Official publication of Age Concern Counties Manukau Inc.Office Phone: (09) 279 4331 Fax: (09) 279 4334

Email: admin@accm.org.nz

www.accm.org.nz

Cambria Park Homestead

250 Puhinui Road, Papatoetoe 2025

Postal Address: PO Box 53 155

OFFICE HOURS:9am - 4pm Monday - Thursday

9am - 1pm Friday

Winter 2017

Counties Manukau

Auckland Airport, Auckland 2150

Ngā Take o Ngā Kaumātuao Te Rohe o Manukau

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Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

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Editorial supplied by Driving Miss Daisy

BOARD:Alistaire Hall – Chair

Barbara Kilgour – Deputy Chair / SecretaryPaul Billing – Treasurer

COMMITTEE:Angeline NgHarjit Singh

Max McGowanStella Cattle

Sue Braithwaite-Smith Sefita Hao’uli

STAFF:Wendy Bremner – CEO

Lucy Prior – Finance Projects 2ICSandy Andrews – AdministratorKaren Boddey – Administrator

Anastasia Bouman – AVS, Volunteers Coordinator and EANP Educator

Wendy Martin – AVS Assistant Coordinator & EANP Admin

Maxine Oakey – Social Worker EANPShyam Grover – Social Worker EANP

Denise Kuek – Counsellor Melanie Jaggs – Health Promoter

Brett Johnstone – Handyman FieldworkerChristine Waldner – TVS Coordinator

(Monday – Thursday)Brendon Murton – TVS Coordinator

(Friday – Saturday)Contact information on the front of the newsletter

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A trip to the opera may conjure up images of stuffiness, exclusivity and big city theatres, attended regularly by the same ‘opera’ crowd. But times are changing and opera is starting to enjoy a renaissance in the big cities and regions alike. Driving Miss Daisy was proud to support the production of Carmen held during the popular Napier Art Deco festival this February. They promoted the opera to their client base, and organised a fleet of vehicles to transport people to and from the event free of charge, as well as providing a light supper. In total, eleven Driving Miss Daisy vehicles transported 100 theatre-goers.Many people who enjoyed the Driving Miss Daisy hospitality were already clients, however a number had never used the service before as they still drive. Those who were new to Driving Miss Daisy commented that they were pleased they had tried the service as they don’t like to drive at night, they worried about parking, they could not see at night, or they often didn’t have a friend to go out with. Using Driving Miss Daisy on this occasion was a wonderful way for them to experience the excellent service and enjoy a night out with a group of like minded people.Feedback from this was extremely positive. Many were grateful for the thoughtful Daisy Drivers who dropped them right outside the theatre. Others commented that they would never normally choose to go to the opera, but it was a wonderful experience. Some people who were collected in the same car had never met before; Driving Miss Daisy was excited to hear that since the evening they had become firm friends and were meeting for lunch or coffee. And everyone commented on the high quality service that Driving Miss Daisy and their drivers provided. If you’d like to organise an outing for a group of friends, whether it’s during the day or evening, please call your local Driving Miss Daisy to discuss.

Manukau - Angela de Jong(09) 263 0912 021 503 391Papakura - Susan Hermon(09) 266 2709 021 503 529 Howick - Sue Miller(09) 534 6380 021 410 476Botany - Janita Isaacs(09) 534 7712 021 174 9999Pakuranga - Charles Miller(09) 537 1452 027 472 9921

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Driving Miss Daisy’s evening at the Opera

Message from Wendy - our CEOAs I write another edition of our member newsletter I would just like to acknowledge, and remind our readers, that we could not provide these member newsletters without the support of the advertisers. Please support the organisations

that support us. The advertising is organised for us through Pukeko Print and if you’d like more information about this please contact them, their details are on the bottom of the front cover of the newsletter.

Apologies for the error in our last edition, on page 22, we had the wrong phone number for the Manukau East Patient Transport Service it should have been Manukau East Patient Transport Service phone number should read: 0800 637 284.

You may have been surprised to see the age of the people on the front cover of the Age Concern member newsletter. The photo on the front cover is of our four Auckland University students who are on placement with the Positive Ageing Network. There is an article in the newsletter that tells you more about them and their project. It’s great to have them on board and they were also part of our strategic day in March. There is an article about that later in the newsletter. This time of year in charitable organisations is a time of flux, of uncertainty around funding and job security. We have recently responded to a request for proposal from the Ministry of Social Development for their Elder Abuse Response Service. For the last 27 years Age Concern NZ have held the contract nationally and sub-contracted it out to the various Age Concerns around the country. The change is

continued on Page 4

Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

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in the name and priority. Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention becomes Elder Abuse Response. A move to focus on intervention and targeted response for at risk individuals. Also the move is to collectives in regions taking responsibility for the service delivery. We have joined together with Age Concern Auckland, Age Concern North Shore, Vaka Tautua and Shanti Niwas for a collaborative response to the proposed services. We wait to hear the outcome which also means we are unsure if our Elder Abuse service will continue after the end of June.

