Age LinkSUMMER 2016

Age Concern WhangareiAge Concern Whangarei09 438 8043

‘Working together to promote quality of lifefor older people and those who care for them.’

16 Manse St, Whangarei

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The Pros and Cons of Gifting to Your Family – PART 2In my previous article, I explained how many parents are helping their families get into a home by providing money. I said that in the next few articles I would set out some pros and cons of the ways to hand the cash over. Today I want to cover the pros and cons of gifting.First of all, there is a benefit to children in that money becomes their property immediately. Nothing owed to the parents. This can be important when trying to obtain finance from banks as many banks will insist that there are no other loans (they want to get everything if problems arise with repayment). I know many parents who have wanted to loan, but banks have insisted on seeing statements saying the money is a gift. The downside of that is that parents who want to lend money may end up with written statements saying that they have made a gift. If that is the case it will be almost impossible for them to later say that the money was a loan and get repaid. So this is a big ‘con’ for those parents.There can be benefit for parents in gifting if the gift is completed early enough so that WINZ deprivation issues are avoided. That is, provided the money is gifted to the children well before the parents need to be assessed (I’m talking many years ahead here), then the gifting can be permitted and the parents may qualify for rest home subsidies sooner and avoid paying privately. (Note: the laws about Work & Income gifting and deprivation can change so please take professional advice before acting). The reverse of that, and possibly the biggest con for parents, is that if the gifting is not completed far enough in advance WINZ can treat it as deprivation. When this happens WINZ will assess the parents as

if they still have the money - even though they have no access to get them back (because it’s a gift not a loan). This is a serious problem, regarding care as people are forced to privately pay for their care (significant cost) on the basis that they ‘have assets’ when in fact they don’t have the assets. One important con for the child who has received the gift is that if the gift is used for the family home, (or cars, furniture etc), then it can be lost in a breakup. So a child who has received a ‘leg up’ from a parent to get into a house, could lose that leg up and end up paying half to her or his spouse if they break up. The parents will have already provided the ‘early inheritance’ so will not be in a position to give more, and the child may not have enough to buy again. This can be avoided with the parents recording the payment as a loan, or by the parents insisting on the spouses signing an agreement. Another con for the parents is that IF there is a separation they may be dragged into this and may end up having to be involved in a Court case. This is very stressful for all involved and can be avoided with documentation, which I will cover in a future article. But in my next article I will discuss the pros and cons of lending.

Graham Day is a lawyer with Law North Limited in Kerikeri. He is a member of the Whangarei Age Concern board, as well as its Honorary solicitor. He is also Honorary solicitor for Age Concern Mid North (Kerikeri, Kaikohe, Paihia,

Kaeo). Graham can be contacted at work on (09) 407 7099 or by email Graham@Lawnorth.co.nz

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Brighten up your festive season!It’s unbelievable to think that yet another year is drawing to a close. As the warm Spring days are gradually lengthening and the sun is becoming stronger and higher in the sky, the festive season is fast approaching, with lights twinkling and baubles shining.

For many, Christmas is a time of family togetherness, the sharing of meals, relaxing together over a holiday break, youngsters playing whilst the adults watch on. Backyard cricket, bbq’s, afternoon siestas, road trips and long days at the beach, catching the one that got away, camping, picnics packed in chilly bins and Christmas cake with a cuppa. It’s a wonderful season and we’re so lucky to live in this beautiful country that offers such natural beauty and wonderful outdoor activities.

In contrast, the festive season can also be a time of quiet reflection, contemplation and memories for many; remembering loved ones and reminiscing of wonderful Christmases and holidays gone by.

At Driving Miss Daisy we love this time of year and want to help you remain as active and independent as possible so that you can enjoy the traditions of the season. We provide a number of different services to assist you – here are a few ideas:

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Call us today to discuss your festive season requirements. If there’s something in particular you need help with we’d be happy to talk through the options.

Whangarei East – Angela Young (09) 430 8091 021 503 262

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Orrs Unichem Pharmacy - Self-Medicating ClientsWe will supply each client with one dispenser box per year (free of charge), to place their sachet roll into, for ease of use. As each sachet is labelled with the day, date, dose time and medicine contained, it is easy to check if the correct doses are being taken on the correct day at the correct time. The follow-on nature of the sachet pack roll makes it difficult to skip a dose or take the wrong dose unintentionally.

