WINTER 2021 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER www.ageconcern.org.nz Age Concern Hauraki Coromandel Serving the needs of older people
Covering Thames-Coromandel District and Hauraki District (Ngatea, Paeroa and Waihi)
For advertising phone Dave 027 652 5220 or email [email protected] A Kiwi Publications Limited publication | www.kiwipublications.co.nz | Please refer to website for disclaimer 2 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people WINTER 2021 3
their communities. This service is one of the best “Staying Safe” a refresher the road. I have come across and we should be singing it Contact Information Glenis Bell Manager, Age Concern Hauraki- from the roof-tops. The volunteer visitors are course for older drivers Coromandel says “We want to help older drivers keep Phone: (07) 868 9790 amazing and I am extremely humbled to be Have you got years of experience behind the wheel? safe on the road and enjoy the independence driving Email: connected to these wonderful people who so gives them.” [email protected] freely give their time and energies to helping When did you last have a refresher course for your Address: 608-610 Queen Street, others. driving? “We know older drivers are involved in fewer Thames 3500 • We run Chin-Wag Café; which is a social gathering Have you kept up with changes to the road code? crashes than other age groups as they often drive conservatively and travel less distances, but if they held every week, where people who live alone or Do you know how ageing can affect your driving? Or OFFICE HOURS are involved in an accident, it can take longer to heal feel alone can attend for company and do you just want to check in to see if you are still the and recover and often confidence is lost.” 9.30am - 2.30pm Monday to Thursday conversations. How awesome it is to hear so much best driver you can be? chatter and the home baking is a super bonus. A Staying Safe refresher course is a good way to Then ‘Staying Safe’ is a refresher course just for you. • We support 5x Peer Leaders to deliver Steady As refresh knowledge and build confidence in a friendly You Go falls prevention exercise groups across the Age Concern NZ is working with the New Zealand and welcoming classroom based workshop with Managers Memo region. Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi) and the New plenty of opportunities to ask questions” she added. • We are also busy organising information seminars Zealand Police to make it possible for regions to The 3 ½ hour courses will be held at various tena koutou katoa and Staying Safe - driver refresher courses which deliver the free “Staying Safe” refresher courses locations around our region starting in September. Hello everybody and welcome to the Winter Edition of you can read about in the newsletter. for older drivers. Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel Morning tea is provided, but if you have special our newsletter. • And last (but not least) we are a ‘drop in’ or is busy planning six courses that will be available dietary requirements please BYO. ‘telephone’ information service to help with across the region. Winter is my favourite time of the year – I love the concerns, questions or enquires. Places are limited so don’t delay, book today by cold. My husband and I moved to Waihi from Nelson This theory based course is an opportunity to refresh emailing: [email protected] or My first week on the job I was lucky enough to in April, and I find I am still adjusting to the change knowledge and build confidence to help keep safe on phoning (07) 868 9790 and leave a message. in temperatures. Firstly it was too hot but now it’s experience the Thames Beach Hop which was quite a getting much better. highlight. Not long after that I discussed an idea with a Chin-Wag participant only to find the following week I am originally from Napier (Eskdale to be exact) the idea (outdoor newsletter holders) were delivered so a farm girl at heart. Nursing was my profession to the office. How cool is that! before moving into health & fitness and then health management. Eventually moved to Nelson where my So my first 2 months have been inspiring, busy and husband and I lived and worked for over 20 years. full of learning. Long may it continue…. Now we are within easy reach of our grandchildren which is so very special. Kind Regards, Glenis Bell I am very keen to learn about Age Concern Hauraki- Coromandel and the communities we serve. Luckily, Mobility Parking I have amazing people around me to help with that learning and a very supportive Board to guide our Information activities as an organisation. If a Mobility Cardholder parks What I have learnt so far: in a standard car park, the time • We are a Charity (so not-for-profit organisation is doubled. For example - if with no government funding) and have over 120 someone parks in a 60-minute volunteers supporting the work we do parking space, the time will become 120 • We are governed by a volunteer Board who provide our strategic leadership and direction minutes. The Mobility Card needs to be in a visible • We run an Accredited Visiting Service; where we position for the parking wardens. match volunteer visitors (after carefully checking and training them), with vulnerable older adults Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not for the sole purpose of addressing loneliness and necessarily those of Age Concern Hauraki Coromandel. The isolation, which evidence shows impacts inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the significantly on how people live and function in publisher or Age Concern advocates or rejects its use. 4 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people WINTER 2021 5
