The Good Companion

21/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17RWcb4XQt/

About 83,000 people live with dementia and that is estimated to double in the next 25 years.

27/07/2025

https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz-news/360766905/dementia-crisis-dementia-will-double-next-20-years-new-zealand-isnt-ready

It’s 2050. Almost 170,000 people now have dementia, the Government’s spending more than $6 billion a year to try and keep on top of it. Are we ready?

16/02/2025

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Art has a way of imitating life, two of Aotearoa’s most celebrated actors have found - both on-stage, and at home.

12/02/2025

How do you feel about this? New Zealanders should be able to enjoy retirement!

Pension incomes are set at about $520 for single people and just under $800 for couples. A Massey University report released last week found that a single retiree with a no-frills lifestyle would need $196.59 per week over and above their NZ Super, dropping to to $183.54 in a metro centre. For a cho...

02/01/2025

"As a caregiver for over eight years, I’ve seen the gaps in public facilities firsthand. Ramps too steep, beds too low, and toilets that simply aren’t functional. These aren’t just inconveniences—they’re barriers to dignity and independence."

Jill’s story highlights what many face daily. She calls for practical changes like better ramp designs, properly equipped toilets, and accessible seating.

🌟 Together, we can push for inclusive spaces that truly cater to everyone. Have you experienced similar obstacles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

👉 Read Jill’s story and her heartfelt suggestions here: Link to Article - https://nelsonapp.co.nz/.../let-down-by-public-disabled...

23/12/2024

📢 Have You Ever Faced These Challenges?
Navigating public facilities as a disabled individual or caregiver can feel like an uphill battle. Jill, a dedicated caregiver, shares her struggles: "Ramps are too steep, toilets lack proper grab rails, and chairs in public spaces are too low. It’s a constant reminder that our spaces aren’t built for everyone."

We believe in raising awareness and advocating for better accessibility standards. If you've faced similar challenges or have thoughts on how public facilities could be improved, share your experiences below! Let's amplify the voices of those who deserve to be heard.

👉 Read more: Link to Article - https://nelsonapp.co.nz/news/articles/let-down-by-public-disabled-facilities

13/11/2024

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We had a lovely time in Blenheim last week hosting the Life After Stroke seminar for a large group of stroke survivors, carers and their whānau members 💙

Emma, Community Stroke Navigator, facilitated the event providing free blood pressure checks, information on fatigue after stroke and practical rehabilitation tips.

Stroke survivor Paula (pictured in the image), was invited to have a discussion with the group about her lived experience, providing advice and support for others.

Thanks to Emma and everyone who joined us last week 😄

08/10/2024

The Restaurant That Makes Mistakes returns with 10 new volunteers living with dementia as they work to run a restaurant. Premieres Monday, October 14, on One and TVNZ+.

03/09/2024

Cognitive tests to assess driver impairment called into question | Grey Power is calling for a change to elderly driver assessments, claiming the process for assessing driver capability is penalising some of the very people who need their licences the most.

Grey Power acting vice president David Marshall said a nationwide survey of members had revealed a lack of practical driving assessors in the regions and also widespread use of cognitive tests - SIMARD-MD and Mini-ACE - to assess driver impairment.
Waka Kotahi NZTA says it does not mandate cognitive tests for elderly drivers and maintains the use of such tools is left to the discretion of health practitioners. Draft guidelines on how to assess medical fitness to drive are currently under review and are expected to be released in June. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/515659/cognitive-tests-to-assess-driver-impairment-called-into-question