Staying put

The opportunity to continue living at home, staying connected to their community is the goal for many older people. With the right support this is usually possible as there are now so many products, services and operators that have the older person in mind. There are special gadgets designed for the elderly, help with everyday life, assistance with bathing/dressing, meals on wheels, in-home cleaning, driving services, professional services and those who will help around the house and garden to name just a few.

Village life with activities

Lifestyle villages come in many different shapes and sizes and it is a good idea to research carefully to find the one that suits the individual. This type of village is popular in New Zealand as it avoids the social isolation which sometimes comes with advancing years and provides mental and physical stimulation through the many amenities provided.

Specialist aged care

Specialist aged care in a residential setting is quite a different proposition from a retirement village. The emphasis is on looking after the needs of the individual. There are a number of care services that can be offered to residents to make sure they are looked after in accordance with their medical, physical and psychological needs including rest home care, dementia care, hospital care and palliative care. Ultimate Care personnel have years of experience in assessing residents’ requirements and the level of care that they need. This is monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure residents are receiving the best possible care. Residents, families and medical teams work together to create personal care plans.

Choosing a home

Ultimate Care Group owns specialist aged care facilities all over the country that may be suitable for  anyone moving on to the next stage of their lives.  You can visit, talk to the manager, staff and residents and decide whether the home might be suitable. It’s a good idea to look at the physical environment, room sizes, activities available and food service. It’s also important to speak to residents and get their view on the home. Social workers or WINZ will be able to advise about a financial subsidy, and a needs assessment is essential to determine what level of care is needed. Once the decision has been taken as to which home is suitable for you or a loved one, we encourage residents to bring some of their own furniture and cherished items as this will help them to feel at home.