initiating quality improvements. Fairness and doing the right thing have always been central to my approach and I will bring these values into my role as Aged Care Commissioner.
I look forward to working with the Health and Disability Commissioner, consumers and providers to drive quality improvement, and encourage collaboration and positive change across the sector.
What do you think are the biggest challenges in aged care?
New Zealanders are living longer. By 2034 we expect there will be around 1.2 million people aged 65 and over; that’s just over a fifth of our total population. Although many older people are living healthier lives for longer, it is expected that demand for aged care services will also increase.
What we are hearing from consumers and their whānau, as well as other groups in the sector, is that greater oversight is needed to drive quality improvement and protect people’s rights when receiving aged care services. As well as this, several reports have identified issues in the sector, ranging from the complexity of the complaints process, to feeling fearful of the repercussions from raising issues, and the lack of visibility around services provided by home and community support providers.
The current system to ensure quality and safety in the sector is fragmented, and it can be complicated navigating services to get help. This has made it difficult for those who want to make a complaint about aged care to speak up, be heard, and receive a timely response.
What are your priorities for the role?
Strategic oversight and leadership in collaboration with other agencies to promote systemic change and drive improvements across the entire sector and support the Government’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
I want to be a recognisable figure for older people to elevate their voices, advocate on their behalf, as well as resolving their complaints in a timely manner. I want to ensure our complaints processes are culturally appropriate and that they reach people who may be less likely to raise concerns about their care.
This means ensuring that the rights of older people in a variety of circumstances, including all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, are protected and there is equity of access to health and disability services for all older New Zealanders.
If you could give one message to older New Zealanders what would it be?
All people have the right to make informed decisions and give informed consent about their treatment, and to receive an appropriate standard of care that meets their needs and upholds their dignity and mana.
Older people are part of our most vulnerable communities. I want to hear from them, their friends and whānau to ensure they get access to the quality services and support they need to live well and have a great quality of life. |
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| Virtual Village East |
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Virtual Village East is a local network of mutual support and friendship that helps older people in the East Auckland community connect with each other, live independently and enjoy life.
Virtual Village East was initiated by Howick Baptist Healthcare Senior Living (HBH), a faith based, not-for-profit organisation that provides high-level care for older people. Virtual Village East was a way for HBH to extend their work beyond the walls of traditional senior care.
Most people would prefer to remain living in their own communities as they get older. Virtual Village East enables members to stay connected and to age well in their own homes. It offers a range face-to-face and online activities to help older people remain within their own community.
Virtual Villages connect members to a wide array of practical support services and social connections that enable older adults to enjoy a rich, independent and healthy quality of life when they choose to age in their homes and communities.
The CEO of HBH, Bonnie Robinson, is deeply committed to the wellbeing of older people and wanted to create a service that provides the social and friendship connection– a village without walls.
“Our Virtual Village provides a strong inclusive community, that creates connections amongst members and a tangible support system. The whole aim is to keep people well in their homes.” Lee Warmington, Coordinator, Virtual Village East
Bonnie and her Executive Assistant Lee Warmington began by distributing a survey to local GPs, libraries and other community spaces frequented by older people. Over a three -month period 284 people responded to the survey. Most were aged 60 to 79 years, retired and living alone or with a spouse or partner in Howick and the surrounding suburbs.
Their primary concern was that as they aged and lost access to their own cars, their lives would radically change. Overall, the feedback demonstrated strong support for the Virtual Village initiative, which gave Bonnie and Lee confidence to form an establishment group to guide the programme.
Members have access to technology sessions, monthly coffee catch ups, zoom catch ups, a weekly walking group, short courses on topics sparked by members request such as mindfulness and exercise programmes for beginners plus much more.
“The programme’s greatest challenge is that with the pandemic we have had to run a lot of it online. Typically, older adults have less access to the equipment and know-how of virtual communities. We work to overcome this by providing coaching and through their technology sessions. It has improved but it is slow moving.” Lee Warmington, Coordinator, Virtual Village East.
Based on the success of Virtual Village East, HBH are starting work to develop Virtual Village West and this will be based on input from older people living there to ensure that it meets their needs. The Virtual Village will be used to support and connect older people living in Mount Roskill and New Windsor areas.
You can find out more about Virtual Village East at their website below. |
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| Winter Energy Payment |
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The Winter Energy Payment is starting again on 1 May
If you get NZ Super or Veteran’s Pension, you will be entitled to get the Winter Energy Payment all winter, from 1 May until 1 October. The payment is made automatically, you don’t need to apply.
