Official publication of Age Concern Nelson Tasman Inc.

Office Phone: 03 - 544 7624 Fax: 03 - 544 3187

62 Oxford Street, Richmond, Nelson 7050

Autumn2015

Nelson Tasman

Email: ageconcern.nelson1@clear.net.nz

P O Box 3381, Richmond, Nelson 7050

Open 9am - 4pm weekdays

A Pukeko Print & Design Ltd Publication. For advertising telephone Nicole 07 - 577 9092 or email nicole@pukekoprint.co.nz www.pukekoprint.co.nz Please refer to website for disclaimer

LIVE LIFE FULLYThe official magazine of Age Concern Nelson Tasman Inc.

Serving the needs of older people across the whole Nelson Tasman region.

Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

Page 2

Words from the ChairA Happy New Year?

The last time I celebrated a New Year in England was 6 years ago. Fondly I recall being with my Liverpool family at my brother David’s home and as midnight approached being told to get our coats and scarves and to go outside for the big countdown. With a

nod to tradition the person with the darkest complexion (usually holding a piece of coal) was given the privilege of crossing the threshold in order to usher in the new year. The dark stranger is regarded as the harbinger of good luck, well that’s what people used to believe!

Will Lady Luck shine on you this year? When good things happen unexpectedly then they can bring much joy to our lives, can’t they? For people in many places around our world 2015 has dawned with sadness, depression, suffering and death. The recent terror attacks in France have left a bad taste in all our mouths. Where was Lady Luck then?

Each one of us needs to take personal responsibility and be aware of the needs of others less fortunate than ourselves. The recent spate of disasters, the violent acts of ruthless killers and the rash of aeroplane disasters for example, have taught us that.

If retirement is on the horizon for you then have you made adequate preparation for the major change of life that it can be? If you are already retired have you worked out just where you want to be in 5 or 10 years’ time? If you are blessed with a family, have you discussed these things with them?

Are you looking after your health? Have you seen your GP for a check-up recently?

Statistics tell us that many of us will be living for much longer and that is a cause for celebration. Lady Luck has nothing to do with it, has she? In order to enjoy the later years, we need to plant the seeds of readiness now.

Sue and her team would be happy to talk to you about any of these issues. Let us help if we can.

So as I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR I do so not based on luck but on a serious preparation which each one of us needs to be engaged in so that 2015 will be a good year. A good year is one in which we enjoy each day, maybe repair a broken relationship, celebrate the beauty of this country and be thankful that we live in peace.

Now, go and enjoy 2015!

Charles Tyrrell QSOChair of the Board of Age Concern Nelson Tasman Inc.

Meet the staffManager, Sue Tilby (JP)Sue has worked at Age Concern for four years, taking over at the helm in 2010. Since then she has overseen its growth from a one-man band into today’s four-person organisation providing professional services right across the region. Sue works closely with the Age Concern board members

to ensure the continued growth and development of services and initiatives around the Nelson Tasman region. Age Concern is very fortunate to have a strong board who have an excellent range of skills and experience to offer and support the agency.

Elder Abuse Neglect Prevention Adviser, Jess Breeze (Registered Nurse)Jess has been in this role since 2011, and has built up a deserved reputation as the region’s ‘go-to’ person on issues of elder abuse, offering advice, information, support and advocacy to

many older people across Nelson Tasman. She previously worked as a nurse in older person’s mental health in Alexandra Hospital.

Accredited Visitor Service Co-ordinator, Susan Arrowsmith (Social Worker)Susan came to Age Concern in 2012 after completing her degree in Social Work at Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology. She does a sterling job

in managing our growing band of volunteer visitors (we currently have over 80) who visit older people in their homes. She has also worked in natural health for over 20 years.

Funding Administrator/Events Co-ordinator, Caroline BudgeCaroline is the newest member of Age Concern, joining in February 2014 in a new role that covers event management, funding and

communications. She has worked in journalism and publishing both in Scotland and NZ and became interested in the not-for-profit sector through volunteering in Nelson.

By the time people are old enough to know better, they don’t know anything at all..

Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

Page 4

Do Not Knock campaignA campaign to help older people keep unwanted callers away from their houses has been given the thumbs up by Age Concern

Age Concern Nelson Tasman supports Consumer NZ’s ‘Do Not Knock’ campaign and encourages anyone who does not wish to be approached by door-to-door sellers to get a Do Not Knock sticker.

Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive Robyn Scott says Age Concern often receives phone calls from older people who have been pressured into making a purchase by door-to-door sales people.

“It is a huge concern that older people are being targeted, particularly vulnerable older people who may have dementia, hard of hearing or are otherwise unable to recognise that they are being taken for a ride, says Mrs Scott.

Older people can feel pressured by smooth talking sellers into purchasing items they don’t want and can’t afford, leaving them out of pocket, which Mrs Scott says is a problem particularly for older people who are living on NZ Superannuation alone.

“Often the sellers are charming and friendly and for lonely older people who receive few visitors this can be very attractive. However, once an older person has engaged in conversation with the seller they can be very persistent and often do not leave until the older person has signed up or paid.”

Age Concern advises older people to place a Do Not Knock sticker on their gate, letterbox or front door if

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Give A Little successOur Christmas Appeal helped many older people around Nelson

You’d have been forgiven for thinking the Age Concern offices in Richmond had been turned into a general store in December...but it wasn’t the case. We were simply overwhelmed and amazed at the huge response to our first-ever Christmas appeal.

We launched Give A Little in late November, asking people to donate non-perishable foods and household items that we could then distribute to our most vulnerable and isolated clients over the festive period.

Within days we were being given wonderful donations from individuals, businesses, workplaces and rest homes of foods, toiletries and other useful items....and it just kept coming!

Staff here were able to make up care packages for over 30 people, distributing some cheer and much-needed goods at a time that isn’t always fun for those who are feeling isolated and lonely.

Sue Tilby, Manager at Age Concern Nelson Tasman, says the response was just fantastic. ‘We really didn’t expect so much to be given...and we were really blown away by the generosity of so many people. What it has meant is that not only were we able to give out care packages before Christmas, but with so many donations we can keep providing our most vulnerable clients with similar donations over the coming months.’

Give A Little will be run again this year.

We are grateful to all our funders:

Springhill Charitable Trust and Frimley Foundation

they do not wish to be approached by door-to-door sales people.

Stickers are available through Age Concern Nelson Tasman at our offices in Richmond. Due to increasing postage costs we cannot mail them out, however.

Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

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This year’s Positive Ageing Expo is coming up very soon... so make sure you get the date in your diary and head out to the Headingly Centre.

Held every year in autumn, the Expo is aimed at providing information, education and advice on positive ageing around the region. Open to everyone, it has dozens of stalls to find out everything from rest home care to health advice.

The Minister for Senior Citizens, the Hon Maggie Berry MP, ONZM, will open the event at 10.15am.

As with previous years, Age Concern Nelson Tasman has organised two visiting speakers to give talks on topics of interest.

We’re delighted to have Lois Tonkin from Christchurch present a seminar called Good Grief, which will look at how we can cope with and get through grief – not only about our responses when someone dies, but about losing anything that is important to us. Lois is author of the book Riding the Storms, copies of which will be available at the Expo.

In the afternoon we’re welcoming New Zealand climber and inspirational speaker Marc Inglis. Marc is most famous for being the first ever double amputee to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 2006. His talk, Positive Ageing in Action, will inspire and talk about facing adversity and challenges.

This year there will be a passport for attendees to get stamped as they visit and attend different stalls and events during the day...with a chance to win a spot prize.

We’ll also have the Car Fit clinic held outside – this

Come along to the Expo!

is when you can get a free check on how well you ‘fit’ your car, looking at safety and comfort. This is done by a team of trained technicians and Occupational Therapists and takes approximately 20 minutes.

The Positive Ageing Expo is at the Headingly Centre, Lower Queen Street, Richmond on Friday 27th March between 10am and 3pm. Good Grief is on between 11am and 12pm, while Positive Ageing in Action is between 1 and 2pm.

Advanced Care Planning is the process of thinking about, talking about and planning for future health care and end of life care. This talk will look at that and answer questions you may have about how to get started.