We also have funding applications in for the counselling service to see if we can continue to offer that after the contract ends. We are delighted that East Health has confirmed it will continue to support our Handyman Fieldworker service for another year.

Subscriptions expire on 30 June. Those members who have Total Mobility cards will need to pay a two year subscription to align with the two year expiry on their TM cards. An invoice will be sent to you and we thank you for your support. Also, if you would like to include a donation with your subscription there will be an option to do that too. Member subscriptions and donations are an important part of our organisation’s revenue as they are used to recoup some of our administration costs. Thanks in anticipation of your ongoing support.

In the middle of April I attended a forum with a guest physician from Melbourne, Dr Karen Hitchcock. The day really had some key messages for me about how we, as a society, lack empathy for older people which in itself is a remarkable feat of denial. We also have a fear or repulsion of the end of life and therefore do not have the discussions we need to with our families and our health professionals. We need to recognise that the last few years of life are the end of the arc of life and we may require support in the same way we did in the first few years of our one and only life on this earth. There is, without doubt, widespread and utterly tolerated ageism in our societies and we all individually have to challenge that on a daily basis. There is no ‘one size fits all’ we are all individuals and we require different things. Tolerance, understanding, compassion and empathy are key. Instead of seeing caregiving as a rewarding use of our time where we gain from the opportunity

to give and be of value to another human being we, as a society, tend to see it as something that costs us. As an aside I was particularly delighted to see the ruling in April when the Government announced a $2 billion package to address the pay inequity in the predominantly female aged care sector. Another poignant moment for me at the forum was when Dame Kate Harcourt, an 89 year old actor, mentioned she now needs a smaller address book. This was a reminder of our shrinking natural supports as we age. Connection being included and valued and having something to look forward to are essential ingredients in Positive Ageing.

Dr Shankar Sankaran also spoke about our world-leading falls and fracture prevention programme and how the importance of activity cannot be underestimated. One of the best gifts you can give yourself and your family is to exercise and stop smoking - start today!

I hope you enjoy the newsletter and that you continue to support us, and the work we do, towards older people thriving in an inclusive society for all ages.

Wendy BremnerCEO Age Concern Counties Manukau Inc

Tangible ways you can support Age Concern Counties Manukau Inc• Become a member• Become a volunteer• Become a donor• Make a gift in your will• Challenge ageismCall 279 4331 ext. 800 or email admin@accm.org.nz for more information

The expert in anything was once a beginner.

Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

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national structure and the regional structure and these discussions influence our organisation.

We know there are other external factors, outside our circle of influence, such as political climate and societal priorities. There is an ageing demographic and increased demand, however, there is also no one homogenous group of older people, the needs of each decade and culture differ from the other.

In the last 10 years the narrative around ageing has changed from burden to challenge but recent times has seen a shift to intergenerational adversary. We want to reframe the narrative to Positive Ageing.

From the robust discussions, we formulated the following strategic goals and we are happy to share these with you our members:

Age Concern Counties Manukau Promotes Positive Ageing1. Works towards Age-Friendly Cities2. Promotes and advocates for Positive Ageing Strategies3. Challenges ageism and the narrative4. Listens to older people5. Ensures policy makers include older people in their decision making processes and that they are visible, valued and able to contribute and participate6. Changes to our name to remove the word ‘Concern’

Age Concern Counties Manukau fosters the wellbeing of older people, their carers and whanau1. Fosters the wellbeing of older people by providing services that contribute to older people’s wellbeing (continues to provide the services we have been providing: Health Promotion, Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention, Counselling, Handyman/Fieldworker, Accredited Visiting Service, Total Mobility agents.) 2. Values the contribution volunteers make to our organisation

Age Concern Counties Manukau has diverse, strategic and collaborative stakeholder relationships1. Is seen as the lead agency for older people in South Auckland

2. Maintains the Positive Ageing Network and ensures organisations working with and for older people in South Auckland stay connected3. Facilitates connection for older people and the agencies and organisations who support them and work with them4. Ensure connection is seen as a priority by our decision makers 5. Engages younger people to enable intergenerational connection and relationships6. Works with researchers to ensure older people’s needs in South Auckland are understood7. Participates and organises events and provides access to information and resources relevant to older people, their carers and whanau

Critical factors to the success of this strategic intention plan 1. Good governance2. Skilled, experienced staff who are valued and provided with professional development opportunities 3. Committed volunteers 4. Culturally appropriate services 5. Sound organisational structure and financial viability

Strategic Intention Planning Day On 16 March 2017 we held a Strategic Intention Planning Day at the Red Hill Community Centre. Thank you to Bupa for sponsoring this for us. Those in attendance included; staff, board, volunteers and some of our Positive Ageing Network members and the students I mentioned earlier. There were about 40 people in the room.

