Age Concern Canterbury
He Manaakitanga Kaumātua Aotearoa
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Our Mission: to achieve wellbeing, rights, respect and dignity for older people. A major strength is the wide community network we have established with other agencies. The co-operation and knowledge sharing generated by such close liaison and communication is invaluable. Age Concern Canterbury is independent although linked with similar bodies through the national network.
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We always look forward to hearing your ideas and feedback so we can continue to improve our service for you.
Postal address:
Age Concern Canterbury
24 Main North Road
Papanui
Christchurch 8053Physical address:
24 Main North Road (Corner of Loftus St and Main North Road)
Papanui
Christchurch 8053N.B. Parking may be available off Loftus St at the rear of the building.
Phone: 366 0903 or 0800 803 344
Email:team@ageconcerncan.org.nz
Web address: www.ageconcerncan.org.nz
Age Concern Canterbury is the lead organisation in Canterbury that connects, supports, empowers, celebrates and respects all older people in an inclusive community
Initiated in 1952 by a group in the community who were concerned for the welfare of older people, Age Concern Canterbury has proved a successful contributor to the Canterbury community, supporting older people, many of whom face loneliness, low income and indifferent health. Our vision: “Age Concern Canterbury is the lead organisation in Canterbury that connects, supports, empowers, celebrates and respects all older people in an inclusive community.
Currently we have 14,000 clients active on our data base. The number of clients, and requests for information and support, is steadily increasing as the older population expands.
The emphasis is on promoting health, safety and independence, and alleviating poverty, hardship, vulnerability and isolation. We have a tradition of filling gaps to meet identified needs, then stepping back when others enter the field. An example is the first official Meals-On-Wheels scheme in which we were involved together with the Red Cross. We also opened the first rest home in Christchurch.
Age Concern Canterbury’s services are successful because they are flexible and can readily respond to both the varied and specific needs of our clients. Our 22 paid staff involve people working directly with older people, their families or carers throughout greater Canterbury and the West Coast. Our Community Health Team includes registered nurses and social workers who respond to instances of Elder Abuse and other concerns by offering support, advice and advocacy. Our other services support older people living in the community by providing visitors, social outings, information and a range of home support services including tradesmen, handymen, gardeners and home help. This last service, which started twenty-five years ago, co-ordinates 600 people providing their services at a reasonable rate. We also offer Staying Safe refresher courses for older drivers and a falls prevention exercise class called Steady as You Go.
We are fortunate in having generous community support and a wealth of volunteers also working directly with older people, giving regular time to help others. We have over 280 volunteers who drive and host minibuses, visit lonely people in their homes, help on our reception desk and update the information on our databases. We are funded by the community and our services depend on such support continuing by way of memberships, grants, donations and legacies.
Click Here to view the Referral Form.
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Age Concern Canterbury is now an approved agent for the Total Mobility Scheme
Age Concern Canterbury is now an approved agency for the Total Mobility Scheme which is available to people in Greater Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru and Waimate. Eligible individuals are entitled to discounts that give them 75 percent off transport fares with approved operators — up to a maximum of $35 per trip. Individuals wishing to access the scheme must meet the eligibility criteria set by the NZ Transport Agency and adopted by Environment Canterbury.
Age Concern Canterbury can undertake assessments to test your eligibility and organise the Total Mobility Card for those approved.
Please contact us on 366 0903 for further information or for an assessment appointment.
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A troubled older person, family member, a neighbour or a friend may call about health needs or social issues.
If there is a situation causing you concern, we are available for, advice, advocacy, assistance, referral and support. The concern may be related to a health or social need.
Registered nurses or a social worker will assess and may visit you or the person involved and help them decide a way forward. The Community Health Team often serve as ‘navigators’ through the complex healthcare and social service systems, ensuring that older people have access to services and information.
The team have a wide knowledge of the needs of older people and their carers and work closely with other community based organisations and health professionals who also provide support and services.
Contact is by phone, email,referral or in person, and can be made by the individual concerned, family/whanau, health professionals or members of the public.
Contact the Health Team on (03) 366-0903 or make a referral.
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The Elder Abuse Response Service aims to improve the quality of life of older people in abusive situations and to prevent abuse by providing information, education programmes, advocacy and support.
If you have concerns about Elder Abuse, the way you or someone you know are being treated, spoken to or cared for, or if you are concerned about how money is spent and property is being used, we offer a free and confidential service to help.
Types of Abuse
Several types of abuse can be present at the same time:
Financial/Property Abuse
Being persuaded into signing over money, property or possessions.
Physical Abuse
Being handled roughly, slapped or hit or being forcefully confined or restrained.
Emotional/Psychological Abuse
Being insulted, threatened or called names.
Neglect
Being denied food, medical care, clothing, shelter or social contact.
Sexual Abuse
Being forced to be sexually intimate.
Self Neglect
Own omission to secure adequate food, warmth or hygiene.
Findings from Overseas Research
Elder abuse and neglect is a universal problem, it is not limited to any one gender, religion, culture, ethnic or income group.
The abused party may:
Be dependent on the abuser for care and assistance
Suffer from more than one type of abuse
Be reluctant to admit that their abuser is a loved one
Be fearful of reporting abuse, thinking it could lead to further abuse, rest home placement or total abandonment
The abuser may:
Be a health or home support worker
Be a family member (adult, child, spouse or other relative)
Be a friend
Have an alcohol or substance abuse problem
Be frustrated or isolated
The abuse:
It can happen anywhere but the most common places are at home or in residential or hospital care
It could be an intentional or unintentional action by anyone
It could be caused by economic or emotional dependence of either the victim or the abuser
It could be accepted by the family and society as a way of life
Examples of Abuse
Mr Johnson is 78 years old and lives with his son, who is unemployed. The son is in need of money and cashes his father’s superannuation for his personal use.
