Age Concern Whanganui Serving the Needs of Older People
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AUTUMN 2019 QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER www.acwhanganui.org.nz Whanganui He Manaakitanga Kaumātua Age Concern Whanganui Serving the needs of older people Participants of the New Zealand Master Games Scooter Event – this was the first time this event was held in the Masters Games. All proceeds raised were kindly donated to Age Concern Whanganui. For advertising phone Dave 027 652 5220 or email [email protected] A Pukeko Print & Design Ltd publication | www.pukekoprint.co.nz | Please refer to website for disclaimer 2 AGE CONCERN WHANGANUI | Serving the needs of older people AUTUMN 2019 3 Driving Miss Daisy Volunteers are not paid Contact Information Loneliness and your companion – not because they are Phone: (06) 345 1799 Fax: (06) 347 2334 and your driver! Email: [email protected] worthless, but because Social Isolation Address: 164 St Hill Street, Whanganui 4500 Postal Address: PO Box 703, Whanganui 4540 they are priceless. Loneliness is indiscriminate. There is an abundance of research on this subject in New Zealand currently Our Volunteers - OFFICE HOURS and young people are just as likely to feel lonely as 9.00am - 3.30pm Monday to Friday you may not be aware, we have older generations. It is known that levels of loneliness over 350 people in this country are escalating and as anyone who has who volunteer ever experienced it will agree, the feeling can seem their time for us insurmountable once it settles in our tummies and Board Members at Age Concern our lives. Chairperson: Wendall Hart Whanganui. They Vice Chairperson: Jan Bullen volunteer their time The importance of being aware of and talking about Secretary: Shirley Forward from working in loneliness and lack of social relationships has been (resigned February 2019) reception, to driving proven to be as bad for health as smoking. Keep your independence and Members: Toots Mohi for meals on wheels, transport and supermarket freedom with our safe, reliable Graham Adams shopping, peer leaders for Steady As You Go, car fit There can be many reasons for being lonely, such as companion driving service. Diana Doyle technicians and as accredited visitors. health, mobility impairment, sensory loss, changes to Peter Allison We would not be able to provide the level of service, driving ability and bereavement. There are all sorts of We can drive and accompany you to: Keri-Anne Hawira without them…so thank you. things happening as we age which can make getting • Medical and other appointments Last month,our volunteer receptionist, Jan Brett, out of the house increasingly difficult and so social • Family/social occasions Staff received the Volunteer of the Month Award from isolation can cause loneliness. the Whanganui Volunteer Centre. Jan has been • Shopping trips Manager: Michelle Malcolm volunteering for Age Concern Whanganui since Administrator: Noeleen Voice When people are no longer able to drive, that’s where • Scenic drives 2005. Jan organises the roster for our 25 volunteer Volunteer Coordination: Janet Lewis Driving Miss Daisy comes in! Driving Miss Daisy is the receptionists as well as coordinating the meals on • Take your pets to the vet Steady As You Go: Janet Lewis connection from home to the community. They make Community Support/ wheels drivers through the Christmas period. it their priority to ensure each and every journey is • Airport drop-offs and pick ups Social Work: Sue Evans One of our newer receptionist said that when filled with laughter, kindness and positivity. ACC approved provider Lorraine Peipi-TePou she retired she wanted to do something in the Total Mobility cards accepted Deidre Boyd community. We were the first organisation on her list Driving Miss Daisy clients can have the same driver Welfare Officer - Council Flats that she wanted to give her time. every time which is great for building relationships. Bookings are essential – call Clive today Whanganui & Rangitikei: Lorraine Peipi-TePou Whanganui C004440 AC Win Ruffhead was one our long standing volunteers The drivers also love to catch up with the clients and and make your next outing a pleasure! Elder Abuse Response who sadly passed away last month. Win had heard will do everything possible to make the journey enjoy- Service: Sue Evans (Senior through the grapevine that volunteer receptionist able. That can be as simple as a trip to the supermar- Social Worker) Whanganui were needed back in 2002 and she enjoyed working ket or regular hairdresser appointments. Sometimes, Deidre Boyd her Friday mornings, bringing in morning tea right up it can be more adventurous and include trips further Phone: (06) 347 9100 Social Connections/ until 2016 when she retired at the age of 95 years afield; outings to the beach for a breath of fresh air or Accredited Visiting Service: Clare Fearnley Mobile: 021 503 313 young. Health Promotion: Clare Fearnley coffee with friends; anywhere the heart desires. So a huge thank you to all our volunteers – Driving Miss Daisy is committed to helping clients get we appreciate