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By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
An aged care advocate has fired back at claims there are enough respite care beds in North Canterbury's rest homes.
The NZ Aged Care Association says it is concerned Te Whatu Ora Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which … View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
An aged care advocate has fired back at claims there are enough respite care beds in North Canterbury's rest homes.
The NZ Aged Care Association says it is concerned Te Whatu Ora Health NZ is passing respite care on to aged care facilities, which are not always equipped to deal with the demand.
Health NZ has confirmed it won't offer respite care at the Rangiora Health Hub after decommissioning four flexi-beds for the service.
A Health NZ spokesperson said respite care is offered by aged care facilities in North Canterbury, ‘‘where the appropriate level of care can be maintained’’.
The agency said it understood there were four aged care providers in Rangiora which offered respite care, while there are two providers in Kaiapoi.
But the New Zealand Aged Care Association said the claim there is adequate capacity within aged care facilities is ‘‘misleading’’.
‘‘While North Canterbury does have several aged care facilities, only one of these says it has a single bed dedicated to respite care.
‘‘Many of these providers are already operating at or near full capacity, and the availability of respite care is always conditional on beds being vacant between long-term residents.’’
Associate Health Minister Matt Doocey said the community needed reassurance services were available in North Canterbury.
He said he was disappointed to learn there was just one bed dedicated to respite care, despite assurances from Health NZ.
‘‘I will be approaching Health NZ to find out why this is the case and ask them to explain the situation.’’
Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said he was concerned to hear the number of respite beds available in Waimakariri is decreasing.
‘‘I will be looking into this. It seems families are having to navigate this issue at what is likely the worst time of their lives.
‘‘I would like to see something done to streamline or simply this process to ensure loved ones are able to remain close to family and in their communities at this final stage of life.’’
Information provided by the New Zealand Aged Care Association, and available on the Ministry of Health website, shows there are eight aged care facilities in Waimakariri which provide respite care, and two in the Hurunui district.
Three rural hospitals also provide respite care.
There are different types of respite care, including ACC, rest-home, hospital, palliative, dementia and end of life care, with aged care facilities licensed for different types of care.
Health NZ regional manager ageing well Mardi Fitzgibbon said respite care is funded by Health NZ and is allocated by the Needs Assessment Service (NASC) following a review of the person’s needs.
"It is generally provided up to 28 days per year, to give the person’s main carer a break.
"The level of respite is need dependent and may be for rest home, hospital or dementia levels of care."
It can also be funded through other agencies such as ACC, or families can make private arrangements.
Bainswood on Victoria home manager Lucy Farley said the process of applying for respite care can be complex.
‘‘It can be a minefield for people, particularly when they are going through this big life change.’’
Palliative care can be available for younger people and end of life respite care is also available, she said.
Charles Upham Retirement Village manager David Cartwright said the village has 120 care beds for both short and long term care, but availability cannot be guaranteed.
‘‘Unlike a hotel, we may have a resident who comes in for 14 days, but they may be up and fit after seven days, or they may need 21 days, so it can be very difficult to try to allocate beds.’’
Holmwood Rangiora Lifecare care home manager Elsie Evans said a needs assessment is completed before a resident is admitted.
But the ability to offer respite care is subject to beds and staff being available.
■ Respite care is also available at Bainlea House and Ballarat Care Home (Rangiora), Annaliese Haven Rest Home (Kaiapoi), Ultimate Care Karaden (Oxford), Oxford Hospital, Bloomfields Court Retirement Village (Woodend), Adriel Resthome (Amberley), Amberley Resthome and Retirement Village, Waikari Hospital and Te Hā o Te Ora Kaikōura Health.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Is your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll … View moreIs your garden producing more fruit and veg than you know what to do with? Or are you simply wanting to add more to your cooking? NZ Gardener has teamed up with Upstart Press this August with a great subscription offer to help you out!
Subscribe to NZ Gardener for 1 or 2 years and you’ll receive the Abundance plant-based recipe book by Anna Valentine. Abundance offers over 100 recipes that are filling, healthy and packed with flavour, plus enjoy your monthly dose of NZ Gardener magazine - the perfect combo. T&Cs apply.
The team at NZ Gardener
August 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.
When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest … View moreAugust 7 is Aged Care Employee Day. Today, we take the opportunity to honour our compassionate and dedicated carers. Introducing Helen Danielsen, who has worked in the Special Care Unit at Ernest Rutherford Village for 15 years.
When Senior Caregiver Helen Danielsen first joined the Ernest Rutherford Special Care team, it was working the night shift as it was the perfect job to manage while she raised her children as a single mum.
Click read more for the full story.
