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Supporting your comfort, safety and independence every day Home is a special place where we feel comfortable, connected, and independent. As we get older or our support needs change, a few simple adjustments to our daily routines and living environment can make a big difference to our wellbeing. With the right support and a little planning, it is possible to continue enjoying the comfort of home while maintaining confidence and independence. Here are some practical tips to help you or your loved ones live well at home. 1. Make your home safer A safe home can help reduce the risk of falls and make everyday activities easier. Keep walkways clear, remove loose rugs, ensure rooms are well lit, and consider installing grab rails in bathrooms where needed. 2. Stay active and keep moving Regular movement can help maintain strength, balance, and flexibility. Gentle stretching, short walks or chair-based exercises can

Invisible Disabilities Week: Looking Beyond What We Can See October 18-24 is Invisible Disabilities Week, a time to raise awareness of the many disabilities, health conditions, and illnesses that are not immediately visible to others. As the name suggests, an invisible disability is a condition that may not have obvious physical signs. This invisible disability can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. Many people live with invisible disabilities, including chronic pain, arthritis, fatigue-related conditions, neurological disorders, autoimmune diseases, mental health conditions, hearing loss, and other long-term health challenges. While they may appear healthy on the outside, they may be managing symptoms that affect their ability to work, socialise, complete everyday tasks, or participate fully in community life. One of the biggest challenges faced by people with invisible disabilities is misunderstanding. Because their condition cannot be seen, others may question whether they really are unwell and hence underestimate

Dementia Navigator provides reliable Support and Information When You Need It Most Being told that you or someone you love has dementia can be life changing. It often brings a mix of emotions and many questions. What does the diagnosis mean? What changes might happen in the future? Where can you find information, you can trust? For many people, knowing where to begin can be one of the biggest challenges. Dementia Navigator is a free online resource developed by Dementia New Zealand to help make that journey a little easier. It provides clear, practical information for people living with dementia, their families, care partners, and whānau, all in one convenient place. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been supporting someone with dementia for some time, Dementia Navigator is designed to help you better understand the condition and the support available. What Dementia Navigator Offers Dementia Navigator is presented in

Whangarei District Silver Festival October 2026 Celebrate Age – Let’s Engage! The Silver Festival Whangārei is an annual celebration recognising the valuable contribution older adults make to our community. Taking place from 1 to 14 October 2026, the festival brings together local organisations, clubs, and community groups to present a varied programme of activities and events throughout the Whangārei District. Make sure to explore all there is on offer as there is certainly something to suit everyone. View information about the Silver Festival through Whangārei District Libraries. The festival offers older adults’ opportunities to explore new interests, develop skills, meet people, remain active, express creativity, and strengthen social connections within the community. These interesting events provide a range of ways to participate—whether by learning something new, enjoying a shared cultural experience, discovering local places, or simply meeting new friends and spending time with others in a supportive setting. The festival

Are you getting ready for the General Election? Nau mai, haere mai! As we move further into this election year, staying informed about how to make your voice heard is essential. Voting is one of the most powerful ways to shape the decisions affecting our healthcare, local communities, and support services across Te Tai Tokerau. To help you get prepared, we are sharing key updates from Te Kaitiaki Take Kōwhiri (The Electoral Commission) so you know what to expect and how to make sure you are ready to vote. 📬 What to Look Out For in Your Mailbox Things are working a little differently for the 2026 General Election. You need to be enrolled before voting starts. Throughout August, the Electoral Commission is posting out enrolment update packs to more than 3.6 million New Zealanders. When yours arrives in the letterbox, take a quick moment to open it up and

At Home Support North, we believe that maintaining independence means staying connected to the events, resources, and people that matter most. That is why we are thrilled to announce a special community initiative for the upcoming Shaping Your Legacy Expo at McKay Stadium. We know that arranging transport or navigating parking can sometimes stand in the way of getting out into the community. To make sure nobody misses out on this fantastic event, we are turning our fleet into a free shuttle service for the day! Introducing Our Free HSN Expo “Taxis” On Friday, September 11th, three of our clearly marked, HSN-branded vehicles will be hitting the road to operate like a free taxi service for anyone in Whangārei who is unable to drive themselves to the expo. Whether you need a lift from your front door straight to McKay Stadium, or a ride back home afterwards, our team has

Caring for someone you love doesn’t mean you have to do it alone Caring for an older parent, partner or family member with disability is an act of love – but it can also be exhausting, emotionally and physically. Many carers juggle work, whānau responsibilities and their own wellbeing, often putting themselves last. Home Support North works alongside families and carers, providing practical support that helps everyone involved maintain balance, dignity and quality of life. Support services are flexible and designed to complement existing care arrangements. This might include respite care, giving carers time to rest or attend to other commitments, or regular in-home support to assist with personal care, household tasks or social connection. One of the most valued services for families is respite care. Knowing your loved one is safe, comfortable and well cared for allows carers to take a break without guilt – whether that’s for a

Support at home after hospital can make recovery safer and less stressful Leaving hospital is often a relief – but it can also be daunting. Many people find that everyday tasks feel harder than expected after surgery, illness or injury. Fatigue, limited mobility and reduced confidence are common, especially in the early weeks of recovery. Home Support North provides post-hospital support designed to help people recover safely and comfortably at home, reducing the risk of complications and unnecessary hospital readmissions. Support following hospital discharge can include personal care, help with showering and dressing, meal preparation, light household tasks, medication reminders and transport to follow-up appointments. Having a trained Support Worker involved means small issues can be noticed early, providing reassurance to both clients and families. One of the biggest benefits of in-home support is confidence. When someone feels supported, they are more likely to follow recovery instructions, rest properly and

Why staying at home matters – and how Home Support North can help For many older people, people living with disability, or those recovering from illness or a hospital stay, there’s one strong wish that comes up again and again – to stay living at home for as long as possible. Home is where life feels familiar, comfortable and connected. With the right support in place, staying at home doesn’t have to mean struggling on your own. That’s where Home Support North can help. Home Support North is Northland’s largest provider of in-home care and support services, helping people maintain their independence while feeling supported, safe and cared for in their own homes. Support is tailored to each person’s needs, interests and routines – because no two people, or homes, are the same. Support can be as simple or as comprehensive as you need. Many people start with help around

If you live in Northland, you know that independence isn’t just a preference—it’s part of our DNA. But for a long time, the New Zealand health system didn’t reflect that. For much of the 20th century, if you needed help with daily tasks, the “solution” was almost always institutional. You moved out of your home and into a facility. Today, that has flipped. The government now actively prioritizes “Ageing in Place.” Here is the story of how home support became the gold standard in Te Tai Tokerau and why it’s the model the government now banks on. From “Benevolent Institutions” to Modern Homes In the early 1900s, care for the elderly was often bleak. If family couldn’t help, people ended up in “charitable institutions” that were often strictly regulated and clinical. After WWII, we saw the rise of the modern rest home, but by the 1970s, New Zealand had one