The Sachet system makes it easier for the client to manage their medication, even when going out e.g. for lunch, the lunch time sachet can be easily taken from the roll and placed in their bag or pocket and out to lunch. The sachet packing is tailored to meet the needs of the individual.

This year has flown again - literally! This is our final Age Link for 2016. I extend my appreciation to all volunteers for their continued support and time given to Age Concern Whangarei. My congratulations to Jean Smith on her award, the nomination criteria were dedication and caring which Jean certainly has shown to us over many years of her service with Age Concern Whangarei. We are pleased to announce next year’s Calendar of

Events has a range of new topics which you will be interested to know about. We have included sessions on:• What Age Concern Whangarei Inc. has to offer to everyone - one does not need to be a member and there is no age limit. Experiencing Over 50’s Club. Counselling and Meeting Facilitation.• How to manage hard sell at the door and on the phone; How to stop junk mail and cold callers.• Consumer Rights - How and when to return goods - value of purchasing added warranty.• Managing life’s unexpected problems, Entry

President’s Note: Contracts for Residential Care Facilities and Village Lifestyle.• CPR and Using (AED’s) Community Defibrillators - practical demonstration and using AED’s Defibrillators which are available in public community places.• What you need to know about “P” testing as well as buying, selling and renting a home. Watch for this calendar which will be circulated with the Age Link early 2017. Sessions are Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am - after this time will be allowed for questions.My best wishes to you all for a safe and enjoyable end of year 2016.

Beryl

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Last month, October 18th, Paula Stack from NZ Police gave a very informative talk on burglaries and cleaning finger print powder off, reporting suspicious activity seen and pay wave cards.

This session was so helpful we are planning to include a seminar on personal security in the New Year. Please check our Calendar of Events when we send out our next issue of the Age Link so that you don’t miss out on this talk.

In light of the closing of some of our banks (WestPac Kamo just closed) you may now find that you need to carry cash in your handbag. You can reduce the risk of your handbag or briefcase being snatched by:• Hold your handbag firmly at all times. Carry it so it cant be snatched from behind or grabbed by a person in a passing car.• In a vehicle, keep your car doors locked and your handbag out of sight.

Personal Security • Shopping - Never leave your handbag unattended in the trolley while shopping or loading shopping into your car.• Away from home - leaving a handbag in locked hotel or motel room doesn’t guarantee security. Put your valuables in a safe or carry your valuables with you.• See the Neighbourhood Support site online for more information www.ns.org.nz

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Hello everyone, hope this finds you all well and enjoying the start of summer. I thought I would share with you the experiences that I have encountered with my dad going into North Shore Hospital. He was admitted with two broken ribs and I was told that he would probably need respite care upon leaving the hospital before going back to his retirement village, where he lives alone.

As I write this article he has now been in for 5 weeks and has deteriorated to such a point that he is incoherent, unaware that he is even in hospital and on a full time oxygen pump. The family are now in the situation of making plans that involve selling his unit, moving him to a hospital care rest home and taking over his health and financial matters.

Luckily for us he signed a Power of Attorney agreement form 8 years ago that enables us to have this put in place. Unfortunately he has not left any details about his bank, power provider, telephone company etc., this makes for a lot of calls and running around.

The reason I’m sharing this personal experience with you is that I’ve come to realise how important it is to have all these details written down before an emergency arises.Having POA in place for such a situation, when you are unable to let people know the facts and your wishes yourself, will prove invaluable.All it may take is a talk with your family and to let them know where you will keep all relevant documents. This could make things so much easier and it would ensure that they knew for sure what it is that you would want for yourself. On a lighter note I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the festive season and a Happy New Year.

Sharon MacLeod AVS Co-ordinator

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Many problems affect our eyes as we grow older. Cataracts, Glaucoma, Macular Disease and Dry Eyes are all more common as we get older, and it is vital to know what to look out for. www.savesightsociety.org.nzCataract Symptoms: Blurry and decreased vision, halos around lights, difficulty with night driving. www.bit.do/EyeCentreGlaucoma: There are no symptoms until it is very bad, by which time the damage is done. It affects our peripheral vision. www.glaucoma.org.nzMacular Degeneration: Symptoms include difficulty reading, seeing faces, and blurry central vision, straight lines do not look straight. If you notice sudden distortion in your vision, you should have an ophthalmic assessment immediately. www.mdnz.co.nzDry Eyes: Symptoms vary from stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes. Crusting or mucus in or around your eyes. Red eyes, sensitivity to light,