Age Concern were continuing a friendship, not starting from the Loneliness could also be a symptom of something Coromandel include: beginning. more serious such as social isolation or early warning - Chin-Wag Café Mondays at 10.30 in Thames signs of deteriorating health. Tuesdays at 10am in Ngatea Accredited Visitor Service They don’t need to put the world to rights nor to - Accredited Visitor Service. Ask your health gossip, but to be themselves in one another’s What does loneliness do to you? provider for a referral, or refer yourself. Phone company and feel a sense of non-judgemental Feeling lonely affects your overall wellbeing and your Age Concern on 07 868 9790 acceptance. June describes the honour it is to be self-esteem. This is because you may feel unwanted, - Steady As You Go - strength & balance exercise invited into someone’s home and though they have unliked or unloved, undesirable, insignificant, classes. Classes in Thames, Ngatea, Paeroa, generally met weekly over the past 3 years there despairing, insecure or abandoned. If you feel like Waihi and Coromandel is no sense of obligation on either side. “I know this, you might withdraw even further from family or Email [email protected] I can put it off if I’m not well or have a pressing friends who would make you feel less lonely. engagement elsewhere” says June. for details Ngatea locals Win and June enjoying This can lead to chronic loneliness. Chronic - But please; talk to your Dr or health provider – each other’s companionship as part of By Ester Bassett | Accredited Visitor Service loneliness is associated with low levels of physical feeling lonely can lead to poor health outcomes if Age Concerns Accredited Visitor Service Coordinator for Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel activity, it can increase the production of stress left too long. If you know someone who is lonely, isolated or hormones and affect your sleep, which leads to weakened immunity. These factors then contribute Sitting at the kitchen table with these two women, it feeling disconnected from friends or family, please to poorer physical health, increasing your risk of would be easy to think they’ve known one another ask if they would like a visitor. A referral is as simple conditions such as high blood pressure, heart for their whole lives. But I remember the day they as a phone call or email to: Age Concern Hauraki- disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s were introduced four years ago. The connection Coromandel 07 868 9790 disease and stroke. Kindness is Free; was almost instant and they’ve bantered like sisters or email: [email protected] ever since. There is honest humour between the two The good news is there are things you can do to of them and even in the small Ngatea community What is loneliness? overcome your loneliness. Lets pass it on. there is a likelihood they would never have otherwise Taken from the NZ Health Navigator website www. Options available from Age Concern Hauraki crossed one another’s path. healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/l/loneliness/ The Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service, run Loneliness is when you have less connection with by volunteers in Hauraki-Coromandel area has a others than you would like. It’s different to solitude, somewhat unique ability to match clients (people which is being alone but feeling content with that. Bank with who have been referred), with volunteer visitors Solitude is a positive state whereas loneliness is an because each is met face to face by our coordinators unhappy state and it can have negative effects. confidence. who get a feel for the individual and can consider How do I know if I am lonely? We’re here to help make your each person’s values and interests when matching Some signs of being lonely can include: everyday banking easier. them. - feeling uncomfortable on your own Win had lived in Ngatea about four years before - generally feeling unwell but don’t know why Better Banking Workshop. she asked Age Concern for a visitor due to physical - sadness and/or crying often In-branch workshops to help you set up internet and mobile banking. limitations making going out to socialise a challenge. - constantly talking or seeking attention asb.co.nz/workshop June had been steadily increasing her own - only having necessary communication, not social community engagement following her husbands How to bank online. communication Get step-by-step guides to learn passing, coincidentally on the same date as Win’s - withdrawing from others. about internet and mobile banking. birthday, one of many synchronicities the two have asb.co.nz/how-to come to discover. Loneliness has many different causes. It's often Your direct line to ASB. linked with things that could prevent you spending If you’re 65 and over, call Win describes feeling like they just click and the time with other people, such as: our priority line. 0800 272 119 twinkling of the eyes gives away their enjoyment of - living alone without other ways of connecting with one another, “when she’s here with me she does use people swear words sometimes”, bringing a laugh from them - experiencing a major change in life (e.g. retiring, both. June says “that’s true” and they both chuckle moving house ) loudly as fond friends often do. - illness or disability Connection is the key to a long term supportive - losing someone close relationship and these two came into this feeling they - Social anxiety or fear of going out 6 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people WINTER 2021 7