We asked ourselves this question: What does success look like for Age Concern Counties Manukau? Our vision; Older People Thriving in An Inclusive Society for All Ages, remains unchanged.

The discussions built on earlier Strategic Planning documents, our vision and values and our experiences working with older people in South Auckland.

We referenced the Age Concern NZ resource - What we do? Together with the results of our recent member survey.

It was important for us to have as many voices as possible in the room for these discussions and to ask ourselves what we want to achieve and whether we have the necessary tools, resources, skills and experience to enable success?

Age Concern Counties Manukau Inc services a population of older adults in South Auckland.

We are one of 35 separate entities in a federation model affiliated to a national office. The last two years has seen discussions around changing the

ShinglesWe had intended to print the Carers NZ article about shingles but have run out of room, in this edition. You can read it on this link. www.carers.net.nz/did-you-know-shingles-awareness If you’ve had chickenpox, you are already carrying the virus that causes shingles.As you age, it becomes easier for shingles to break through your body’s defences.97% of adults are at risk. If you are over 50, your chances of being one of them is higher.Around one in three people who have had chicken pox will get shingles in their lifetime. One of our staff recently had a first-hand experience of this painful illness and we wanted to bring to your attention that there is a vaccine available through your GP.There is a cost of about $200 for the vaccine and we suggest this is something you could discuss with your GP when you are getting your Flu vaccination.

Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

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Introducing Shyam GroverWe are delighted to welcome Shyam (pronounced Sharm) Grover as our new social worker in the Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention service.

Shyam was born in New Delhi, India and left there in 1985 to work in Kuwait and later in Dubai, U.A.E as a school teacher. He taught in schools in India and abroad for 25 years and has called New Zealand home for the last 20 years.

He is multi lingual and can converse in seven languages. His social work practice finds its roots in an ecological, strength based model.

Shyam started his career in New Zealand as a Yoga Therapist, then achieved a 2nd Master’s Degree from Massey University in social work in 2005. He has worked at Youth Justice North, Manurewa, CMDHB, Middlemore Hospital, Whirinaki (Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services), Child & Family Services North Shore Hospital WDHB and later Family Works as Social Worker in Schools at Manurewa Central School. He also has a Graduate Diploma in Professional Supervision.

Shyam volunteered for St John at ADHB as a friend in the Emergency Department and later as Site Ambassador for three years and he has been a Justice of the Peace for 10 years. Shyam has been married for the last 33 years and is blessed with two lovely daughters.

Farewell to Wendy MartinWendy has been with the team since August last year as assistant Coordinator in the Accredited Visiting Service and administration support for our EANP staff and Counsellor.She leaves us to take up a new rather different role as technical advisor to a raw food pet food company much closer to home. Wendy says she will miss her contact with the AVS volunteers and clients and has enjoyed her time with Age Concern Counties Manukau, but this new job means a lot less travelling into work on the southern corridor. We wish her all the best for the future.

WEAAD is on 15 June, it is the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Age Concern statistics show: • More than three quarters of alleged abusers are family members• More than half of the alleged abusers are adult children and grandchildren• Alleged abusers are as likely to be female as male

Older people are a valuable part of our society and should be treated with dignity and respect - yet every year thousands of older New Zealanders are being abused by, in many cases, family members. It’s our collective responsibility as a community to ensure that older people are always respected, never abused.

What is elder abuse and neglect? Elder abuse and neglect is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.

How you can help to prevent elder abuse• Love and cherish your older relatives/whānau• Speak respectfully to older people/kaumātua• Include older people/kaumātua in your social activities• Phone or visit your older relatives/whanau• Support older people/kaumātua to spend their money how they wish• Encourage and support older people/kaumātua to make their own decisions• Honour older people’s/kaumātua’s wisdom• Enable older people/kaumātua to set their own pace• Respect older people’s/kaumātua’s stories• Seek advice from an Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service if you think an older person/ kaumātua is being abused or neglected

Getting to AppointmentsAge Concern is a Total Mobility Assessing Agent so if you would like to be assessed for the Total Mobility Transport Subsidy contact Sandy or Karen for more information on 279 4331 ext. 800.

Franklin residents - If you need to attend a medical appointment but are having difficulty with transport, Franklin Family Support Services operate a service which may entitle you to a free or subsidised return trip. Please ring the Franklin Family Support Services on (09) 238 6233 for further details.