In the Eye of the Beholder difficulty wearing contact lenses, watery eyes, and variations in vision. Ectropion: An outwardly turned or sagging lower eyelid. The sagging lower eyelid leaves the eye exposed and dry, and as a result, excessive watering is common with ectropion. If it is not treated, the condition can lead to crusting of the eyelid, mucous discharge, and irritation of the eye. A serious inflammation could result in damage to the eye. Ectropion can affect one or both of the lower eyelids. It can be fixed with surgery or kept comfortable with medical treatment.Entropion: Refers to a condition in which your eyelid rotates inward. Your eyelashes rub against your eye and cause redness, irritation, and abrasions on the cornea of your eye. Entropion is a common condition among the elderly. The lower eyelid is most often affected, and it can occur in one or both eyes. Treatment involves a relatively simple surgery that takes 30 minutes to correct.

Many of the diseases which affect the eye as we get older are treatable if caught early enough.

…please check your Over 70’s + free parking ticket for its expiry date; they do need renewing. You just need to pop in to the Whangarei District Council to ask for a renewal. If you have any form of mobility issue which prevents you from getting to where you need, please contact me as I can set you up for Total Mobility - the subsidised taxi scheme, if you meet the criteria. I can do this for either short or long term periods…you may be awaiting surgery so I can help until you are able to drive again. Call me to discuss on the phone; I will ask you all sorts of questions to ensure you meet the criteria as I’m keen for you to gain this form of independence. If you need Disability parking, i.e. you need to park in a designated wheelchair park because of mobility issues and you drive or are being driven, you will need to see your doctor to arrange this. Please return ALL your old used taxi voucher books to Age Concern Whangarei; it is a requirement if you are on the scheme. If we cannot find where you now live, you will be discontinued from the scheme so remember to inform us if you move address or have changed your phone number. If you have lost your ID card or book, the taxis will NOT give you a subsidised ride - you need to contact me. Any other form of ID photo is not accepted, you need the Total Mobility card for ID. And please remember to get another Voucher book before we close for Christmas and New Year if you are low on tickets. Thank you!

Betty

Just a Transport reminder for you

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Yes, the “W Warblers” are getting ready again to sing some Christmas Carols! They will arrive at Age Concern Whangarei on Saturday 10th December at 10.45am or so. Come along to listen to them sing! One listener last year even wrote to the paper about how

much they appreciated the singing and commented many missed out hearing them. Another videoed and put it on You Tube.

For many older drivers, having to re-sit their driver’s license can be a daunting prospect. Many get nervous and fearful of losing their license. But since August, AA is offering free coaching sessions to AA members who are 80 years old and over to update their driving skills and knowledge. It’s a confidential session where mistakes and confusions can be cleared up without the fear of being tested. To join AA it is $79 and you can then take advantage of this offer.

If you’re alone at Christmas and are feeling overwhelmed, perhaps you could do something. If you’re too late to help out, there are always the smaller ways to directly help the people around you. Calling on a neighbour or starting a conversation with a stranger could be just the thing both of you need on Christmas Day. Volunteer at a church or hospital to help make other people’s Christmas special. This will allow you to be around others and to be helping. It’s

Betty Smith: Field Worker nigh on impossible to feel lonely when you’re helping others and it can help put your own situation into perspective.

Here is a simple cheap idea to decorate your Christmas table; just use red and white or green pipe cleaners twisted to form a letter of the name of your guest! Go to this website for more information. https://nz.pinterest.com/pin/162340761547822584/

Prescription Subsidy CardAre you getting the right information on prescription subsidies? If you have paid for 20 new prescription medicine items as a family in a year you qualify and will not have to pay the $5 prescription charge. If you only use one pharmacy, that pharmacy will keep a prescription count and issue a card as soon as 20 items are reached.

Are you aware that if you have an appointment at the Whangarei hospital of any nature or a visit to ED, your parking ticket can be negated? It is free to park in the car parks for the first hour but a charge applies after that. Take a ticket from the dispensing machine when you drive in and if you have been 1 hour or more at your appointment, present your parking ticket to the Security Guard at the entrance desk on Ground Floor and show your appointment letter and you will get your ticket invalidated so you do not have to pay. If you forget to bring your appointment letter, the Security Guard will verify your appointment by computer. This does not apply if you are a visiting someone in the hospital; you will need to pay for parking after one hour.