These workshops are all being offered free of charge. If you’d like to come along to any, or all, of them, please register with us by calling 03 544 7624 or emailing: ageconcern.nelson3@clear.net.nz.

Home Healthcare Equipment and Mobility ProductsPh: Web: 03 544 7717 www.accessmobility.co.nzVisit our showroom at: Cnr McGlashen Ave & Croucher St, Richmond, Nelson

wheelchairs

mobility scooters

walkers/canes

electric beds and hoist

li� assist chairs

bathroom soluons

inconnence products

daily living aids products

SALES - SERVICE - RENTALS

Do you have a wee problem?

We understand andcan help with that...Workshop series

Do you want to know more about what to look for in a rest home or retirement village? Are you contemplating giving up driving and unsure of how you’ll get around? Hopefully we can help you with a series of workshops aimed at tackling some of the topics we are frequently asked about.

Supported financially by the Nelson City Council, our autumn workshop series will give you a chance to hear experts in their fields talk about issues we know you want to know more about.

It includes:

Life Without A Car – Wednesday 11th March, 1.30 to 2.30pm Ernest Rutherford, Stoke. This will look at the various options open to you once you hand over your driver’s licence – a time that can be very stressful for many. Our speaker will talk about when is best to stop driving and give advice on coping with the change in your life.

Retirement Villages – Wednesday 15th April, 1.30 to 3pm, venue tbc. John Collyns, Executive Director of the Retirement Villages Assocation, will give a wide-ranging talk on issues such as: the types of tenure available and how they work; what it costs compared to freehold properties, weekly fees, etc.; why choose a RVA member village; consumer protection in retirement villages, and more.

Enduring Power of Attorney and Advance Care Planning – Wednesday 6th May, venue tbc. Dallas Woods, Senior Law and second speaker, tbc. Find out about what enduring power of attorney is, how to set one up and the pros and cons of having one.

1. The Atlantic Ocean is one of the world’s five main oceans. Can you name the other four?

2. Which is the youngest American city?a. Killeen, TXb. Jacksonville, NCc. Paramount, CAd. Layton, UT

3. The Nile River is the longest river in the world (at 4,160 miles). Which one’s the next longest?a. Yangtze Riverb. Congo Riverc. Amazon Riverd. Hunang He

4. What is the 10th most spoken language worldwide?a. Germanb. Bengalic. Russiand. Portuguese

5. What do Grenada and Costa Rica have in common?a. They have no armyb. They sit on the Equatorc. Voted world’s best place to lived. Countries with the least crime

6. Vancouver has the SkyTrain, London has the London Underground. What’s the name of Hong Kong’s metro system?a. Metrorailb. RTA Rapid Transitc. Docklands Light Railwayd. MTR

Geography QuizSee Pg 15 for answers

7. Ouagadougou is the capital city of which African country?a. Chadb. Burkina Fasoc. Eritread. Djibouti

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Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

Page 8 Page 9

Volunteering can enrich livesThere’s not many people who can claim to have lived in the same house for nearly 80 years . . . but Nelson’s Allan Ricketts can. The animated and engaging great-grandfather lives by himself in the house he had built in 1939, and went on to raise his three sons there.

Allan turned 99 in early January – the date is contentious as his mother says he was born on the 4th of January, yet his official birth certificate has it 3 days later! Allan celebrates it on the day his mother said.

Having served in the Second World War with the Royal British Air Force in England, and then Egypt, he has many stories and recollections of his wartime effort.

Allan has recently become a member of Age Concern Nelson Tasman and has been matched up with a visitor as part of our Accredited Visiting Service – a well-received service that matches up volunteer visitors with elderly people in their homes.

He’s now getting weekly visits from a new volunteer Jackie Robinson, who lives near Allan and wanted to give something back to the community.

‘I’m a single mum and I wanted to find some work. I haven’t worked with the elderly and thought this would be a good way to get some experience. I like hearing all Allan’s stories and about his life – I think people often forget about older people and that’s a real shame.’

Age Concern Nelson Tasman’s Accredited Visiting Service aims to reduce loneliness and isolation by providing trained volunteer visitors to the people who

are in most need of some good company. Chronic loneliness is a growing problem for older New Zealanders and research shows that it can be as detrimental to health as smoking.

