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When a loved one begins to need care at home, it’s natural for spouses and primary caregivers to feel a whirlwind of emotions. There’s love, dedication, and perhaps a deep desire to “do it all.” But alongside these noble intentions, a quieter, often unspoken fear can emerge: how will this change our relationship? The truth is, while the dynamics will shift, professional home support can be a powerful catalyst for strengthening your bond, not eroding it. It’s about consciously choosing to preserve the essence of your partnership, even as roles evolve. The Unseen Strain on Spousal Relationships For many years, the primary caregiver, often a spouse, has carried a significant burden, sometimes silently. Research consistently shows that spousal caregivers can experience higher rates of depression and stress than those for whom they care. A study from Rice University, for instance, highlights how a caregiver’s mental health can dramatically improve when

What a fantastic morning today celebrating our Pink Ribbon Breakfast! We gather our pink-clad team to contribute to this important cause. This event holds particular significance for us, as women make up a significant portion of our dedicated workforce here at Home Support North. We believe in empowering and supporting every member of our team, and that includes standing together for their health and well-being. The Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign, run by the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, is absolutely crucial. The funds raised go directly towards life-saving research, vital patient support, and essential education and awareness programs right here in Aotearoa. Here in New Zealand, breast cancer is the most common cancer for women, affecting around 1 in 9 Kiwi women in their lifetime. Sadly, over 650 women in New Zealand lose their lives to breast cancer every year – that’s almost two women every single day. Early detection is

In today’s world, it’s important to be aware of the various scams that can target individuals in their own homes. Protecting yourself from these schemes can save you significant stress, financial loss, and emotional distress. This blog post highlights common scam tactics and provides practical tips to help you stay safe and secure. Understanding the Tactics: Scammers are often clever and persuasive. They may contact you in various ways: Red Flags to Watch Out For: Being able to recognise the warning signs is your first line of defence: Protecting Yourself: Practical Tips: Here are actionable steps you can take to stay safe from scams: Staying informed and cautious is the best way to protect yourself from scams. If you ever feel you’ve been targeted by a scam, report it to the police and let your support worker or a trusted family member know.

The desire to remain in the comfort and familiarity of home as we age or navigate disabilities is a powerful one. At Home Support North, we deeply understand this aspiration, and we know that achieving it often requires a strong network of support. That’s why we worked closely to collaborate with some incredible partners – NASC (Needs Assessment and Service Coordination), Northable, Alzheimer’s Northland, and Whangarei Pharmacy – at a recent presentation focused on the best ways to empower individuals to continue living independently at home after a dementia diagnosis. A big thank you to Mahitahi Hauora PHE for hosting this event and allowing us to dismantle some misconceptions and provide valuable information to nurses and GPs who are the first to recognize signs of dementia and the needs for supports to be in place.

The kitchen is often a central hub in our homes, but it can also present potential hazards if we’re not careful. Whether you enjoy cooking elaborate meals or simply making a cup of tea, kitchen safety is essential for maintaining your independence and well-being at home. This blog post offers practical tips to help you avoid common kitchen accidents. Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls: A slippery floor or an unexpected obstacle can lead to a fall. Practicing Safe Cooking Habits: Cooking involves heat and sharp objects, so caution is crucial. Handling Knives with Care: Knives are essential tools but require respect and careful handling. Avoiding Burns: Heat is a significant risk in the kitchen. General Kitchen Safety Tips: By being mindful of these safety tips, you can continue to enjoy your time in the kitchen while minimising the risk of accidents. Your Home Support North team is here to help

Taking your medications correctly is a cornerstone of maintaining good health and independence at home. While it might seem straightforward, managing medications effectively requires attention and care. This blog post provides essential tips to help you stay safe and in control of your medication routine. Understanding Your Medications is Key: The first step towards medication safety is knowing what you’re taking and why. Organising for Success: Staying organised can prevent errors and ensure you take the right medication at the right time. Safe Storage and Disposal: Proper storage maintains the effectiveness of your medications, and safe disposal protects others. Being Proactive About Your Medication: Your active involvement in your medication management is crucial. By following these tips, you can confidently manage your medications and protect your health. Remember, if you ever have any questions or concerns about your medications, your doctor, pharmacist, and your Home Support North team are here

Life in the beautiful Northland region of New Zealand offers a relaxed pace and stunning scenery. However, unexpected events can happen anywhere. Whether it’s a power outage affecting the Far North, a severe storm impacting the Bay of Islands, or even a health emergency in Kaipara, being prepared can make all the difference in your safety and well-being. This blog focuses on simple yet crucial steps that seniors across Northland can take to be ready for the unexpected, offering you greater peace of mind and control. Why is Emergency Preparedness Important for Seniors? As we age, certain factors can make us more vulnerable during emergencies. Mobility might be limited, accessing help could be more challenging, and relying on specific medications or equipment is common. Being proactive about emergency preparedness ensures you have the resources and knowledge to navigate challenging situations with greater confidence, no matter where you are in Northland.

Helpful tips to be surefooted when moving bout the home. Living independently at home is a wonderful goal, and it’s something many of us cherish as we age. However, it’s essential to prioritize safety to maintain that independence. Falls are a common concern for older adults, but with a few simple adjustments, you can significantly reduce the risk and keep your home a safe haven. The Reality of Falls: We recently had a couple of incidents where our clients tripped while rushing to answer the door. It’s a reminder that even familiar routines can pose risks. Falls can lead to serious injuries, affecting mobility and overall well-being. But don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do to prevent them. Practical Steps to Fall Prevention: Staying Active and Strong: Embrace Technology: Conclusion: Maintaining your independence at home is about enjoying your space safely. By taking proactive steps to prevent falls, you can

Love, as we know, transforms and evolves. But what happens when the passionate romance of youth gives way to the stark realities of aging and illness? A recent article in Listener Magazine entitled “Airing our dirty linen” offered a poignant glimpse into the life of an 80-year-old woman, a caregiver navigating the challenging terrain of looking after her ailing husband. Her story resonated deeply, highlighting the often-unspoken struggles faced by countless families. She spoke candidly about the jarring contrast between the man she once “lusted after” and the individual she now cares for, a man whose basic needs she must now attend to. The raw honesty of her words, describing the difficulty of cleaning her husband’s soiled linen, underscored the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. It’s a stark reminder that love, in its later stages, often requires a level of intimacy that goes far beyond romance. The article detailed

Work-Life Balance for Caregivers Many adult children today find themselves balancing the demands of their careers with the increasing needs of aging parents. This can be a challenging juggling act, often leading to stress, burnout, and even impacting work performance. Tips for Balancing Work and Caregiving Responsibilities: The Role of Respite Care: Respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers, allowing them to take a break from their caregiving duties. This can help to prevent caregiver burnout, improve mental and emotional well-being, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Home Support North offers a range of respite care services, including: By utilizing respite care services offered by Home Support North, caregivers can: Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities requires careful planning, effective communication, and a strong support system. By utilizing resources such as respite care provided by Home Support North, caregivers can better manage their responsibilities, maintain their own well-being, and continue