Waikato launch National Bowel Most people with a positive test have a pre-cancer Leave your loved ones This little test rather than a cancer and have a high chance of Screening Programme successful treatment. fond memories helps find bowel The National Bowel Screening Programme has been Bowel screening is not right for everyone, including …. not your funeral costs rolling out across the Waikato region since March, those who: For over 38 years the Catholic Development Fund cancer early aiming to save lives through early detection of pre- (CDF) of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton is cancerous polyps or bowel cancer. New Zealand • have symptoms of bowel cancer • have had a colonoscopy within the last five years where Catholics and others can invest funds in fees has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the free term deposit and savings (including funeral • are on a bowel polyp or bowel cancer surveillance world and it is the second-highest cause of cancer savings) accounts. Allowing them to support the programme death across the country. Each year 3000 people are religious, educational and charitable objectives • have had, or are currently being treated for, bowel diagnosed and 1200 people will die from it. But if of the Bishop, local communities and the wider cancer found early, it can often be treated successfully. Church.. • have had their large bowel removed The rollout will be staged with ‘test kits’ posted • have ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease that is CDF’s funeral savings account is open to The test is simple and clean, to those aged 60 to 74years of age, with an even- currently active all faiths, even those of no faith, and pays and you do it at home. numbered birthday (e.g. 2nd or 6th) during the • are seeing a doctor about bowel problems. interest on all balances. Contributions programme’s first year; and to those with an odd- can be made by lump sum(s) or regular The National Bowel Screening Programme numbered birthday (e.g. 3rd or 5th) in the second Bowel Cancer Symptoms: automatic payment. There’s no minimum is providing free screening to people year. deposit, frequency or account fees. aged 60 to 74 years who are eligible for If you have any of the following symptoms, or you are publicly funded health care. It's hoped the programme will prove a lifesaver in concerned about your bowel health, see your GP right Under current legislation, up to $10,000 in a CDF Waikato. Figures from 2017 show that 41 percent of away: funeral savings account should not affect account In the Waikato from March 2021 the 285 bowel cancers detected were diagnosed in • a change in your normal bowel habit that holder eligibility for any residential care subsidy. people within the age range of the National Bowel continues for several weeks If you share our values and wish to know more • blood in your bowel motion (poo). FREEPHONE Screening Programme. please view the product disclosure statement (PDS) and trust deed on our diocesan website www. 0800 924 432 Waikato clinical lead for the National Bowel For more information: cdf.cdh.nz or NZ Companies Office website www. www.timetoscreen.nz Screening Programme Dr Liz Phillips says the • visit the Time to Screen website, business.govt.nz/disclose or talk to your doctor programme is also about raising awareness and • call the National Bowel Screening Programme getting people talking about bowel cancer. on 0800 924 432, or; Contact CDF: Phone: 07 856 6989 • talk to your doctor. Email: [email protected] Website: www.cdh.org.nz You are invited to an "We should be encouraging each other to do the test Mail: PO Box 4353 Hamilton East 3247, because, while the chance of having cancer is slim, if In-person: Chanel Centre, Catholic Diocese of information session a pre-cancer is present, the odds of picking it up and Hamilton, 51 Grey St Hamilton East, Hamilton East. on the national Bowel Screening Test treating it are very high and we can prevent further coming in the mail soon, deaths," she says. to all who are eligible. How the screening process works: FUNERAL SAVINGS But who’s eligible, what is it, how does it work? For those eligible for the programme, they will receive find out at the information session on: an invitation letter, a consent form, and a free bowel ACCOUNT screening test kit. For a brochure and application When: Tuesday 13th July at 10.30am The test is quick, clean and simple to do by yourself form please contact: Where: St James Parish Hall (lounge) at home. It is then posted back in the envelope The Catholic Development Fund (CDF) Ph 07 856 6989 Pahau Street, Thames provided. Email: [email protected] or visit The Chanel Centre 51 Grey Street, Hamilton East Participants will then be sent a