Locally we have over 80 volunteers covering the region, from Nelson to Motueka and Golden Bay. They come from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experience, and cover a broad age range. Compatibility is taken into account when introducing volunteers and many matches turn into friendships which last for years.

We’re looking for more to meet our growing demand in the Nelson and Richmond areas. If you think you fit the bill and are happy to give up an hour a week to visit someone, then we’d love to hear from you. Full training and support is given.

For more information, please call Susan Arrowsmith on 03 544 7624 or email her at: ageconcern.nelson2@clear.net.nz.

Life TubesThese handy little plastic tubes are much more useful than they might first appear....Life Tubes are the perfect solution to helping emergency services find out information should something happen to you at home, or you’re unable to communicate.

The Life Tubes are small plastic cylinders with a medical and information sheet inside. You simply fill out all your details (it covers things such as health conditions, medications, allergies, medical alarm providers, emergency contacts, etc.) and then pop it into your fridge. There’s a red sticker provided, which you stick onto the outside of your fridge. In the event of an emergency the red sticker alerts the police, fire or ambulance services to that fact that vital information is kept inside.

Age Concern Nelson Tasman keeps a supply of these in our Richmond offices and sells them for $6 each. If you’d like one please pop in to see us at 62 Oxford Street and get your Life Tube now.

Superannuation Rates Make sure you know your eligibility

The following are the standard rates of NZ Super from 1 April 2014 after tax has been deducted at rate ‘M’.

Page 1 of 1

Heading: Superannuation Rates

Subhead: Make sure you know your eligibility

Accompanying images

Superannuation Rates

The following are the standard rates of NZ Super from 1 April 2014 after tax has been deducted at rate ‘M’.

Qualifying as Net weekly rate Net annual rate Single – living alone $366.94 $19,080.88 Single – sharing $388.71 $17,612.92 Married, civil union or de facto couple: One partner qualifies and the other is not included)

$282.26 $14,677.52

Married, civil union or de facto couple: Both partners qualify

$282.26 each $564.52 jointly

$14,677.52 each $29,355.04 jointly

Married, civil union or de facto couple: One partner qualifies and the other is included*

$536.54 $27,900.08

*If you have a partner who doesn’t already qualify for their own NZ Super, you can choose to include them in your payments. If you do this you could both get paid but any other income either of you earn could affect how much you get. If your payments started before October 1991, you may get more than the amount shown above.

For help working out the best option, contact Work and Income on 0800 552 002.

NZ Super is taxed before you get it, but you still need to pay tax on any other income you get. If you do have other income or receive an overseas pension, talk to Inland Revenue about your tax rate so you don’t get a tax bill at the end of the year.

*If you have a partner who doesn’t already qualify for their own NZ Super, you can choose to include them in your payments. If you do this you could both get paid but any other income either of you earn could affect how much you get. If your payments started before October 1991, you may get more than the amount shown above.

For help working out the best option, contact Work and Income on 0800 552 002.

NZ Super is taxed before you get it, but you still need to pay tax on any other income you get. If you do have other income or receive an overseas pension, talk to Inland Revenue about your tax rate so you don’t get a tax bill at the end of the year.

Slow DownOne day a policeman stopped a motorist who had just gone through a four-way stop sign. He was about to give him a ticket when the motorist said: ‘Officer, you can’t give me a ticket for that!’‘Why not?’ asked the officer.‘Although I didn’t stop, I slowed right down and it’s almost the same.’‘But you didn’t stop,’ replied the officer, ‘and the sign says STOP.’‘But the way was clear and it was safe,’ replied the motorist.The officer then pulled out his baton and started hitting the motorist’s fender.‘What are you doing?!’ yelled the motorist in surprise.‘I’m hitting your fender,’ the officer calmly replied. ‘Do you want me to slow down or stop?’