Free Bus ServiceManukau SuperClinic offer a free bus service for patients between Monday and Friday (not including public holidays). The bus stops at Otara town centre, Middlemore Hospital, Mangere town centre and Mangere Bridge. Another shuttle is available for Manurewa/Papakura/Takanini/Clendon for timetable information please see their website: www.cmdhbhome.cwp.govt.nz/for-patients-and-visitors/directions-and-parking/patient-travel-assistance/

Manukau East Patient Transport ServiceManukau East Patient Transport Service operates Monday to Friday and provides a door to door shuttle service for all to Botany SuperClinic, Manukau SuperClinic and Middlemore Hospital. Fees range from $10 -$20. For information, timetable and bookings call 0800 637 284.

Shuttle service from Manukau SuperClinic to Middlemore HospitalThis shuttle service allows outpatients to use the free parking available at the Manukau SuperClinic and then take the shuttle service to their appointment at Middlemore Hospital.Shuttle buses will depart from both hospital sites on the hour and half hour. For more information call (09) 276 0000.

If it doesn’t challenge you,

it won’t change you.

Ring the office on 279 4331 ext 800 or email reception@accm.org.nz to register your interest in any of the programmes below.

It’s a very busy switchboard and you are likely to get the answer phone, so please leave a message with your name, contact number, the course you want to register for, including the date and venue. Registrations are essential for catering purposes and to ensure we have enough resources for participants.

Our office hours are Monday – Thursday 9am to 4pm and Friday 9am to 1pm.Free entry but donations appreciated!

Remember - give us a call, if you would like a staff member as a guest speaker for your group in 2017. Limited availability - book early so your group doesn’t miss out!(We don’t charge a speaker fee but a donation towards travel costs & staff time would be appreciated)

Health Promotion Calendar of Events Winter 2017

COURSE DAY & DATE SUBURB TIME VENUE

Supports for Super Tuesday Tuakau 9.30am - 12noon St Johns Anglican Church Seniors May 2 Cnr George St & Buckland Rd

Positive Steps Fridays Howick 10am - 12.30pm St Andrews Presbyterian Sept 1, 8, 15 & 22 Church, 11 Vincent St

Seniors Eating Well Tuesdays Papakura 10am - 12.30pm Harvest Christian Church Sept 5, 12, 19 & 26 3 Beach Road

Steady Steps Thursday Beachlands 10.30am - 12noon St Hilda Community Hall, October 19 3 Wakelin Rd

Franklin Positive Ageing Friday Pukekohe 10am - 3pm Indian Association HallExpo (TBC) October 20 Ward Street

Staying Safe Friday Howick 9.30am - 2.30pm St Andrews Presbyterian(lunch included) October 20 Church, 11 Vincent St

Nutrition in a Nutshell Thursday Botany 10am - 12noon East City Wesleyan Church, October 26 219 Burswood Drive

Supports for Super Tuesday Takanini 10am - 12noon St Aidan Presbyterian Church Seniors October 31 23 Walter Strevens Drive

My Home, My Choices Friday Howick 10am - 12.30pm St Andrews Presbyterian November 3 Church, 11 Vincent St

POSITIVE STEPS (To Staying On Your Feet)What affects your balance? What can cause a slip, trip or fall? Maintaining your physical wellbeing and a gentle exercise programme are some of the topics covered in this course to keep you safe on your feet in your home and when you are out and about. Manual included.Registration limited to 12 people. (Please note, that as this course is held over four consecutive weeks, you must be able to attend all four sessions at the time of registration).

SUPPORTS FOR SUPER SENIORSThis session gives an overview of the variety of agencies and organisations that are out there to give advice and support, including online resources and telephone services. A handout of the information covered in the session, will be provided to take away.

SENIORS EATING WELL X 1A four week programme where we will cover nutrition, strong bones, fibre and fluid, shopping and cooking for one or two, smart snacking, food safety, nutrition myths, and kitchen equipment. You will come away with some delicious recipes and a manual with lots of helpful information. Includes food tasting!(Please note, that as this course is held over four consecutive weeks, you must be able to attend all four sessions at the time of registration).

STAYING SAFEThis interactive driver education course for mature road users, involves the use of resources from Land Transport and a workbook for participants to keep. This off road course will cover four key themes: • Keeping Safe (thinking about your safety) • Being Safe (driver skills)• Safe Journeys (managing road situations) • Keep Moving Safely (alternatives to driving)

NUTRITION IN A NUTSHELL (NEW IN 2017)This session gives an overview of the importance of nutrition as we age and our changing nutritional needs. Includes a look at food groups, their importance and recommended daily intake, the importance of protein, fibre, fluids, strong bones, Vitamin D and smart snacking.