letter with the results Information presented by Waikato DHB of the test. If negative, nothing further needs to be Important Notice: please read Bowel Screening Coordinator done until it's time to do the test again in two years. This application to deposit is issued with the Replacement Product To book your place please contact: Disclosure Statement (PDS) dated 4 December 2020 for an offer of debt securities issued by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Age Concern Hauraki - Coromandel If positive, the participant's GP will be in contact to Hamilton, trading as the Catholic Development Fund (CDF). The ● email: [email protected] arrange a free appointment to discuss the results Clinical lead for Waikato National Bowel Screening Replacement PDS and the Trust Deed can be viewed at the following websites: NZ Companies Office www.business.govt.nz/disclose; ● Phone 07 868 9790 and the next steps. Programme and clinical director Gastro / Endoscopy Catholic Diocese of Hamilton www.cdh.org.nz or the Diocesan Office Unit Frank Weilert at 51 Grey Street, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216. editorial supplied by Catholic Diocese of Hamilton 8 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people WINTER 2021 9
What’s On and Dementia Advisor on: 07 282 1372 mobile: 027 808 know which product will best suit your needs, which is 4837 or Email: [email protected] LILLE Healthcare why Lille Healthcare offers free samples for you to try Community Updates Jill can support (where relevant) with home visits before you buy. or telephone calls, support groups, advice, family If you have an item or update for this section, please HOW TO CHOOSE Lille Healthcare has a wide range of products that can education, living with memory loss programme, email them to: [email protected] help you manage incontinence. If you require further community awareness talks, information about CONTINENCE PRODUCTS advice, contact a continence specialist, nurse or Update from Grey Power Thames types of dementia, symptoms and awareness and/or doctor, or visit our online store for more information. Grey Power Thames and Age Concern Hauraki training for residential care staff etc. Problems with bladder control can increase as you get Coromandel are developing a closer working For more information visit: older, this is known as ‘incontinence’. Many people Properly managed incontinence relationship to serve older members of the https://www.dementiawaikato.org.nz/ may feel embarrassed and find it difficult to address improves independence and confidence, community. Grey Power Thames has 247 members the problem which can diminish the quality of life for Thames Coromandel District Library making everyday life more enjoyable. and has regular meetings to hear guest speakers and those affected. - Housebound Service discuss issues affecting older people. Housebound Service - delivers hand-picked books There is a range of easy-to-use products that can help, editorial supplied by Lille Healthcare NZ To find out more about Grey Power Thames visit: and audiobooks directly to library clients in the but it’s important to choose the right one! https://greypowerthames.org.nz/wordpress/ Thames area who are no longer able to visit us. Correct style - The product needs to suit the Update from Paeroa Grey Power Volunteers will visit you regularly at home, with a user’s lifestyle. There are pads that can be placed into Meets on the second Monday of each month selection of library books to suit your tastes and underwear or pull ups that are an all-in-one style to be at 1.30pm at the Paeroa Bible Chapel for guest needs. Contact Shana, Community Engagement worn instead of regular underwear. PENINSULA speakers, a lovely afternoon tea and opportunities to Librarian, at Thames Library on 07 868 6616 to chat with members. register for this service. Correct absorbency - Pads and pull ups have Contact Gail on 07 862 6256 or visit: https:// OSTEOPATHS What’s On? different absorbency levels from light to heavy. It’s greypower.co.nz/associations/paeroa/ important to have the right one to avoid overly moist Paeroa Drop-in every Tuesday from 9.30am - Cranial, Structural and Visceral Techniques All Ages Dementia Waikato – Thames Coromandel Hauraki This social group of friends (or friends to meet) skin and the associated skin irritation and infections. Service gathers at the St John Ambulance meeting room in If you are wearing the pad and still have spillage then • Neck and Back Pain • Headaches For advice, education and support for all who are Paeroa every Tuesday for a chinwag, chatter, cuppa we will recommend a higher absorbency. If you are • Joint Pain • Arthritis Management affected by Dementia, contact Jill Edmunds, NZROT or challenges (games). Signage on Belmont road feeling reasonably dry, then it’s the right one for you. (main road) next to Of course, the absorbency level you need can change THAMES • COROMANDEL • WHITIANGA Council building. No over time. 07 868 5205 Free cost. All welcome. Correct size - The continence product you choose GreyTech started up must fit properly to avoid leaking and inconvenience. ACC REGISTERED on Thursday 27th There are sizes to fit all body shapes. It’s hard to Counselling Service May 2021 This year GreyTech With Vallanique Tamaiparea. will be held every 2nd year Counselling Student. Thursday