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at your car’s fuel gauge and wondered why there was a little arrow next to the fuel pump symbol? The arrow is there to let drivers know which side of the car their fuel cap is on.

Did you know these facts found on the internet • A human blood cell takes about 60 seconds to make a full tour in your body.• You’re half a banana. 50 % of a banana’s DNA is the same as ours.• For a very short time, you were once the youngest person in the world!• In 2006 someone tried to sell New Zealand on eBay. The price got up to $3,000 before eBay shut it down.

Are you aware that “Smart” or “advanced” meters are not compulsory in New Zealand, even though some representatives of and/or electricity companies’ contractors have been apparently telling customers that it is compulsory to have a “smart” meter. Most of the time, the person who pays the

bill for a house or business will receive a letter from their electricity company advising them that the electricity will be “upgraded” to a “smart” or “advanced” meter. Smart meters can be installed without advance notice. However, reports received by www.stopsmartmeters.org.nz indicate that electricity companies may not always send letters, and at least one company has installed “smart meters” without notifying the bill payer or the property owner. For these reasons, people who do not want a “smart” meter to be installed at their home or business have been taking the following steps: 1) Putting a lock on the meter box. *2) Putting a sign on the meter box stating that the property owner or tenant has refused permission for a “smart meter” to be installed. Keep the notice in place even if your electricity company has agreed not to install a smart meter in case of communications problem that means the your home/business has not been removed from the installation list. 3) Informing the electricity company by registered mail or by email that they will not accept a

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Home Maintenance Service With Christmas holidays looming, here’s a few things to consider before you go away: these facts have been taken from the internet so you can be informed.

• Tell your neighbour when and where you’re going and give them a contact number.• Cancel the paper etc. You can put your mail on hold for free at the Post Office if you have a Gold card.• Put a lamp on a timer, curtains open, blinds up. Turn telephone ringer sound down, lock all doors, close all windows.

Guard your keys. Don’t have personal details on your keys (such as your name, phone number or address). Don’t leave house keys with your car keys when your car is being serviced. Don’t invite burglars in - never leave notes on a door stating that you’re out. When you go away, make sure your home looks ‘lived in’.

Sensor lights are an excellent security device because they light up automatically if somebody moves nearby. They also provide light for you if you return home late at night. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed so they don’t provide hiding places for burglars.

The NZ Police say a few simple steps can make a big difference to keeping your property safe over the holidays.

Always lock up. Burglars often enter through unlocked doors and windows.

Lock the door, even if you’re in the back garden, having a rest or doing something that needs a lot

Robert’s Handy Tips “smart meter”. It is prudent to keep all copies of correspondence with your electricity company in a safe place in case you need it later. *NB: If the electricity meter is indoors, you and your family (or tenants or staff) may need to refuse entry if a technician comes to replace the meter. Please also note that some companies’ terms and conditions prohibit any action that restricts access to a meter such as locking the box; you may want to check your company’s terms and conditions. Please contact your electricity supplier for more information as there may be additional information you need to be aware of before you make your decision.

Because I am kept very busy, appointments are appreciated because I may not be able to spend time with you if you just drop in wanting to see me. So please be aware I may just make an appointment with you for a future date at that particular time.

Here is something useful you might like to know. https://geticecard.com/In case of emergency (ICE) is a program that enables first responders, such as paramedics, fire-fighters, and police officers, as well as hospital personnel, to contact the next of kin to obtain important medical or support information. You can keep it in your purse or wallet. Whilst credit and ID cards have your name, more information is often needed in an emergency. Having all the essential information accessible on one card could help medical responders provide the best help and care, and to contact your next of kin promptly. Information about medications and allergies facilitates making fast decisions about treatments. And, especially in the case of heavy blood loss, it is important for emergency staff to know your

blood type. We don’t all have perfect handwriting. The ICE card with its printed text overcomes this issue. Fill in the form online and it will be converted into your own printable PDF file. Simply cut out the card, and put it into your wallet. If you do not know or remember your blood type, don’t worry, you are not alone. You can just select the question mark. If you have any allergies, chronic conditions or medications, you can type those under health information. This information is not shared online at all. For those who do not have internet, I am happy to print it out for you so you can pop it in your wallet.