Hang in There, WilliamA woman in a supermarket is behind a grandfather and his badly behaved 3 year-old grandson. It’s

obvious to her that the man had his hands full with the child screaming his head off for sweets in the sweet aisle, biscuits in the biscuit aisle, and fruit, cereal and drinks in the other aisles. Meanwhile, the grandfather is working his way around, saying in a quiet, reassuring voice, ‘Easy, William, we won’t be long. Easy, boy…easy.’ Another tantrum, and she hears the grandfather calmly say, ‘It’s okay, William, just a couple more minutes and we’ll be out of here. Hang in there, boy…hang in there.’ Impressed, the woman goes up to the grandfather in the car park as he is loading his groceries and the child into the car. She said to him, ‘Sir, I think you are truly amazing. I don’t know how you did it. You kept your composure all the time, no matter how loud and disruptive your little grandson got. You just calmly kept saying things would be okay. I think little William is very lucky to have you as his grandfather.’‘Thanks, lady,’ replied the old man, ‘but I’m William. This little rascal’s name is Kevin.’

Source: www.grownups.co.nz

Joke Corner

Allan Ricketts and his visitor Jackie Robinson pictured at his Emano Street home

Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

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The reality of acting as guarantorIf you are considering guaranteeing other people’s finances, ask yourself: are you able to pay if things go wrong?

It is common for older people to be asked to be a credit contract guarantor for a family member, usually a child or grandchild. When you sign a form to be a guarantor you are doing much more than just witnessing a document or providing a character reference. In fact you are agreeing to repay the mortgage/loan/hire purchase of the borrower if they cannot or will not repay their debt.Similarly, older people are sometimes asked to be guarantor for telephone or electricity accounts or asked to have a connection for another family member put under their name. If the person you are guaranteeing defaults on the payments, you will have to pay even if you can’t afford to.

Questions you should ask yourself

• Why are you being asked to be a guarantor?• Are you being coerced or emotionally blackmailed? (For example, do you feel obliged to help out family, even if you know there is a high risk they can’t/’won’t pay?)• Why is a guarantor required – is there a bad credit history?• Is the borrower realistic about the repayments – can they afford them even if things go wrong? (For example, what happens if they lose their job?)

• How mature and responsible is the borrower?• Is the loan for a need or a want?• Is the loan for a new business? (Many new businesses don’t succeed).• Is the loan for an existing business? (If the business is viable, there should be enough capital in the business to secure a loan without a guarantor.)• Can you afford to pay any default on the part of the borrower?

The reality of acting as guarantor

• If you act as guarantor for a phone or power connection, you will have to pay any large toll or service accounts that the person you are acting for can’t/won’t pay.• If you are acting as guarantor for a bank loan, it is common that the amount guaranteed is unlimited and includes future borrowings (e.g. extra interest on an overdraft). If the borrower defaults, the bank can demand repayment from the guarantor and does lnot have to exhaust other remedies first.• As well as having to pay the amount borrowed, you will also be responsible for debt recovery costs.• Anything you list as a security can be taken and sold to pay the debt. This could even include your home if you use it as security.

A good rule of thumb is: only act as guarantor if you can write a cheque for the amount you are guaranteeing at the time you are asked to act as guarantor.

Taking action when things go wrong

If you have signed an unwise guarantee it’s important to get legal advice immediately as there may be legal remedies available. Your local Community Law office can help with this. The lender must also keep guarantors informed about problems with the mortgage/loan/hire purchase repayments so it’s vital to act quickly before matters come to a head.

(Source: www.ageconcern.org.nz)

Selenium and your HealthWhy do we need selenium?Selenium is an essential nutrient for humans. It is a mineral that works as an antioxidant in the body. Antioxidants can help to keep you healthy by preventing damage to your cells.

Selenium keeps your immune system and thyroid working well. Selenium can also help to regulate blood pressure. It may help to protect against the development of some types of cancers and chronic diseases, but this is still being researched.

The amount of selenium in the soil affects how much selenium is in the food grown in that area. In New Zealand, our soil is fairly low in selenium, and therefore locally grown foods are also lower in selenium.