from 10am- 10:35am in the fiction Are you experiencing; side of Thames High Grief or Loss? School library. The DEDICATED TO CONTINENCE CARE Depression or Anxiety? GreyTec team are Our Lille Healthcare range includes pads, pants, adult diapers and underpads. Loneliness or Isolation? If so, then talking with Val, may be helpful. looking forward to Lille Healthcare New Zealand offers a comprehensive range of disposable products suitable to helping you with all manage all types and levels of incontinence. Our technologically advanced products are 100% Available: Mondays and Wednesdays for home visits between 9-3pm your tech, whether breathable and hypoallergenic, ensuring optimum comfort, security and discretion. Available: Thursdays and Fridays @ Age Concern Thames office between 9-3pm that be answering questions, installing Book appointment by phoning: apps, or anything else ORDER ONLINE for DELIVERY DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR 07 868 9790 or 027 786 8302 Our easy-to-use Lille Healthcare Online Shop provides the ability to buy continence products discretely you might need help in the privacy of your own home and have your package delivered direct to your doorstep. For a limited time only. with computers or Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel 608 Queen Street, Thames. Email: [email protected] phones. Order now at www.lillehealthcare.co.nz 10 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people WINTER 2021 11
banking-with-asb/supporting-your-banking.html digitalinclusionalliance.nz/ runs two digital banking To set it up, call Kiwibank on 0800 113 355. Once you’re and https://www.asb.co.nz/how-to. education programmes – Stepping UP provides free set up, the first five calls are free after this, fees may • FastPhone 0800 272 272 is a fast service done over workshops in libraries and community centres apply. For more information see: https://www.kiwibank. the phone if you have a touch-tone phone. See: including tailored courses for seniors. For remote and co.nz/contact-us/support-hub/phone-and-text-banking/ https://www.asb.co.nz/banking-with-asb/fastphone. rural communities DORA (Digital On-Road Access), a Banking information html . Once set up with FastPhone you can: mobile computer equipped banking classroom, has Westpac What 0800 number should older customers call to - Get account and credit card balances travelled to most regions in New Zealand over the past • Please call our customer service number on contact your bank? - Transfer funds between accounts 18 months. This programme teaches the basics of 0800 400 600. If you are over 65 you will be – or to and from credit cards online banking and how to protect yourself online and automatically directed to a priority line, speeding ANZ - Pay bills up to 90 days in advance recognise scams. up service. • To talk to our NZ based contact centre teams, our - Listen to your last ten transactions • Digital Angels: our digital specialists who help • Automated phone banking is available 0800 172 172 standard number is 0800 269 296 - Get a list of your Automatic Payments customers gain confidence to use digital banking. • We also have a direct line to support customers • Customers aged 70 years and older are automatically - Find out our last Term Deposit and Call This service can be anything from helping them with any questions around exit of cheques. The routed to our specialist ‘Over 70’s) team upon entering Account rates connect to Wi-Fi in their own home, download our number is 0800 808 004. their customer number. This team is specially - Get the latest Foreign Exchange rates banking app, to walking them through how to set • Customer Service over the phone 0800 400 600, can equipped to help our older customers with their - Order deposit books and statements. up one-off and automatic payments, and everything in assist with almost all your banking and if you need banking needs and can also help walk customers between. If we are unable to resolve queries over the extra care (assistance) for some reason they can flag through any of our self-service channels if required. BNZ phone, we also set up appointments in their nearest your account to ensure that you receive this. Talk to a We didn’t want customers to have to remember a • 0800 275 269 - calls to this number can be branch to go through similar training. staff member about this. special number, so everyone can call our main authenticated using Voice ID removing the need • Our Digital Angels can provide training on online • Westpac is New Zealand’s first dementia-friendly 0800 number. to enter or remember a PIN. security and digital banking to groups nationwide, bank with staff trained specially for this. • To call our automated Phone Banking Service, • On this number, customers aged over 50 who are from Probus, to Age Concern to speaking in retirement • Westpac has partnered with SeniorNet to offer face to call 0800 103 123. not digitally enabled are routed to a priority queue, villages. If you would like someone to come and speak face online banking sessions throughout NZ, to find • Our specialist ‘Over 70’s’ call centre team is available speeding up service, and giving more time on the to your community group please submit a request via out further https://seniornet.nz/ to help – they are especially kind and patient and more phone