MY HOME, MY CHOICESThe pilot of this workshop will give older people the opportunity to use a research-based decision support tool to help them think about their homes and what will work for them into the future. Stay where I am or move? The pros and cons of both, the options and things to consider. (The tool has been developed primarily for owner occupiers). Registration strictly limited due to the number of toolkits available.

OTHER TOPICS POTENTIALLY AVAILABLE INCLUDE:SPRING INTO SAFETY: This session looks at various ways to keep ourselves safe at home, (including online safety and scams) and out in the community. A range of topics will be covered, with plenty of time for questions and answers. A handout of the information covered in the session, will be provided to take away.STEADY STEPS: An introduction to falls prevention via a short PowerPoint presentation and interactive session. A handout, of the information covered in the session, will be provided to take away with plenty of time for questions and answers.DOWN BUT NOT OUT: This session is aimed at those seeking information for themselves or for people they care about. Come and learn the difference between feeling down now and again or depression that needs the support of others or professional help/identify how and where to seek help/how to flourish as we age. Registration numbers strictly limited.SLEEPLESSNESS & STRESS: This session is designed to assist older people to understand more about fatigue caused by both a lack of good quality sleep and stress. It will offer positive strategies and suggestions for improving hours of quality sleep and coping with stress. A handout, of the information covered in the session, will be provided to take away with plenty of time for questions and answers. People’s needs change as they age and there may come a time when a person is no longer able to make decisions or advocate for themselves. Many of us find thinking about the end of life difficult. This can mean we don’t talk about it and don’t put any plans in place for the future. Age Concern has three sessions available to help with this forward planning.WILLS & ENDURING POWER OF ATTORNEY: What are the different types, when do you need them, how do you set them up? Come and find out what is involved from our guest speaker.ADVANCED CARE PLANNING: What is an ACP, why should we have one, what is the process to complete one? Come and find out what is involved from our guest speaker.PREPARING FOR BEREAVEMENT: What practical decisions need to be made and legal information is required when bereavement occurs? Our guest speakers from a local Funeral Director and Manukau Memorial Gardens will bring their knowledge and expertise, to answer your questions and provide information on these important topics with plenty of time for questions and answers.

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Authorised by Jenny Salesa, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Coffee with Jenny:Youthline Building,

First Fridays, 10-11am

Positive Ageing Network Student PlacementWe are delighted to have these 4 students (photo on the front cover) on placement for the Positive Ageing Network for our research project. We asked them to share with us why they wanted to be placed with us for their student assignment. The students are Anna Jessen(AJ), Privitha Sivanesan(PS), Shreya Shivanjali(SS), and Tian Yan(TY). Here’s what they told us:We are students of the University of Auckland, undertaking a Bachelor of Health Science degree, majoring in Population Health. On behalf of the University of Auckland, we are volunteering in Age Concern Counties Manukau (ACCM) as part of a placement programme that goes towards the completion of our degree. We mutually feel privileged to be given the opportunity to be part of an organisation such as ACCM, one that is solely focused on serving the needs of the elderly community - a selfless and honourable cause in which we aspire to as health science students.Why Age Concern Counties Manukau (ACCM)?TY: I have participated in a lot of voluntary work involving children and teenagers; however I wish to challenge myself through interacting with a different age group. ACCM provides me the kind of opportunity to understand and appreciate the elderly people living around me.SS: I live with my grandma who has dementia and this encouraged me to choose ACCM because I wanted to get to know the situation of older people in the community to understand them better. PS: I currently work in a retirement village in central Auckland (and have done so for 3 years) and value the interactions I have with the older people there. I chose ACCM because I wanted to gain more insight into how older people of different demographics live and thrive in New Zealand.AJ: I really care about everyone having the chance to live well and lead a happy, healthy life and figuring out how people do this successfully will aid in helping others to do so too! So this is a really cool opportunity for me.What are we doing on this placement?We are currently writing up a literature review around what contributes to older people living, working and

playing well in the Counties Manukau DHB region. The literature review will assist in developing survey questions that will be distributed to the members of this organisation as well as older people within the community later this year.If you are interested in being part of this future survey please contact Sandy at Age Concern Counties Manukau Inc so we can add you to our expression of interest register and contact you once survey questions are developed.

Vote for us to receive a share of $4,000 from Z Ti Rakau Drive!Age Concern Counties Manukau Inc is one of the four groups being supported through Good in the Hood at Z Ti Rakau Drive. That means we’ll get a share of $4,000 - but how much depends on how many votes we get. To vote for us, all you need to do is buy something from Z Ti Rakau Drive during May and you’ll be given an orange token to put in the voting box (or if you’re a Z card holder, you’ll get two votes!). So please head down to Z Ti Rakau Drive during May and vote for us! You can also support us by encouraging people you know to vote too by posting on Facebook or Twitter.