Each of the foods below contain about 30 – 40 micrograms of selenium, which is half of your daily selenium requirements:

• 1 Brazil nut• ½ - 1 tin of tuna or sardines• ¼ hoki fillet• 1 medium cod or salmon fillet• 1 – 2 oysters• 2 eggs • 60g liver• 1 ½ cups beans or lentils

Good sources of selenium include seafood, liver, imported legumes (beans and lentils) and nuts (particularly Brazil nuts). New Zealanders get most of their selenium from meat, eggs, milk products and bread. Eating a varied diet and choosing foods rich in selenium should meet the daily selenium needs of

most people.

Be careful not to over-consume Brazil nuts. Since these are very high in selenium, limit your intake to a few Brazil nuts per day to avoid selenium toxicity. As with many nutrients, more is not necessarily better. Too much selenium can be harmful to your body. Only take selenium supplements if advised by your doctor or dietitian.

By Jasna Robinson-Wright, Project Dietitian, Healthy Eating Healthy Ageing

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HOSPITAL • REST HOME

It’s all about peace of mind

We proudly offer:• Ground floor rooms• Garden view outlook• Qualified, experienced staff• Open ended vising hours• Registered Nurses on site 24hours a day• Hairdresser/Podiatry/Physiotherapist• Diean approved meals and special diets

• Divisional therapy• Sky TV• Regular happy hour• Pet friendly

Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

Page 12 Page 13

NOW IN STOKEMeet Dallas Woods - Specialising in Senior Law

No charge for first 30 minute appointment30 years legal experience. Committed to assistingthe Nelson senior community

SeniorLAWDallas Woods LLB - Solicitor

Ph 547 3366 E: dallas@senlaw.co.nzStoke Central Mall (next to Professionals)Cnr Main Rd Stoke & Songer St

• Raises energy levels• Improves sleep

Local Tai Chi instructor Anne-Marie Fowke-Stayner agrees that it is a great way for older people to do some gentle exercise and socialise at the same time.

‘It can help with so many things, such as flexibility, joint mobility, balance and posture. It can make you more aware of where you are putting your feet, which can help balance, and which is important to reducing your risk of a fall.

‘It also helps with reducing stress, anxiety and has also been shown to reduce blood pressure. It also gives you a slight cardiovascular workout but because it’s so slow and gentle you don’t feel like you’re doing a workout,’ says Anne-Marie.

There are many options if you’re interested in doing Tai Chi in Nelson. Anne Marie leads a class every Thursday morning at Saxton Stadium, between 10 and 11am, and she says you don’t have to exercise for the full hour.

The Taoist Tai Chi Society in Nelson is based at Muritai Street, Tahunanui. They’re running a series of outdoor classes on Mondays in February/March as follows: 23rd Feb, Miyazu Gardens; 2nd March, Queens Gardens; 9th March, Isel Park (Isel House); 16th March, Tahunanui (opposite playground, Hounsell circle); 23rd March, Maitai Reserve (Branford Park). They can be contacted on 545 8375, or at nelson@taoist.org.

Gretchen runs Tai Chi classes in Nelson, Richmond and Stoke. Call her on 03 548 8707, or email: kitesfun@ihug.co.nz.

In Golden Bay, there are Tai Chi for Arthritis classes – contact Ann on 03 525 8437.

Tai Chi – a gentle exerciseResearch shows the benefits for elderly

Tai Chi is an ancient healing art that has been used for centuries to help promote the flow of energy throughout the body. It is a practice that relies on the mind-body connection to help create a healthy balance and improve overall health.

Research and studies have shown that because Tai Chi is a series of slow, relaxed movements and is non-strenuous, it is a particularly beneficial exercise for the elderly, and can be done by people with physical limitations.

Tai Chi movements help encourage proper posture and rely on constant gentle movements that force the individual to concentrate and breathe deeply, two important techniques that are often overlooked in the elderly community.

Some of the benefits of Tai Chi include:

• Relieving pain• Fights depression• Eases arthritis discomfort• Promotes deep breathing• Lowers blood pressure• Improves mental clarity • Improves balance• Strengthens lower body

Which age group are the safest drivers? If you guess that it’s our older drivers, then you’d be right. Statistically, learner drivers are actually the least likely to be involved in an accident, but for those who have passed their test, it’s the 65+ age group who drive conservatively, do less mileage and do not deliberately drive unsafely.