Is your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.
Tell… View moreIs your dad superb with sandpaper, pristine with a palette knife and perfect with a paintbrush? Or maybe he's risky with a roller, mad with masking tape and comedic when cutting in? Either way we'd like to hear about your DIY dad and why he deserves to win this Father's Day.
Tell us about your DIY dad for a chance to win him $1000 worth of Resene paint products!
Plus all entries will be in with a chance to win their DIY Dad one of our colourful spot prizes.
Retirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.
Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting… View moreRetirement in New Zealand is evolving as people live longer, healthier lives, and the number of Kiwis who choose to continue working later in life is rising.
Retirement is your time to do what you love. Maybe for you this doesn't mean stopping work altogether; instead, it can mean shifting gears to something more fulfilling or pursuing passions that you now have time for. This might mean volunteering, part-time work, or even starting your own business.
Here’s some helpful advice from Ryman residents in the workforce.
Heavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.
According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold … View moreHeavy rain, snow and severe gales are set to continue into today for parts of the South Island. MetService has issued a range of warnings and watches due to the snowy, windy and wet weather.
According to MetService, a "complex low" over the Tasman Sea is generating persistent, cold easterlies over the South Island, bringing heavy rain, and heavy snow above 400 metres. Southeasterly gales are also to be expected in the west, MetService warned.
What you need to know:
- Orange heavy snow warnings in place until 2pm on Wednesday for the North Canterbury high country and the foothills north of the Rangitata River.
- An orange strong wind warning is in place until 1pm in Westland and Grey Districts. Severe gale easterlies could gust 120 to 130 km/h in isolated exposed places.
- Heavy rain watch for Canterbury Plains from Christchurch northwards and eastern Marlborough until 3pm.
- A treacherous Canterbury State Highway where dozens of people have been injured in icy crashes was still closed on Wednesday due to the snow and ice, as was SH73, SH79 and SH80.
- State Highway 73 Springfield to Castle Hill (Porters Pass) was also closed due to snow and ice, as was State Highway 79 Fairlie, between State Highway 8 and Gudex Rd.
- State Highway 80 Pukaki to Mt Cook (Aoraki Mt Cook Highway) was also closed due to snow and ice.
MetService has urged people to prepare for snow, cold temperatures, and possible power outages.
"If you must travel, drive cautiously, and ensure you have snow chains, sleeping bags, warm clothing, and emergency items."
Check NZTA road closures here before you travel, and weather warnings can be found here on the MetService website.
🚍 Why is boosting biodiversity spending in Ōtautahi/Christchurch and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū/Banks Peninsula so important? And should pets be allowed to travel on buses?
Regional Councillor Joe Davies, who represents the North East Ōtautahi constituency, gives us his view.
Police can today advise that a year on from her disappearance, remains have been found in the search for missing Christchurch woman, Yanfei Bao.
While searching private farmland in the Greenpark area this morning, a shallow grave was discovered along the treeline.
The remains cannot immediately… View morePolice can today advise that a year on from her disappearance, remains have been found in the search for missing Christchurch woman, Yanfei Bao.
While searching private farmland in the Greenpark area this morning, a shallow grave was discovered along the treeline.
The remains cannot immediately be formally identified, and work is now underway to excavate and forensically examine them.
This news has been shared with Yanfei’s immediate family, and while long hoped for, still comes as a shock.
The area had previously been searched, and new information led us back here to search specific locations of interest.
For operational reasons, we are unable to share the information that led us to search this location.
A scene examination is now underway and Police will be visible in the area for some time.
Police investigation staff are working towards an October trial date for a now 53-year-old man charged with murder in relation to Yanfei’s death.
Do you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.
If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to… View moreDo you feel less steady on your feet than you used to be, or perhaps have already experienced a fall or seizure? If so, a medical alarm can help you regain your independence and confidence.
If you have a medical emergency or fall, just press the button on your personal medical alarm and speak to an operator through the built-in speaker. If you can’t speak, an ambulance will be dispatched immediately.
There are a number of different medical alarm options available in New Zealand, so you will be able to find one that suits your needs.
Click read more for the full article.
It might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and … View moreIt might not be making quite so many headlines these days, but unfortunately, Covid is still here. If you’re 65 or over, taking care of yourself is just as important as ever.
The good news is, keeping up to date with the Covid vaccine can help protect you from serious illness. It’s free and recommended for you and many others as long as you haven’t had the vaccine, or Covid, in the last 6 months.
To book your vaccination, go to BookMyVaccine.nz or talk to your healthcare provider.