MothersMothers’ Day is a day for many people to show their appreciation towards mothers and mother figures worldwide. We celebrate this day on the second Sunday in May every year and this year it is May the 14th.

We sincerely wish all the mothers, mothers-in-laws, step-mothers, people who are like a mother, grand-mothers, and great-grandmothers a very happy Mothers’ Day and hope you all feel appreciated and loved.

The following story is a great example of how mothers are appreciated.

This photo depicts four generations of women in Katrina Winn’s family.

This photograph is very significant for us all as my mother has lived longer than any other member of her family in known history it was a very emotional event for her. She has other grandchildren but I am her only daughter and, of my four children, this is the first daughter to have a daughter. (My only other grandchild, from my other daughter thus far, is a boy.) My mother’s resilience through a traumatised life has been such an inspiration to me and her work ethic and determination has been such an example to me in the way I have lived my life and influenced how I have coped with my own drama. Fortunately, passed through by me, both my daughters have also had to dig deep in their life and found that same resilience and determination to get through and live life with positivity and self-belief. We hold my mum up as an example of all that is good and inspiring about the

older generation of New Zealand women. We want to grow up and be as strong as they were.

Katrina WinnProud daughter, mother and grandmother

Intimacy and Sexuality in Aged CareJoy Solomon Esq. Director and Managing Attorney at the Weinberg Centre for Elder Abuse Prevention at the Hebrew Home at Riverdale (NY, USA) recently presented a symposium on Intimacy and Sexuality in Aged Care at Massey University, Albany, NZ.The Hebrew Home at Riverdale (NY) is internationally renowned for its innovative policies on Intimacy and Sexuality in residential aged care. Joy Solomon noted that Sexual Expression and the need for Intimacy are inseparable from the human expression and as such should be considered a basic human right. With this as the starting point, The Hebrew Home have developed cutting edge policy and procedures made available online, for residential facilities to implement. This often neglected right of care home residents is most commonly ignored or avoided or even considered dirty or absurd. Policies that support people’s rights to experience intimacy in residential care, go a long way to protecting this basic right and meeting our need for holistic wellbeing as we age. Declining capacity for consent, decreased inhibition and an increased need for intimate expression, create a complex environment for care workers to ascertain mutual consent for intimate expression. The Hebrew Home promote the use of multi-disciplinary teams which ascertain psycho-social indicators to establish the effect on well-being and evidence of non-verbal consent for sexual expression. Privacy is protected and sexual health is promoted in order to normalise sexual expression and intimacy for residents of Aged Care facilities. More information on Joy Solomon is available at www.weinberg-centre.org and on the Hebrew Home at www.riverspringhealth.org

Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

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Enduring Powers Of AttorneyAge Concern has always promoted Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) for older people. While someone is still mentally competent they can, in their EPAs, nominate who will look after them (personal care and welfare attorney) and their property (property manager attorney) should they become mentally incompetent.

Changes to the law governing EPAs came into effect last month. The most important affects couples who wish to appoint each other as their attorney. Since the last legal changes in 2008 if a couple did so they had to have legal advice from two different legally qualified persons. This, of course, added to the cost. In the changes it has been recognised that the reason for such a precaution - that a person has impartial and independent advice including if the legal advisor acts for the other party - is not generally necessary for couples. This is because the likelihood of a conflict of interest between them is negligible. If the lawyer judges that such risk is low she or he can act for both parties on the formalities.

However, in all other cases it is still required that the attorney’s signature be witnessed by someone other than the certifying legal person so as to show that there was no undue influence on the donor or maker of the EPA.

The forms themselves, regrettably, are even longer than the last set. First, there are five pages of notes to be read by the donor. They include the definitions of the terms used. Both webinars I have participated in, while agreeing that they may not do much for the donor and there may well be many who do not read them, or find them hard to understand, to delete them and begin with the operative part of the document may be risky. This is especially so if subsequently someone challenges the validity of the EPA including the circumstances in which it was signed.

The latest forms have introduced new features. In the first section, which records the names of the donor, there is provision for contact details. The next section contains the first of the “tick box” sections. Previously, if a donor made a later EPA, unlike a will which should begin by revoking or cancelling a previous will, a donor had to notify attorneys under previous EPAs of their cancellation. In situations such as a falling out between a donor and the attorney, particularly in a family, the donor may not wish the attorney to know of the cancellation. That has resulted on occasion in court proceedings between competing attorneys. While the duty to notify the attorney under the previous EPA remains, the non-notification by the donor is likely to be an issue only if the attorney is already acting. If the earlier EPA has never been invoked and has come into operation - then the problem may not arise.

Then follow more prescriptive matters. The information to be given, including the choices to be made, are detailed. Now a prior EPA can be modified rather than cancelled outright such as by changing a successor attorney to become the primary attorney.