However, the key difference between senior road users and other age groups is that older drivers are more fragile – they injure more easily and take longer to recover. If they are injured in a car crash, the

Keeping our older drivers safe on the road

expected hospital stay is twice that of a younger person and they are 3.5 times more likely to suffer serious injuries in a crash.

Age Concern Nelson Tasman advocates positive ageing for all older people in the region...and keeping them safe on the roads is an important part of that.

We regularly run Staying Safe driving courses and CarFit clinics – both free of charge – in the Nelson Tasman area.

Staying Safe This is a classroom-style presentation that is led by former traffic policeman and driving instructor Garry Dunn. He talks through road rules on intersections, giving way, roundabouts, motorway and open driving. With his extensive local road knowledge he’s able to answer the many queries people have about certain roads or tricky intersections in the region.

CarFit Modern cars have a lot of adjustable features for comfort and safety but drivers often don’t know how to use them. A CarFit check takes about 20 minutes with trained community volunteers and an

Occupational Therapist who show the drivers how to ‘fit’ their vehicle properly for maximum comfort and safety. They look at things like adjusting the seat for the best field of vision, and steering wheel and seatbelts to be comfortable and safe.

Age Concern will be running both Staying Safe and CarFit in 2015. To find out more contact Caroline on 03 544 7624 or email: ageconcern.nelson3@clear.net.nz

PERSONALISED CARE IN THE HOME

0800 323 717info@thegoodcompanion.co.nzwww.thegoodcompanion.co.nz

a Companionshipa Post hospital discharge carea Outings, shopping and appointmentsa Night time support (sleepovers)a Personal carea Live in care - short or long term

Companionship focused care ranging from two hours a week to daily support

We provide care and companionship to senior clients, enabling them to retain their quality of life, be it at home, in a retirement village, or in a rest home.

Weekend Support Care Package $299 including - overnight plus 3 hours dailyAdditional overnights can be added at $139Additional care hours at $25All amounts are ex GST

At The Good Companion we provide professional, personal home care and companionship for elderly, disabled and convalescing people who wish to continue living in their own homes.

We know that if you live a long way from your elderly or sick relatives, have a young family of your own or a heavy workload it is often extremely difficult to provide them with the care and attention they require during the working week.

We provide a trained Companion to accompany and support your older family member in their day to day activities either at home or at their retirement village. This may include transport and assistance to attend hospital or specialist appointments, outings or activities, or simply a friendly visit.

“The Good Companion has provided care for my Mum since July 2010. The Companions who look after her on a 24 hour basis fully understand her needs. They are also a source of company for my Mum and take her out for shopping and social activities. This has enabled her to continue to remain in her own home.” S Phillips, Mar 2014

Our services enable your senior family member to continue living independently, with the kind of care and support you would like to provide yourself.

Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

Page 14 Page 15

Knitted poppy appeal takes offAn amazing project to make over 100,000 knitted poppies is gathering momentum around the country.

As part of the 100th anniversary of the Anzacs landing at Gallipoli, a display of 5000 red knitted, crocheted and felted poppies is being put on at the Air Force Museum in Christchurch.

Each poppy represents a servicemen who fought and died at Gallipoli during the Great War.

However, as thousands of poppies from around New Zealand began flooding in, and the initial 5000 was quickly passed, organisers decided to increase it to

10,000 . . . then 18,500 . . . and it’s now raised to 100,000 plus!

The overwhelming response to this project has meant the final art installation will be much bigger than originally planned, and so they’re fundraising to cover the costs of materials, transport, storage, insurance and meeting guidelines.

If you’d like to help out and become part of the project, you can call 09 820 8234 or go to 5000poppies.wordpress.com for patterns, or 5000 Poppies NZ facebook page for inspiration.

Poppies can be sent to Lisa Wallace, 22/i Mead Street, Avondale, 1026, Auckland.

The amazing summer we’re having here in Nelson can often mean we don’t want to eat heavy foods – simple salads and light meals are a great way to eat well during hot, sticky days.

Here’s a couple of recipes from the Cooking for Older People cookbook that’s available from Age Concern Nelson Tasman, and has lots of great tips and ideas for meals for one or two people.