As 1 May is part way through the pay period, your first payment will be less than the full amount. You’ll be paid the full amount in the following payment (24 May).
The Winter Energy Payment is to help with the cost of keeping your home warm and dry, and other costs over winter, so you won’t need to worry when you turn the heater on.
Couples and people with dependent children will get $31.82 a week.. Single people will get $20.46 a week.
If you want to opt out of getting this payment or you want to opt back in to get it, please complete the 'Stop or restart Winter Energy Payment' online form, or call the Senior Services contact centre 0800 552 002.
Travelling overseas
If you’re heading away from New Zealand over the winter months you can keep getting your Winter Energy Payment for up to 28 days.
It’s really important you let MSD know if you’ll be away for more than 28 days, otherwise they might pay you too much and have to ask for the money back.
The easiest way to let MSD know is using the form on their website here or give them a call. Don’t forget to get in touch when you return from your travels so your payment can be started again. You can find out more on the Winter Energy Payment below.
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| Inspiring seniors call out |
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| Do you know an extraordinary older person who is making a difference to the lives of older people? We want to showcase some of the unsung heroes in our community. If you know someone get in touch with us on our email below. |
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For many seniors keeping active has a host of benefits and is a great way to keep social during retirement years. In this issue we talk to 75 year old Mike Tapper who has taken up rowing as a hobby.
Prior to his retirement Mike worked as an IT engineer in a number of different roles spanning five decades. Rowing was something completely new to Mike. It was at one of his pilates classes that he was first introduced to the world of rowing.
“One of the lady’s in my pilates class brought it up as she does rowing herself. We got talking and I decided to go along and give it a go. I haven’t turned back since.”
Mike took up rowing two years ago at the Bay of Plenty Coast rowing club, situated on the banks of the Wairoa River. The club has a broad cross-section of members ranging from the competitively focused school and club rowers, through the recreational rowers of all age groups, to the master rowers who enjoy combining fitness training with competitive activities.
The club was established in 1992 and has seen phenomenal growth since its inception.
“I love getting out in the open air and out in the water. There are so many benefits to the sport, as well as the physical aspects such as learning new techniques and improving my form, it’s a great way to make friends and socialise.”
Mike’s advice to those who live in the region and may be interested?
“Come down to the club and introduce yourself. There is a learn to row scheme, great coaches and life members.”
You can find out more on the Bay of Plenty Coast rowing club here. You can check out what's available in rowing or other activities at your local Council or Citizens Advice Bureau. |
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| ANZAC day |
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The RSA have kindly contributed this article, Jeremy Seed shares some history around this significant day:
Anzac Day is marked on April 25, the date of the first landings by New Zealand and Australian troops at Gallipoli in 1915, by the force which became known by the acronym – Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The first Anzac Day commemorations were held in 1916, exactly one year after the Gallipoli landings. Early Anzac Day services were solemn mock funerals which allowed the next of kin, of those killed overseas, to mourn as the bodies of the fallen were not returned to families in New Zealand.
It was not until 1921, following lobbying by the RSA that legislation was passed in Parliament which made Anzac Day, a day on which no businesses were allowed to open or trade. This sanctification of Anzac Day, demanded by the RSA, reflected the feelings of most New Zealanders that it should be a sacred day for reflection and remembrance.
1922 was also the first year that Poppy Day was held to raise funds for RSA welfare work and 2022 marks the centenary of what is New Zealand’s oldest and longest running charity street appeal.
Over time the observance of Anzac Day has typically evolved into two distinct services. The dawn parade which begins at around 5:30am, typically attracts large numbers of veterans and their families. It is a poignant service which starts in darkness but ends in the first light of day, traditionally the time soldiers “stand to” in their trenches to watch for potential dawn attack. This is normally followed by a more community - oriented service later in the morning with a turn out typically dominated by community groups who all lay wreaths in memory of the fallen.
Since the early 1990s, New Zealand military commitments to a wide range of UN and other military deployments have created an estimated 30,000 returned veterans. These men and women have deployed to places as diverse as Bosnia and Afghanistan and closer to home, such as The Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. These New Zealanders have served operationally on all continents except Antarctica and have added their service to that of all who have gone before them in service of New Zealand, service we mark with solemn commemoration on Anzac Day.