Mrs Wilson is 80 years old. She sold her house and gifted her son the proceeds from the sale. In return her son offered her accommodation to live in his home. The house is cramped. Mrs Johnson does not get on well with her daughter-in-law who ignores her or yells at her. The children sometimes kick her.
Some older people live with a constant dread of loneliness, confusion and neglect. Physical, mental, financial or sexual abuse can make life intolerable.
How Can We Help?
The staff have a wide knowledge of the needs of older people and their carers. They work closely with relevant organisations.
A registered nurse or a social worker is available for advice and support
Free, confidential service
Referral to appropriate agencies
Information on all issues relating to abuse
Assistance in working with individuals to improve their quality of life
Seminars and presentations on elder abuse and neglect prevention can be arranged.
Contact the Health Team on (03) 366-0903 or make a referral.
Education sessions covering Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention are available
You can make a request for an education session here
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re you feeling that you spend too much time on your own?
Ko te aroha te mea nuiThe Visiting Service is for people over 65, who live in their own home, who no longer drive, who would like more company and who are able to contribute to a mutually beneficial relationship.
Watch this video of Patty and Pieter to see how the Visiting Service in action!
We will find the right visitor for you.
The Visiting Service has caring volunteers who share your interests and would love to get to know you.
Contact: Rebecca Hopgood on 331 7816, or Keeley Le Warne on 331 7815
Email: rhopgood@ageconcerncan.org.nz , or klewarne@ageconcerncan.org.nz
Do you know an older person who would like more company?
Family or friends can refer an older person, or couple. Just be sure to ask their permission first.
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Would you like more company?
Ko te aroha te mea nuiThe Social Outings are for people over 65, who live in their own home and would enjoy more company. Cafe, host and mens outings are available in Christchurch only. We also have Rangiora and Kaiapoi groups available.
You will need to be able to transfer independently on and off our minibus.
This short video highlights the benefits of this service. Click here to watch.
Please contact Debbie or Robynn if you have any questions.
Café Groups
Café Groups are fortnightly outings to different cafes.
Transport is provided or you can drive yourself and meet the group.
Gold Coin donation accepted but not expected. You will need to pay for your own morning or afternoon tea at the cafe.
Morning Café Group: Pick up between 9:00 am – 10.00 am
Afternoon Café Group: Pick up between 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm
Host Outings
Host Outings are fortnightly outings, to a host’s home or community group, for morning or afternoon tea.
Transport is provided.
Donation: $7 accepted but not expected.
Morning Outings: Pick up between 9.00am – 10:00am
Afternoon Outings: Pick up between 12.45 pm – 1.45 pm
Kaiapoi Social Group
Once a month morning tea outing to a host or cafe.
Transport is provided or you can drive yourself and meet the group.
The outings are available in Kaiapoi only
Gold Coin donation accepted but not expected. You will need to pay for your own morning or afternoon tea at the cafe.
Rangiora Social Group
Once a month morning tea outing to a host or cafe.
Transport is provided or you can drive yourself and meet the group.
The outings are available in Kaiapoi only
Gold Coin donation accepted but not expected. You will need to pay for your own morning or afternoon tea at the cafe.
Christchurch North and Christchurch South Men’s Groups
Once a month afternoon outing to a local Club, RSA or cafe.
Transport is available or you can drive and meet the group.
Gold Coin donation accepted but not expected. You will need to pay for your own food and drink.
For information about any of the Social Outings, please contact
Debbie Garraway on 331 7814 or Email: dgarraway@ageconcerncan.org.nz
or
Robynn Walsh on 331 7801 or Email: robynn.walsh@ageconcerncan.org.nz
Referrals can also be made through the Social Outings Referral Form
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Home support and maintenance services available to over 65s. These include general cleaning, hairdressing, gardening, pruning, and many more
Home Support and Maintenance Services
Charges for home help services and gardening are kept as low as possible and payment is directly between client and provider. All people who offer their services as home support providers are interviewed, referee and police checked. When a request is received from a client, our coordinator contacts the provider who gets in touch with the client and the work is completed.
The home help services were established in 1976 and include help with housework and footcare etc. Hairdressers are also available to visit in the home. Home help services are one of Age Concern Canterbury’s most positive contributions to the objective of keeping older people independent and in their own homes as long as possible.
Spring Cleaning/Window Cleaning by quote
General Housework $35.00 per hour
General Gardening $35.00 per hour
Lawn mowing with gardener’s mower $40.00 per hourHandyman $35 per hour
Tradesmen
When things break down or are in need of repair, our coordinators arrange for a tradesman to contact the client. Where tradesmen are required, for example electricians or plumbers, we contact a qualified tradesmen who will give professional service and supply a written quote on request.
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Contact: Deb or Liz on 366 0903
Email: team@ageconcerncan.org.nz
Download: Home Support Services Brochure
N.B. Age Concern Canterbury coordinates – it does not employ.
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Keeping On
The official voice of Age Concern Canterbury
Keeping On is a free quarterly publication produced by Age Concern Canterbury. It contains a wide range of articles on subjects and issues of interest to older people. Keeping On is distributed widely in the community. Look for your copy at your local library, shopping mall, medical centre or club.
Editorial contributions are welcome and can be discussed with the Editor, Deirdre McGrath, on Ph 366 0903 or email dmcgrath@ageconcerncan.org.nz
Advertising enquiries should be directed to Anna-Marie Hunter on Ph 366 0903 or email ahunter@ageconcerncan.org.nz
Read recent editions here:
Winter 2024
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