Bean SaladIngredients1 x 425g can 4-bean mix, drained1 x 410g can whole kernel corn, drained3 tablespoons mint, chopped3 spring onions, thinly sliced¼ cucumber, diced2 tomatoes, or 8 cherry tomatoes, sliced1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional)

Dressing2 tablespoons lemon juice2 teaspoons sesame or other oil1 teaspoon sugar½ teaspoon minced garlic½ teaspoon salt

Method1. Place all salad ingredients in a bowl.2. Put all dressing ingredients in a screw top jar and shake well3. Mix salad and dressing and serveColeslawChoose white or red cabbage, finely sliced, and at least three of the following ingredients:• Grated carrot• Apple, chopped or grated

(sprinkle with lemon juice to stop going brown)• Kiwi fruit, peeled and chopped• Pineapple pieces• Celery, chopped• Red or green pepper, de-seeded and chopped• Parsley, chopped• Raisins or sultanas

Method1. Wash cabbage.2. Place all ingredients in a bowl.3. Add mayonnaise and mix together until coleslaw is coated well.

RECIPE CORNER

WIN a double pass to the Memories Are Made of This show by simply filling in the details below and posting to Pukeko Print & Design, 927 Cameron Road, Gate Pa, Tauranga, to go into the drawName___________________________Phone Number__________________Alternatively email your details to: nicole@pukekoprint.co.nz and quote ACN 1/15

We celebrate melody and memories with timeless classics we know and love, as well as famous war songs that commemorate the centenary of Anzac and 70 years since the end of the Second World War.

Concert in Nelson6th March 2015, 11am

P: 0508 266 237 (toll free) E: bookings@operatunity.co.nz W: www.daytimeconcerts.co.nz

1. Pacific Ocean-Indian Ocean-Southern Ocean-Arctic Ocean / 2. b. Jacksonville, NC (22.8 years old) / 3. c. Amazon River (4,049 miles long) / 4. a. German / 5. a. They have no army / 6. d. MTR / 7. b. Burkina Faso

Geography Quiz Answers

Get active this summer with a number of Free programmes on Nelson’s beaches, parks and reserves. The Nelson Summer programmes has something for everyone including Tai Chi classes, Outdoor body balance and Aqua aerobics. If this sounds like you, grab a friend and join in the fun. For a complete timetable of events and locations check out http://www.clmnz.co.nz/riverside/events/ for more info

Serving the needs of older peopleNelson Tasman

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BUPA IN NELSONBupa’s purpose is to enable people to live longer, healthier, happier lives. We do this by providing a broad range of healthcare services, support and advice to people of all ages.

0800 60 80 99 www.bupa.co.nz

Care Homes

Care is at the heart of everything we do; at each care home we develop individual care plans and tailor activities to suit. Understanding what you need is really important, so that we can make sure your care is personalised and you live the best life possible. Your enjoyment each day is our main focus – we make sure you can live ‘your day, your way’. We would love to have the opportunity to talk to you, so contact the care home in your community below:

Flaxmore Care Home8 Clifford Avenue, Nelson - (03) 546 9324

Medical Alarms

Bupa medical alarms are designed to keep people as safe and independent as possible. Caregivers and families can relax, secure in the knowledge that they will be alerted immediately, if something happens. Each person’s situation is different, so for more information call us on 0800 60 80 99

Retirement Villages

Residents enjoy living in our retirement villages because they offer home comforts, a sense of community and everything is tailored to suit. If you are thinking of moving to relax and feel safe, but still want an independent lifestyle, our villages are just the answer. For more information call us on 0800 60 80 99

Bupa Care Services

We are the largest residential aged care provider in New Zealand, providing care to over 4,200 people in over 60 care homes, 30 retirement villages and 7 rehabilitation sites. We also have over 10,000 medical alarms customers and 24 dental clinics. Bupa has no shareholders so we invest all our profits to provide better healthcare to our customers. We specialise in dementia care and provide around one third of New Zealand’s specialist dementia beds.

Bupa Care Services New Zealand

• Care Homes • Retirement Villages • Medical Alarms • Rehabilitation