Did you know that Age Concern Whangarei has a representative that attends the Positive Ageing Advisory Group meetings? These meetings are held monthly by the Whangarei District Council (WDC). The purpose of the group is to promote the wellbeing of the Older Person and to connect the WDC into the Positive Ageing sector by providing direction and advice regarding ongoing and new initiative projects in the district from the perspective of the Older Person. It builds the WDC’s knowledge of the needs of the Older Person and our representative advises how this can best be done. Interaction with WDC betters understanding on how local government works and helps make Whangarei District attractive to the ageing population by providing a voice from a part of the community focused on the ageing population. You are welcome to inform us if there is an issue in the community that the WDC need to be aware of and if appropriate, it will be conveyed at this meeting.

Betty

of concentration, such as reading, sewing or on the computer. It may be difficult to hear people when you’re concentrating.

Tools and ladders could be used by burglars to break in, so locking garden sheds and your garage can reduce the chances of a burglary.

Inspector Paula Holt, the NZ Police’s Manager Community Services, says one of the best things you can do to make your home safer is to know your neighbours.

“Exchange contact details, discuss your crime and safety concerns and decide what you would do in an emergency. Let neighbours know when you’re going to be away. Swap holiday addresses and phone numbers. Let each other know if visitors or trades people will be in your house while you’re away.”

Your landline is telling the whole neighbourhood you are not home. Make your home more secure when out by turning down the volume on your phone ringer to prevent a suspicious passer-by from hearing the unanswered phone, and knowing no one is home.

These are things Burglars don’t say out loud. “It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather. Criminals know all your best hiding places and chances are they’ll check that sock draw first.”

Hiding valuables in children’s rooms, or other less likely places are known to be very effective. Take care

Robert

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Making the transition from private accommodation to a Rest Home can be difficult.Betty McNab is one who recently made the choice to move. Here are some of the reasons she made the decision to make a Rest Home her permanent residence.

Why did you feel uncomfortable in your lovely unit?Although I had friends coming and going all the time. I felt terribly lonely when they left. I do not like my own company.

Who helped you make a decision to move?It was my own desire. I started planning for the move long before I actually committed to it. When I turned 80 I brought a walker which I didn’t need at all. To my neighbour’s disgust, I had embroided my name on some of my clothes. I knew sooner or later when you get older or sick you will have to come into a home even just for respite.

What steps did you take when choosing a Rest Home?My two friends took the time to go around every home in Whangarei. Lester was the last they saw. The size of my room was good. I found out some of the care givers and a doctor are on hand all the time. It was perfect.

What things make you happy with your decisions?We couldn’t have more wonderful, supportive staff. The best meals are provided. I don’t have to wash dishes, my laundry is put out and returned the next day ready to go in my drawers. My room is set up with my own treasures so it feels like ‘my place’.

What are the Advantages over being in your unit? How do you fill in your time?I still knit, read and I love being able to help all the staff. The activities are on every day and we have our outings. Even if you’re like me and are the fussiest eater (I don’t eat uncooked dairy products), you still have nice meals. There is nothing worse than growing old and miserable. Here at Lester Heights, with all the other patients and staff, I’m certainly not miserable. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff. There are 26 staff provided here.

Life in a Rest Home So come with me and enjoy your Golden Years. Be happy and please don’t stay home in your own and say, “I’m lonely”.

Betty McNabNot everyone has the option of choosing whether or not they want to go into a Rest Home. Maata Baker is one of those. A sudden, unexpected health emergency resulted in her being rushed to hospital. Later Maata was moved into Puriri Court for nursing care. It was some weeks before she was even aware of what had transpired.How has Maata re-acted to her situation? Her response to the following questions may help you give consideration to an unforeseen health issue.

Do you feel comfortable being in a Rest Home?When I finally became aware of my surroundings I felt lost, terribly confused and puzzled about where I actually was. My daughter explained what had happened and why she had chosen this particular home for me.I have been able to come to terms with this and that my health needs are best met here. I have a lovely room at the corner of the building so have two windows, which makes the room light and airy. I realise that this is a safe place for me until I recover.

As a result of your experience is there any advice you can offer to others?I have found there is a need to speak up when necessary. For instance, all my food should always be warm before I can eat it. Staff do assist with this on the occasion that it hasn’t been heated for me. I need to avoid drafts so; if some staff aren’t aware of that I can address my concerns with them.It’s okay to let visitors know when I’m tired and they are happy to take their leave.