for these customers. our website: https://www.kiwibank.co.nz/contact-us/ • You may receive a call from your local branch. We than happy to take their time to resolve immediate • The number for 24/7 telephone banking is support-hub/internet- banking/digital-banking- have set up a call programme to the highest cheque concerns and help customers adopt new ways of 0800 24 00 00 support/. users, including those over 65, our Extra Care/ banking. • For customers wanting support with digital banking • We offer fee-free accounts for people over 65yrs. vulnerable, rural, and multi-signatory customers, to • Our branch staff are available to help customers services, we run digital education sessions in our • Phone banking helps those who are unable to transact ensure they are aware Westpac is going cheque free learn and gain confidence in new ways of banking branches (availability will vary branch by branch) or online, for whatever reason. It’s an automated self- and to offer. We have also sent letters to all our and are especially sensitive to the needs and customers can call 0800 275 269 to get help doing service way to check your basic account information customers providing details of alternate options and concerns of older customers. their banking online and through our app. and make some transactions yourself including: inviting them into their local branch. • We have a number of guides and ‘how-to’ videos • BNZ has further information at https://www.bnz. - Check balances and/or recent transactions • Telephone banking is a good option for those who available online: https://www.anz.co.nz/banking- co.nz/personal-banking/everyday-banking. - Find out what your credit card minimum don’t have internet access or who are unsure about with-anz/ways-to-bank/guides/ • BNZ’s Mobile Bus visits New Zealand towns and can payment is and the due date online banking. help with cashless banking needs, offer advice on - Skip or change an automatic payment • Using a landline or mobile phone, customers can pay ASB managing everyday finances, and show customers how (fee may apply) bills, transfer funds, get a balance and much more. • 0800 272 119 is the dedicated phone number to use online banking tools. More information on the - Transfer money between your accounts • Customers can call 0800 400 600 for help setting for older customers. Mobile Bus and where it is travelling to can be found at - Make bill payments to an existing biller this up, or to book a time to come into branch for a • 0800 803 804 is our general phone number. https://www.bnz.co.nz/about-us/supporting- - Order a statement. staff member to help them in person. • These lines are open between 8am and 8pm on communities/mobile-bnz-bus?km=bus . weekdays, or 8.30am to 5pm on weekends and holidays. Kiwibank • ASB is running Better Banking workshops to help Kiwibank has a dedicated 0800 number for older customers who are new to online and mobile banking customers. Please call 0800 487 888 to speak to one of to help them understand self-service options and to our specially trained team members who understand the stay safe online. These are held around the country needs of older customers. They are available: and anyone is able to attend. • Monday - Thursday; 7am - 9pm For Professional Hayley Green L.L.B. & Brenda Flay L.L.B. Hons Partners • ASB has a priority hour for customers 65+ and for • Friday; 7am - 8pm Therapeutic Foot Care Damian Quinn BA L.L.B. Solicitor those needing additional support. This is run on • Saturday - Sunday (including selected public Julia Monrad L.L.B. Hons Solicitor branch open days during the week between holidays); 8am - 4.30pm. by a Registered Nurse 9am-10am. • We sponsor and support an organisation that is rolling 611 Mackay Street, PO Box 31, Thames 3540 • ASB has a ‘How to Hub’ on asb.co.nz which has out free computer education programmes for anyone, Phone for an appointment at your home or a clinic Ph: 07 868 8680 | Fax: 07 868 8718 resources to demystify online banking. not just Kiwibank customers, across the country. Phone: 07 865 9446 | Mobile: 021 555 513 E: [email protected] | www.purnell.nz • Dedicated webpage https://www.asb.co.nz/ Digital Inclusion Alliance Aotearoa https:// 12 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people WINTER 2021 13
The conversation can last a couple of hours but Zealand. If they're all charged an extra $42 in tax this Your NZ CHIN-WAG CAFE people are free to come and go as it suits. Chin-Wag year, that would be more than $32 million.” is all about making connections, and connecting The couple had been told their tax to pay was due to Incontinence with others is more important than you might think. an extra pay period during the last tax year, meaning WHEN: Social connection can lower anxiety and help improve Care Product Monday’s at they had each received 27 pension payments, rather wellbeing. It can lead to higher self-esteem and 10.30am than the usual 26. After their accountant queried the empathy, and it’s good for the sole. bill, it was waived by Inland Revenue, he said. Specialists WHERE - By June Smith, a participant and volunteer at As each person’s tax situation was different, Inland Age Concern, Ngatea Chin-Wag Café Revenue encouraged those with concerns to ask for 608 Queen Street, We are a group that meets every Tuesday at the more detail. Thames Combined parishes Church Hall in Darlington Street Ngatea. Our group has been going for approx. 