the time you give us and the out and about, so every client can live life to the full Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Age Concern Whanganui. The inclusion community. The difference that you make in and enjoy every moment. or exclusion of any product does not mean that the people’s life is amazing and the place wouldn’t be www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz publisher or Age Concern advocates or rejects its use. the same without you. Editorial supplied by Driving Miss Daisy 4 AGE CONCERN WHANGANUI | Serving the needs of older people Services Support & Advocacy • CarFit Our community workers can provide support and Our trained technicians highlight your car’s safety assistance, advise on available services, liaise with features and check the ‘fit’ of your vehicle to other community agencies and are available to visit maximise comfort and safety. at home. • Hanging Up the Car Keys Total Mobility Scheme Planning for life after driving. Learn about the options Horizons Regional Council Assessments undertaken available in Whanganui for those no longer able to for people with disabilities to access subsidised taxi drive themselves. fares. Assessment fee applies. Health Promotion Elder Abuse Response Service Seminars and forums organised on a range of topics Our social worker is available to confidentially discuss relevant and interesting to older people. problems of suspected abuse, maltreatment or Information neglect and can assist in obtaining help. Resources Contact us for a wide variety of information on are available for distribution. available services. Call in or phone to speak with our Accredited Visiting Service reception volunteers or staff. Our co-ordinator trains and supports volunteers who Volunteer Opportunities visit those living alone in the community. Both the A number of volunteering opportunities are available: older person and the visitor enjoy the friendship that • Meals on Wheels delivery The Ryman Diff erence develops from this regular contact. • Transport & Supermarket Service Putting residents fi rst! Our winning formula for over 30 years. Supermarket Shopping (Whanganui Only) • Accredited Visiting Service Volunteers take those who have no transport to • Reception the supermarket, assist with shopping and return • CarFit them home. The service is subject to criteria and an All volunteers are given training and support. assessment fee applies. A donation to the driver for petrol is required. Membership and donations to Age Concern Fair terms Resident-focused Care options that Transport (Whanganui Only) Whanganui are appreciated and accepted. Volunteer drivers help those who have no transport Donations of $5 or more are tax deductible. The weekly fee is fi xed for the entire innovation suit your needs time you occupy your townhouse or by taking them to medical and other essential Ryman Delicious menus off er We’re dedicated to caring for you apartment, guaranteed.* appointments. The service is subject to criteria and Please contact us at: choice and freshness, our now and into your future. There are no hidden costs such as myRyman electronic care an assessment fee applies. A donation to the driver 164 St Hill Street, Whanganui 4500 We provide independent living, waitlist fees, surprise move-in costs programme enables individualised for petrol is required. Phone: (06) 345 1799 and assisted living in a serviced or administration fees. And you care at the touch of a button, and Steady as You Go (SAYGo) Falls Prevention Fax: (06) 347 2334 apartment. Plus, resthome and will benefi t from one of the lowest emergency power generators in hospital care, and in most villages, A unique community based strength and balance Email: [email protected] deferred management fees in the every Ryman village centre keep specialist dementia care. exercise programme for men and women. Classes in www.acwhanganui.org.nz retirement sector, capped residents safe and warm even if Whanganui, Rangitikei and the Waimarino. at 20 percent. the lights go out. Tenants Pensioner Flats (Whanganui) & Community Housing (Rangitikei) Our welfare officer provides support to tenants of the Whanganui District Council Pensioner Flats and the Rangitikei District Council Community Housing. For more information about the Ryman difference Senior Driving Programme phone Maureen on 06 348 9564 or visit Drive with confidence and share experiences. www.rymanhealthcare.co.nz *Some conditions apply • Keys to Safe Driving Go to www.facebook.com/ Improve safe driving practices and increase your knowledge of the current Road Code. Classroom ageconcernwhanganui/ based. to follow us on Facebook. Where community shapes the heart of your retirement 6 AGE CONCERN WHANGANUI | Serving the needs of older people AUTUMN 2019 7 is coordinating the Steady As You go solution yourself. Hi everyone (SAYGo), Falls Prevention programme. I also deal with Elder Abuse. I work Welcome to our first newsletter for 2019. I have to say I enjoy visiting the groups to see how alongside my colleague Sue in this the past 3 months have flown by and hard to believe well they are doing.