What things have helped you to accept your stay in the Rest Home?I realise that this is the best option for me just now so my health care can be managed.I like that I have privacy when I want it. At times I struggle to think clearly and am able to retreat to my quiet room, read my Bible and meditate on things that comfort me.I love my new short hair; I think I’ll keep it like this.I look forward to the time when I’m better and imagine the garden I’m going to plant when I leave here. I’m going to have four different varieties of

Nursing Care in a Rest Home

potatoes and can ‘see’ them growing from the starters I’ll collect from my family.

Looking to the future and better times.Maata

Many of our readers will know Maata as she has run the Garage Sale here at our premises every Thursday ever since we moved to Manse Street. That same positive, caring attitude we all loved when she was fit and well has stood her in good stead in this time of sickness. Maata asked that we say hello to you all and we know you will wish her a speedy recovery.Thank you Maata for sharing your experience with us all.

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“I’ve been putting up with driving with my seat beltacross my neck for years.”

Older drivers can take advantage of free checks at community events known as CarFit to make sure their car is correctly set up for them.

Seat belts, the driver’s seat, head restraints and steering wheels can be adjusted in many vehicles to be the right ‘fit’ for different people’s bodies.

Often drivers find they’re able to see a lot more around them with simple changes to the height of their seat and the mirrors.

It can make driving safer and more comfortable.

At a CarFit event, a team of volunteers check drivers in their own vehicles and helps them make adjustments. It take about 20 minutes for the ‘check-up’.

“Even as an old hand it’s good to switch out of autopilot to check things,” said one driver.

“It’s not that we are driving wrong but being able to drive smarter is always better.”

CarFit events are co-ordinated by local authorities and community groups like Age Concern and Lions International, with the support of the AA and the NZ Association of Occupational Therapists.

There are currently 12 communities running CarFit events in Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Whanganui, Wellington City, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Nelson, Selwyn and Hurunui. To find out more go to aa.co.nz/carfit or email carfit@aa.co.nz

Driving safely with CarFit

A CarFit volunteer making sure the driver’s set up properly for safe driving.

Help others to get this newsletterMore and more people are signing up to get the SuperSeniors newsletter emailed to them so they can keep up with news for and about older New Zealanders and the latest SuperGold Card special offers.

If you have a friend or family member who doesn’t currently get the newsletter, please share this with them and get them to subscribe now by going to: www.msdsupport.custhelp.com/app/forms/email_update

Mission StatementThe Women’s International Newcomers’ Group Social is a friendship network where we exchange traditions and knowledge, share settlement issues, build connections and create a sense of belonging in our community.

WINGS Inc. (Women’s International Newcomers’ Group Social) was established in December 2006 to bridge social isolation for newcomers and provide a welcome mat. WINGS is completely managed by the Executive Committee, the Admin Coordinator, Outreach

Mission Statement

The Women’s International Newcomers’ Group Social is a friendship network where we exchange traditions and knowledge, share settlement issues, build connections and create a sense of belonging in our community.

WINGS Inc. (Women’s International Newcomers’ Group Social) was established in December 2006 to bridge social isolation for newcomers and provide a welcome mat.

WINGS is completely managed by the Executive Committee, the Admin Coordinator, Outreach Coordinator and its members that volunteer and ‘consumers’- newcomers and migrants.

The group has members from around the globe including local kiwi women.

WINGS offers a variety of activities for all women and for their families such as beach and water safety day, treasure hunts, Friday coffee group, craft day at English Language Partners (ELP), ladies evenings, restaurant nights, Waitangi day trips, Marae visits, and much more! Our biggest event is Pamper Day. A day for women to enjoy on their own

Expats Gina Eiger from USA and Liane Blair from Canada created WINGS because they found a need to fill a gap for migrant women.

Coordinator and its members that volunteer and ‘consumers’ - newcomers and migrants.

The group has members from around the globe including local kiwi women.

WINGS offers a variety of activities for all women and for their families such as beach and water safety day, treasure hunts, Friday coffee group, craft day at English Language Partners (ELP), ladies evenings, restaurant nights, Waitangi day trips, Marae visits, and much more! Our biggest event is Pamper Day. A day for women to enjoy on their own experiencing a day of pampering from head to toe. Next Pamper Day is the 14th Oct 2017. See www.pamperday.co.nz.