4 The situation has raised questions over All welcome! ½ years we start at 10am and are usually there Inland Revenue’s automated tax assessment till midday. We start with morning tea and the process, introduced in 2019 as part of business For more details conversations begin. As we all come from different transformation. The process allows Inland Revenue Email: [email protected] backgrounds there are many different conversations to automatically check all refunds. or phone 07 868 9790 going, hence the name Chin-Wag. At times we are But another taxpayer facing an unexpectedly large bill reluctant to leave at midday as we still have plenty to of more than $800 said the system seemed to have say. However; if you are reading this and are wanting “zero checks and balances and people are unable to CHIN-WAG to meet others but are hesitant to join “I would say understand what’s going on.” A social get-together of older adults who enjoy just think of us as friends you have not yet met, I can In a statement on Friday, Inland Revenue said have a ‘cuppa’ and a good old chin-wag in the assure you that you will be made very welcome” says bills sent out this year were correct based on the company of like-minded people. June. employer information it had received and were due Full size Helping to connect with others and to reduce to the way the PAYE system works, not any fault in its Tax bills raise questions over Inland own systems. range of feelings of loneliness or isolation. Revenue's automated system quality When customers had requested more information, products All welcome! STUFF the write-off would usually be applied the day after Order before Inland Revenue isn’t saying how many people have they confirmed their income details. “Anyone who same $2 donation welcomed but not essential. 2pm for Discreet been affected by an issue causing some to receive pays the bill before it is finalised, and who is entitled day dispatch Also available in unexpected tax bills this year. to a write-off, will have what they paid refunded,” packaging + delivery NGATEA: Inland Revenue said. When: Tuesday’s at 10am Friendly Where: Combined Parishes Hall, helpful Darlington Street, Ngatea PHYSIOTHERAPIST service Inland Revenue is unable to say how many people Julie White NZRP MPNZ “CHIN-WAG CAFE” may have been affected by an issue causing some [email protected] a social tea and talk group to receive unexpected tax bills this year. The tax department began sending out automatically issued Do you miss having a good old chin-wag with others? l Experienced physio offering hands on treatment income tax assessments in late May, but the process Do you live alone, or feel alone, and sometimes want for all s ff or painful joints, muscles or spine. has left many taxpayers confused. continencecare.co.nz the company of others? l Half hour appointment Then ‘Chin-Wag Café might be the answer. One superannuitant who contacted Stuff said both l ACC registered Chin-Wag is a group of older adults (men and woman) he and his wife had been told they owed tax, despite Vall R eandduc Izyed rates for non-working. that meet every Monday in Thames and Tuesday in the fortnightly Government payment being their only 0800 72 38 72 Ngatea. A cuppa is always on the menu, as is lots source of income. Phone 027 281 4980 for an appointment of talking and sometimes home baking makes an “We were both told we owe extra tax – around $42 appearance, but is gone again fairly quickly as it’s each – for the year ended March 31, 2021,” he said. 36 Te Ana Lane, Kaueranga, Thames always so yummy. “There are some 770,000 superannuitants in New or Richmond Villas, Thames 14 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people WINTER 2021 15
Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel Check your home's eligibility Checklist for a heater grant • You own and live in a home built before 2008. MEMBERSHIP FORM for a Warmer Kiwi Homes grant • You (the owner) have a community services card Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel or live in an area identified as low income. P O Box 466 Thames 3540 • You have ceiling and underfloor insulation Phone: 07 868 9790 installed to EECA standards. If your home has H auraki Coromand el Email: thamesmanager@ been insulated through a Government insulation ageconcern.gen.nz programme, we'll confirm it when you apply for a What are the benefits of Membership? heater grant. Otherwise an EECA insulation Age Concern Hauraki-Coromandel is a not-for-profit provider will do a quick check — at no cost to you. volunteer organisation, working to support the well- • Your home doesn't already have one of the being of older adults (who are often vulnerable, lonely following fixed heaters that is operational in any or isolated) in our community. Your membership living area of the house: heat pump, wood or donation helps us to continue doing this valuable (and pellet burner, flued gas heater or central heating. valued) work. If your home has one of these heater types, it is Newsletter holders. not eligible for a heating grant. Other benefits include: ● Receiving a quarterly Age Concern Hauraki- It’s easy to check For more information go to: Coromandel newsletter in the post. Or you can The Warmer Kiwi Homes is a Government programme