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WAIRARAPA HOSPITAL
0800 946 9800
(06) 946 9800

Older age can be one of the most fruitful and challenging periods of our lives. Most people aged over 65 years are healthy and active but if you have health issues, local support is available.

Here you’ll find information and resources to access support for older people living in the Wairarapa.

Helpful information

Click on the links to the following websites to explore a wide range of helpful information for older people and those interested in their wellbeing.

Age Concern Wairarapa (WOOPS) Inc. For advocacy, social connection, events, education and information for older people. Phone: (06) 377 0066

Dementia Learning Centre. Alzheimers NZ has established the Dementia Learning Centre to be a hub of excellence for dementia education. The Centre will contribute to building a dementia friendly sector and community.

Digital Seniors Technology can bring you joy, information, connection with family & friends and convenience. If you would like help with a technology query, please call the free number anytime during 8am-5pm Monday to Friday 0800 373 646. If you would like free one-on-one coaching service to learn technology, please get in contact through the website link.

Health Navigator Trusted health information and self-help resources for all New Zealanders. This is a health information site that has senior health resources including videos, factsheets and advice to support healthy ageing.

Super Seniors, MSD Office for Seniors A range of information for older people, including information and tips for carers to look after their own safety and wellbeing too.

Carers NZ A one-stop shop for resources and information for carers of older people. Freephone 0800 777 797

Aged Care Hub A non-governmental directory of services to support older people in New Zealand

Agewell A website with a large range of web site links for information for older people

Seniorline A free phone service and website with information for older people and their carers making decisions about staying at home, retirement villages, day care options and rest homes. Freephone 0800 725 463

SeniorNet Wairarapa A community training network that supports and motivates people aged 50+ to enjoy and use technology in their everyday lives. Phone 06 370 8803 or call in to 35-37 Chapel St, Masterton.

Eldernet A national web directory of services and information for older people.

Healthline Freephone 0800 611 116 for free advice from trained registered nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you are

  • feeling unwell – but not sure whether you need to see a doctor
  • needing some advice about a family member or friend who’s sick (if you are with them)

Helplines This links you to a list of help lines

Information and advocacy groups

Alzheimer’s New Zealand- Alzheimers Wairarapa (06) 377 7522 Email: alz2.wairarapa@gmail.com

Dementia Learning Centre

Arthritis New Zealand

Hospice Wairarapa

Parkinson’s Society

Stroke Foundation

Local services

Wairarapa Hospital has a range of services available.

For access to a range of support services, including information and access to funded support, contact FOCUS to discuss your needs on (06) 946 9813, freephone 0800 900 001, or email focus@wairarapa.dhb.org.nz. These services, which may be provided in your home, the community, or a residential facility, can also be purchased privately. Access to health services such as District Nursing and Allied health is by referral from your GP.

Support agencies and services in the community and at home

Age Concern Accredited Visiting Service (AVS) A befriending service that provides regular visits to older people who would like more company. Visitors are volunteers who are keen to spend time with an older person for about an hour each week to enjoy conversation and shared interests and activities. No referral is needed.

Age Concern Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) Free and confidential Elder Abuse Response Service, employing professional staff to work with older people and their carers to provide support and advocacy so that older people can be happy, healthy and safe. No referral is needed.

Community Health Services Home services to maintain independence. Provides short-term home help and personal carers for people recovering from illness. Ph (06) 946 9803.

Access Community Health provides home and community support services to enable independent living. Office 1, Totara Business Village, 407 Queen St, Masterton 5810, freephone 0800 284 663

Healthcare NZCommunity Health - home services to maintain independence. Find short-term home help and personal carers to help recover from illness. Ground Floor Departmental Building, 31 Chapel St, Masterton 5810, freephone 0800 150 808. Email:wairarapa.office@healthcarenz.co.nz

Masonic Villages/Glenwood Hospital Home help and personal care/assistance. No referral required. Phone (06) 377 0221 ext 5 or free phone 0800 555 058. Email: trust@masonicvillages.co.nz

St John Caring Caller A free service for people who live alone or feel a bit lonely. Volunteers phone clients regularly to check that everything is ok. This free service is fully funded by donations.

Wairarapa Care Network Day Care, Personal Care, Nursing Care services for Masterton and surrounding districts.

Te Hauora Koroua and Kuia Services provided by Te Hauora Rununga o Wairarapa Inc. Guiding philosophy: “Strengthen whānau and we will strengthen communities”. Education and promotional material, support and advice, health plan development and weekly fitness and mobility groups.

Meal Services (Click for a referral form). Home delivered meals for Masterton, Carterton and South Wairarapa. 

Residential care - short and long term

All facilities in Wairarapa offer short-term and respite care to give older people and their carers a short break.

If your needs are not able to be supported at home and you are considering residential care, you will be required to have a needs assessment. The assessment will determine your eligibility for funded aged residential care. For an assessment contact FOCUS, phone (06) 946 9813 or freeephone 0800 900001.

Different types of rest home and care facilities and differing levels of care are available in the Wairarapa.You may need short or long-term support. Residential care is means and asset tested. Find out more through Work and Income.

Information about Wararapa residential care facilities can be found at:

Ministry of Health A list of all Wairarapa residential care facilities and their latest audit reports.

Eldernet An extensive and trusted directory of services related to older people, including a database of community groups, organisations, home services, rest homes and retirement villages.

Findaresthome This web site provides information about how to get an assessment, paying for care, different types of care, finding a rest home, and the admission agreement.

A range of other residential options for buying or renting are also offered by Wairarapa residential providers.

Publications and guides

Independent Living Guide for over 65 Year Olds This brochure may assist you identify possible solutions to some challenges you could face each day while maintaining your independence. Produced by FOCUS and Client Advisory Group, Updated: April 2016.

Live Stronger for Longer Prevent falls and fractures. Includes practical tips for maintaining your independence, including a home safety checklist. Published by ACC, June 2017.

Strategies

Healthy Ageing Strategy (2016) - Ministry of Health The Healthy Ageing Strategy presents the strategic direction for change and a set of actions to improve the health of older people, into and throughout their later years. This web site has links to the Health of Older People Strategy (2002) and the New Zealand Health Strategy 2016.

Positive Ageing Strategy (2001) - Ministry of Social Development The Positive Ageing Strategy articulates the Government’s commitment to enabling a society where people can age positively throughout their lives, and where older people are highly valued and recognised as an integral part of families and communities.

He Korowai Oranga - New Zealand's Maori Health Strategywith an overarching framework to achieve the best health outcomes for Maori.