We have meetings with a cultural theme each month at the Whangarei Women’s Club on the first Wed at 7pm. $4 at the door.

This year WINGS is celebrating 10 years on Sunday 27th November at the Whangarei Intermediate School 11am - 3pm with an International Potluck Lunch, music Anamcara Celtic band, Cook Island dancers, Bollywood dancing and singer Naylene Smith.

For more information contact WINGS on: Phone: (09) 430 3221 Mobile: 021 0829 0683Email: wingsnz@hotmail.com Web: www.wingsnz.org.nz and find us on Facebook.

WINGS office is located at 71 Bank Street, Room 12, Whangarei.

Expats Gina Eiger from USA and Liane Blair from Canada created WINGS because they found a need to fill a gap for migrant women.

Sometimes all you need

is a hug from the

right person and all your stress will melt away.

Get ready for summer holidays and bbqs - Care with gas!!Motorhomes and caravans• Regularly check that your gas bottle connections are secure.

• Make sure everything is turned off before you leave your van or motorhome. Risk increases if there are gas leaks and could cause an explosion.

• Poor ventilation can cause an LPG appliance to burn inefficiently and produce carbon monoxide.

Gas bottles• Store gas bottles outside and upright in a well ventilated space.

• Gas bottles should not be stored inside.

• When not in use, turn gas bottle off firmly and preferably detach the gas bottle from the bbq or patio heater.

• Do not leave gas bottles in an enclosed vehicle.

• Cracked or damaged hoses and/or regulators should be replaced and checked for blockages e.g. spiders that may have nested in them over the winter

• Never tamper with the safety valve or other gas bottle fittings

Have a great summer!

Age Concern WhangareiAge Link

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Sorting out that muddle - tips on declutteringWhy declutter?• There is less to clean, tidy and organise but more space to move

• With more space, there is less risk of falling in the home

• It will be easier if the time comes to downsize/ move house

How do I declutter?• Make a list of what you want to achieve by decluttering

• Decluttering can be physically and emotionally demanding. Get help from a friend, family members or a professional service who provide support in clearing clutter

• Focus on falls prevention. Create clear pathways free of debris, cords and rugs

• Preserve stability ‘props’ such as furniture if used to aid mobility around the house

• Set reasonable time frames or goals for areas to declutter. Start with one room and narrow it down to a corner of a room, a table, or just a section of the table. Don’t try to get it all done in one session

• Give things back to your children (you are not a storage facility), list items to sell or give away on community websites or donate to your local charitable organisation

• Dispose of all but the important papers such as tax-related documents and warranties. For each item, decide if you: keep it or get rid of it

• If it’s functional and utilised regularly then keep it

• In Japan they have a term tokimeku which means ‘to spark joy’. If an item sparks joy, then keep it. If something is neither functional nor sparks joy then get rid of it. This is the hard part - actually letting go of stuff

• Plan to sort your cluttering items into ‘give away’ ‘donate’ and ‘rubbish’ piles or boxes

Source: Age Concern New Zealand 2016

Take the time to talkThe Funeral Directors Association of New Zealand recently promoted “Take the Time to Talk” as a way to help families make important decisions about how they wish to remember and honour the lives of their loved ones when the time comes. The conversation can be translated to plan the most meaningful gathering to remember and celebrate a person’s life.

Some ideas on how to have Meaningful ConversationsThere’s no right or wrong way to “Take the Time to Talk” - the important thing is to start. You don’t need to cover everything in one sitting, you don’t need to use these questions - the aim is simply to share memories, enjoying time together learning about the past and about hopes for the future.• What story do you remember most about your parents?• What’s your happiest childhood memory?• What was your first car and how much did you pay for it?• Who was your first love and how did it happen?• Can you think of a mentor you had who helped shape your thinking?• Do you have a favourite recipe you learned at home and still use today?• What did you do for a living and what lessons did your work life teach you?• Can you think of an incident that made you laugh until you cried?• What were your favourite games as a child?• Did you have pets and what were they?

Family photos, treasured items from your childhood, even family jewellery or books are items that can bring back memories and help the conversation flow. Looking at a stamp collection or even showing interest in a collection which may have previously seemed odd to you enables conversation about where articles have been purchased, what the meaning is of a special item and why the collection is important. Every person has a story to tell.Ask open ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. The question “what memories do you have of a favourite childhood holiday” will result in a longer conversation than “did you enjoy your holidays as a child?”.