There is also a new section in the EPA form. It is Section H for personal care and welfare and Section M for property. In these sections the donor can add additional terms and conditions. For example, in that for personal care and welfare the donor can refer to an advance directive that the donor has made. Effectively the donor can direct the attorney to follow it.

The legal certificate that forms part of the EPA is also in a tick box format. The major change is the addition of a provision that where the legal advisor has acted

for a couple he or she must tick the fourth box in the section dealing with independent advice stating that even though they have witnessed the signature of the other party they are satisfied that no more than a negligible risk or conflict of interest arises.

The other main change is that for all EPAs for personal care and welfare and for property that are only invoked when the donor is mentally incapable the medical certificate required from the health practitioner does not, now, have to be on the form previously prescribed. So long as it contains all the relevant information as to the qualifications and experience of the practitioner to carry out the assessment and their findings as to if the donor is no longer mentally competent the document will be accepted. I believe this is because too few health practitioners were filling in the set form which certainly was my experience.

There are benefits in the new forms. The main one is that in most cases, now, the same legal advisor can attend on a couple appointing each other as their attorneys. The main drawback is that the EPA for personal care and welfare is 15 pages in length, while that for property has 22 pages. And to recall that before the first reforms 10 years ago the original forms were only one page long each!

I conclude by saying that while purportedly the forms are meant to make the process simpler for donors and less expensive, the fact is that, in my view, they are more complex. In turn this means that not only because of that but also the requirement for legal advice, which is to be confirmed by the certificate which forms part of the EPA, they will not reduce the costs for people making them.

Finally, as is often the case, you will get those who will try and “do their own” as far as possible. Forms can be downloaded from the Ministry of Social Development website section for seniors. However, I recommend that for people wishing to make EPAs they are still best to consult their own legal advisor before doing so. They are likely to find that not only may it end up costing more but by leaving it to the legal professional they should get the documents properly completed.

Alistaire Hall* Heartland Seniors Finance is a division of Heartland Bank Limited. Terms and conditions apply. Heartland Bank Limited’s lending criteria, fees and charges also apply.

HOW DO I STAY INTHE HOME I LOVE?

Are you aged 60 or over? Do you own your own home? Do you want more flexibility with your finances and the independence to spend your retirement how you choose?A Heartland Home Equity Loan works by allowing you to borrow against the equity in your home, without having to make repayments until you leave or sell your property.*The money from a Home Equity Loan can be used for things like home renovations, medical procedures, a holiday overseas, debt repayment or even helping children or grandchildren buy homes of their own.

Brett Hewson 09 927 9398 or 027 522 9324

brett.hewson@heartland.co.nz

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Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

Page 16 Page 17

APARANGI V i l l a g e

Community owned Charitable Trust“The gathering of disnguished people”

CONTACT US:

Phone 07 826 3544 or0800 805 060Email: info@aparangi.co.nz Website: www.aparangi.co.nz

THE VILLAGE WHERE YOU CANLIVE YOUR RETIREMENT DREAM

Aparangi Village offers a vibrant but peacefulindependent lifestyle in the picturesque rural surroundings of Te Kauwhata.Ideally located away from the busy city life but an easy drive to Auckland, Hamilton and the idyllic East and West Coasts. Enjoy the quieter lifestyle we have to offer as well as the many local and surrounding aracons.

Aparangi Village hopes to provide opons that suit your rerement lifestyle and needs in the most costeffecve way. Whether you rent or own in our village we provide you with safe, secure and family centred services.

Aparangi Village provides opons that suit your rerement lifestyle and needs in the most cost effecve way. Whether you rent or own in our village we provide you with safe, secure and person centered services.

Older and Wiser AA Senior Driver, the AA Driving School’s solution to assist older motorists in staying fresh behind the wheel, is now available to more people.

Launched in August last year, AA Senior Driver was available to members aged 80 plus, offering a free, practical driving session every two years. Now, a further 75,000 AA members have access to the programme, following a decision to lower the qualifying age to 74.

When drivers renew their licence at age 75, it is valid for just five years instead of 10. At age 80, the renewal regime changes to every two years.

AA Driving School General Manager, Roger Venn says, “Following the launch of AA Senior Driver, there was demand from members to expand the programme. We’re a car-loving nation, our need for our vehicles doesn’t just end when we retire. Whether you’re 18, 45 or 80, the truth is we all want to retain the mobility, freedom and independence that driving gives us.”

He says, “The refresher programme acknowledges that, over time, much has changed on the roads to compensate for more traffic and different forms of transport. We know from our research that developments can intimidate some senior drivers. Giving them a chance to navigate these changes with an instructor and in their own car helps to confirm their awareness of their own skills and build confidence, which also makes them safer on the road. For others it’s a matter of raising awareness of basic changes in their car, like adjusting the seat, steering wheel and seat belt, and the positive impact that can make on driving.”