https://www.eeca.govt.nz/our-work/programmes- choose to have this emailed. offering insulation and heater grants to low income and-funding/efficient-homes/funding-for-heaters-and- ● Receiving regular email updates and information on home owners and possibly to home owners whose insulation/ local events or news that may be of interest to you property is in a low decile area. Article kindly provided by Katie McLaren, Community 205 Sealey Street, Thames. Ph: 07 - 868 6128 ● As a financial member your voice can be heard at our Engagement Officer, Hauraki District Council Volunteer Governing Board via a written submission Even if you think you won’t qualify, it’s worth Bring this advert into store when you or meeting with one of our Board members who can checking your address on the Energy Efficiency and Know your Bones™ purchase the lift bed to receive your FREE represent your concerns or compliments. Conservation Authority (EECA) website www.eeca. mattress protector. govt.nz/our-work/programmes-and-funding/efficient- – It could save your life What will it cost? ● $20 annual subscription (per household) from homes/funding-for-heaters-and-insulation/ Osteoporosis New Zealand is delighted to offer all New 01 January to 31 December What does a grant cover? Zealanders Know our Bones ™. ● $10 subscription if joining after June • Warmer Kiwi Homes grants are available to This free online user-friendly questionnaire helps you homeowners (not for rental properties) and cover to identify your personal risk of fracture and provides NAME both: some simple suggestions on how to improve your bone • 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor health. POSTAL ADDRESS insulation. In some areas, such as Auckland, Both men and women may have certain ‘risk generous funding from community organisations factors’ that can make them more likely to develop means the cost to the homeowner is even lower osteoporosis. Awareness of risk, falls prevention, early Post Code Telephone diagnosis and the treatment of osteoporosis are key to for insulation. Email: • 80% of the cost of a heat pump or efficient wood the prevention of fragility fractures. or pellet burner for the main living area. Grants for We encourage you to take a few minutes to complete Would you like to receive our newsletter by: heaters are capped at $3000 (including GST). the Know your Bones ™ test online at https://www. For a caring, dignified, and affordable service email [ ] or posted [ ] Wood and pellet burners are not available in all knowyourbones.org.nz/ and get your personalised Membership Subscription Fee Paid: areas. fracture risk report. Single/Household [$20] 1/2 Year [$10] Donation of [ ] greatly appreciated Are you eligible? If you have risk factors, we suggest you to print this Checklist for an insulation grant report and discuss it with your doctor. Please pay by internet banking to • You own and live in a home built before 2008 As Know our Bones is based on key findings from 03-0458-0655711-000 (use your name as a reference Contact Carla Turner or Gayle Melrose • You (the owner) have a Community Services Card the Garvan Medical Research Institute’s 26-year and specify membership). Scan or photograph completed form and send to: or live in an area identified as low-income osteoporosis epidemiology study your GP is able for personal and professional care. [email protected] • Your home doesn't have ceiling and underfloor to make a clinical decision from the results of the questionnaire. 07 849 2139 or 0800 920 222 or PO Box 466 Thames 3540 insulation. www.simplycremations.net.nz Good bone health begins with Knowing your Bones. Thank you so very much 16 AGE CONCERN | Serving the needs of older people
Age Concern Hauraki Coromandel Phone 07 868 9790
Steady As Coromandel: © Tuesdays at 10am SteaYoudy Go As St Andrews 1426 Rings Road A weekly peer led group-© exerciseYo sessionu G thato builds Ngatea: A weeklystrength peer led and group balance exercise session to Tuesdays at 10.30am that builds strength and balance to reduce Thames Valley Hockey Pavilion reduce the risk of falling. Orchard West Road the risk of falling.
Paeroa: Wednesdays at 1.30pm St Johns Hall Belmont Road (Main St) A FREE classroom based course to build confidence and knowledge to stay safe on the Throad.ames: Bookings are essential and places are Thursdayslimited. at So1.15pm don’t delay, book today by emailing St [email protected] Church Hall or phone 07 868 9790. Mackay Street (nextSessions to hospital) are from 9.30am to 1pm and being held at: Cost:Cost: $2 $2 Waihi: For more details For more details Email: [email protected] or Wednesdays1. Thames, at 10am Thursday 23 September Email: [email protected] the group closest to you St Johns Ambulance Hall 2. Tairua, Thursday 30 September or visit the groupand chat closest to the to leader. you and chat to Johnston Street 3. Waihi, Wednesday 13 October Coromandel: Tuesdaysthe leader. at 10am St Andrews, 1426 Rings Road. 4. Paeroa, Thursday 28 October Ngatea: Tuesdays at 10.30am 5. Whitianga, Thursday 11 November Thames Valley Hockey Pavilion Orchard West Road 6. Thames, Thursday 18 November Paeroa: Wednesdays at 1.30pm St Johns Hall, Belmont Road (Main St) Thames: Thursdays at 1.15pm St Georges Church Hall, Mackay Street (next to hospital) Waihi: Wednesdays at 10am St Johns Ambulance Hall, Johnston Street