9th - 11th of August more than 80 LOCAL artists will be exhibiting at the 2024 Arts Canterbury Art Show at The Cashmere Club, 50 Colombo Street,Christchurch.
OPENING NIGHT:7pm Friday 9th of August with tickets available from Eventbrite.
At the opening receive a complimentary drink and … View more9th - 11th of August more than 80 LOCAL artists will be exhibiting at the 2024 Arts Canterbury Art Show at The Cashmere Club, 50 Colombo Street,Christchurch.
OPENING NIGHT:7pm Friday 9th of August with tickets available from Eventbrite.
At the opening receive a complimentary drink and nibbles, enjoy the first opportunity to purchase the art and meet the artists.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY: 10am-4pm - gold coin donation on the door.
“Low sensory hour” Sunday 11th of August 9 - 10am with reduced noise, lighting and distractions during this time.
For only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new … View moreFor only $15 a ticket, you could be in to win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home located in beautiful Mangawhai, worth almost $1.4 million dollars.
Featuring three bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area, this home is waiting to be loved by its new owner.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental, or you can simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Tell us what groups you'd like to see in your area...(walking groups, coffee meet-ups, swing dancing, a family tree group - anything at all!)
Or if you are already in a great group, share it here for others to get involved.
Winter is well and truly here, and we’re helping you keep your cup full and your mind entertained. Simply purchase or gift a subscription via mags4gifts.co.nz before 31 July and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win 1 of 3 Delonghi Espresso Coffee Makers worth $229* each!
… View moreWinter is well and truly here, and we’re helping you keep your cup full and your mind entertained. Simply purchase or gift a subscription via mags4gifts.co.nz before 31 July and you’ll automatically be placed in the draw to win 1 of 3 Delonghi Espresso Coffee Makers worth $229* each!
With over 50 titles to choose from, there’s something for everyone. *T&Cs apply
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Ageing bridges across North Canterbury will cost millions to replace, but councils can't afford to do the work alone.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said his district alone has 286 bridges and culverts, with around one-third… View moreBy David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Ageing bridges across North Canterbury will cost millions to replace, but councils can't afford to do the work alone.
Hurunui District Council chief executive Hamish Dobbie said his district alone has 286 bridges and culverts, with around one-third needing to replaced over the next 30 years.
‘‘We probably need about about $3 million a year just for bridges,’’ he said.
‘‘At the moment we get $200,000 a year for bridge maintenance.’’
The bridges in need of upgrades include Conway River bridge on Inland Road, estimated to cost around $20 million, to smaller bridges and culverts expected to cost less than $1 million.
The Conway River bridge replacement has been listed in the Canterbury Regional Land Transport Plan with a fourth equal priority ranking with several projects, including the Pages Road bridge in Christchurch.
But no date has been set.
The Hurunui District Council’s entire 2024/25 roading programme was $14 million, which included a $5 million Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency subsidy.
The ratepayer was footing the remaining $9 million.
‘‘As a country we need to have a mature conversation about infrastructure funding and some of those conversations will be a bit more confronting,’’ Dobbie said.
He said most of the bridges and culverts around New Zealand were built in the 1950s to 1970s, meaning they were starting to come to the end of the life.
But there has been significant underfunding in infrastructure since then, with councils left to pick up the slack, he said.
The Conway River bridge was on an important route, with oversized vehicles having to use Inland Road if they were unable to use the State Highway 1 tunnels south of Kaikōura.
‘‘It is a local bridge we fund for the benefit of the country,’’ Dobbie said.
He said he would like the ability to loan fund bridge replacement work, provided Waka Kotahi contributed its 52% share.
Waka Kotahi director regional relationships James Caygill said the agency was aware of the problem.
‘‘It is a huge challenge. Every council has bridges they want to work on.’’
He said bridge replacement was funded separately from maintenance, but it was a matter of establishing how urgent the work was.
A Waka Kotahi spokesperson said the agency managed 4751 bridges and large culverts on the country’s state highways (based on 2023 numbers).
The agency has an ‘‘end-of-life’’ bridge replacement programme, with nine state highways bridges being replaced in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme, including two in Canterbury.
‘‘It is extremely difficult to predict the exact ‘end-of-life’ dates for a bridge for a variety of factors, and hence predictions in the 10, 20 and 30 year ranges often come with significant margins of error,’’ the spokesperson said.
Waka Kotahi has a bridge inspection process to ensure state highway bridges and culverts were inspected every two years.
‘‘In some cases this may mean placing speed or weight restrictions on some bridges, at which point operators of over-weight vehicles may have to use alternative routes better suited to them.’’
Speed and weight restrictions were only employed as a last resort, the spokesperson said.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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