To find out more about the Dawn Parade and the official following service in your area contact your local RSA or Council. You can find out more on the RSA by visiting their website below. |
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| Annual increase to NZ Super |
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New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran’s Pension payments are adjusted each year to reflect increases in the cost of living, inflation, and the average wage.
From 1 April fortnightly rates will increase to:
- $817.32 each before tax or $712.22 each after ‘M’ tax, for a married couple who both qualify
- $1076.48 before tax or $925.88 after ‘M’ tax for a single person living alone
- $990.20 before tax or $854.66 after ‘M’ for a single person sharing accommodation
A part of the increased payment will be paid on 12 April 2022 and the first full payment at the new rate will be paid on 26 April 2022.
For a full summary of the new rates, tax codes and other changes that may impact you (such as Family Tax Credits , or Unsupported Child Benefit rates) visit the link below. |
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| Refresh your knowledge about driving |
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We drive on our roads every day. For many of us they are our lifeline – driving is a means of independence, social connection to family and friends, and access to many essential services.
With the generous support of Waka Kotahi (NZTA), Age Concern offers FREE Staying Safe: Refresher Courses for Older Drivers, all over New Zealand to help keep older people safe on the roads.
The theory-based refresher course is an opportunity for people to re-familiarise themselves with road code updates, new traffic rules and safe driving practices in a friendly and relaxed classroom environment with other older drivers. The course also includes information on other transport options available to help keep you mobile for as long as possible, whether behind the wheel or when you stop driving. Everyone who attends will be issued with a certificate and will also be given a workbook to take away.
Age Concern New Zealand, Staying Safe National Course Coordinator, Hariata Hema is passionate about keeping older people driving and safe on the road.
“It is an amazing privilege to do the work I do – I love seeing and hearing stories about people’s hopes and aspirations and how our refresher course is so impactful for them. People come along for several reasons, but high on the list is because they are 75 and need to renew their licence.”
We know most older drivers are experienced, safe drivers who are great role models for younger drivers, but as we get older, health changes can impact our ability to drive. Call Age Concern today to get on the waitlist 0800 65 2 105 or visit the link below. |
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New Zealand’s successful management of the Omicron outbreak and high rates of vaccination mean it is now safe to ease restrictions. The focus now is to make life simpler and closer to normal but retain the things that are most effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting people.
Changes to traffic light system
A new and highly simplified traffic light system has been introduced. This change has been informed by public health advice, based on the latest evidence from here and overseas, and the advice of the Strategic COVID-19 Public Health Advisory Group.
You can find out more on changes to the traffic light system here
The Government are keeping the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights) in order to offer ongoing protections in the event of a new variant or in cases of future surges, but the plan is to move down to Orange and then ultimately Green once it is safe to do so.
At all levels, the testing and isolation requirements remain as they are now.
My Vaccine Pass and Mandates
From 4 April, My Vaccine Pass will no longer be required by the Government meaning Kiwis will no longer have to be vaccinated in order to enter those venues covered by the Pass. Scanning in requirements for the vaccinated will also end.
The Government recognise that some businesses, events or venues may still choose to use vaccine passes, so will be maintaining the infrastructure for them.
From 4 April, vaccine mandates will be removed, except for health and disability, aged care, corrections and border workforces.
Vaccine mandates remain in place for these sectors because workers in these areas have a high level of contact with people at risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19. For border workers, there is a high risk of exposure to new variants.
Businesses will be able to voluntarily introduce workforce vaccination requirements if appropriate to the workforce.
You can find out more on these changes at the official COVID-19 website here
COVID-19 Health Hub
The COVID-19 Health Hub is a depository of information around what to do if you test positive for, or are exposed to as a close or household contact of COVID-19.
The Health Hub outlines the simple steps to take to recover, isolate, look after yourself or access welfare support and provides direct links to COVID-19 resources such as My Covid Record, Book My Vaccine and Ministry of Health and Unite Against Covid websites. You can visit the Health Hub below.
For those who arent able to access the internet, phone support is available:
Healthline - 0800 358 5453
Welfare line - 0800 512 337 |
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| Annual flu vaccinations |
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With winter just around the corner, immunisation against influenza, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough is recommended by the Ministry of Health. These vaccines are free for individuals aged over 65.
It’s best to get your flu shot in April or May, so you’re protected before winter and the main flu season hits. Contact your general practitioner to receive your free immunisations.
The Shingles vaccination is only free for those in their 65th year. Talk to your GP if you would like to have this done.
For more information on immunisations click the link below: |
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