These are all aspects covered in the free one-hour AA Senior Drivers session. Members can become eligible for the benefit again every two years.

AA Members aged 74 plus can book their free Senior Drivers session online at: aa.co.nz/senior-driver or by calling 0800 223 748.

This article appeared in the autumn 2017 edition of the AA Directions magazine and has been reprinted with the permission of the editorial team.

As part of the Health Promotion programme, Age Concern Counties Manukau offers “Staying Safe”, the NZTA interactive driver refresher course for

mature road users, using resources from Land Transport and a workbook for participants to keep. This off-road course covers four key themes: • Keeping Safe (thinking about your safety) • Being Safe (driver skills)• Safe Journeys (managing road situations) • Keep Moving Safely (alternatives to driving)

Ring the office on 279 4331 ext. 800 or email reception@accm.org.nz to book for the course being held later this year. Friday 20 October, 9.30am - 2.30pm, at St Andrews Presbyterian Church, 11 Vincent St, Howick, (downstairs in the café). Morning tea and lunch are included.

Please note: other dates and venues will be confirmed which we are taking registrations of interest for.

Alzheimers Disease

The brain is the most marvellous organ in the body, in that it comprises not only much that makes us human, but also who we are as individuals. It is tightly connected to the rest of the body.In a recent Time Magazine article a specialist says that the brain can be taken care of in the same way as the rest of the body. That can help to inhibit its deterioration. Both mental and physical exercises may protect the brain as it ages.Cognitive decline is a major scourge of the older person, with Alzheimers being regarded as a degenerative disease. But new research dating back to the well-known ‘Nun’s brains study’ in America suggests that the organic decline does not necessarily result in corresponding cognitive deterioration. The brain of one nun, who lived to be

101, after her death, was found to have the myeloid plaques and tau tangles associated with advanced Alzheimers Disease. Yet she was reported to have been as sharp as ever up to her death and had even continued to teach.Like cancer and other diseases extensive research into the causes of dementia-type diseases and therefore their treatment or prevention continues. The benefits are both social and economic. Dementia in its advanced stages severely impacts upon the dignity of the sufferer. It also brings grief similar to that of bereavement to their family who usually have had no previous experience of the condition. That makes it hard not only to accept it in a loved one but to come to terms with its manifestations in them.The economic cost of caring for the afflicted person is considerable. While in the early stages the person may be taken care of at home often by the other spouse or partner, in its more extreme stages they need to go into full-time care. This is at their cost or their family or the taxpayer.With the exponential increase in the ageing population the rate of increase of those with Alzheimers Disease is likely to grow considerably. It is a reality of our modern world with greater life expectancy.How to cope? For the individual the Time Magazine article recommends 6 areas to promote healthy lifestyle right throughout our lives. These are:• Shore up your heart• Emphasise exercise• Learn new things• Be social• Treat depression• Sleep wellAlso, ensure your will is up to date. Let your executor and your family know your wishes for your body at death. While you can still make a gift for organ donation find out what this involves as these can only be harvested immediately on death, and not hours later.Make sure that you have completed - that is signed by all parties - enduring powers of attorney and that they are up to date as well. If an attorney has died or is no longer available or willing to act because of changed circumstances seek legal advice. There are changes to the law governing enduring powers of

attorney including the forms coming into effect on 16th March 2017. While the old forms provided they had been signed by all will still be valid, any not fully signed will not.For families become a parent to your parents, which can be hard for many. It means looking out for Mum and Dad’s wellbeing. Don’t be afraid to inquire into unexplained changes to their personalities and behaviour. Try to tactfully, overcome the denial that there is anything wrong with them. This is where organisations such as Age Concern www.accm.org.nz and Dementia Auckland www.dementiaauckland.org.nz and www.alzheimers.org.nz, with their expertise can assist.We all grow old unless we die relatively young. So dementia is a possibility that lies ahead of each of us.Source: Time Magazine Australia/New Zealand edition 6th February 2017 – Untangling Alzheimer’s p26.

Alistaire Hall

Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

Page 18 Page 19

Ray LawHi! Kia ora! (Li Hao) I’m Ray Law. In January this year, I joined Age Concern Auckland as Asian (Chinese) Service Community Coordinator. My role at Age Concern is to address the challenges and meet the needs of older Chinese people living in Auckland, including South and East Auckland. There are

around 10,000 Chinese, over the age of 65, living in Auckland (2013 Census) and immigrants comprised 91 per cent of the total older Chinese population. Numbers have rapidly increased through recent decades and they are predicted to continuously increase in the future. These elderly people left their family and friends in China, or other Asian countries, and came to New Zealand to start a new life. They reported encountering many challenges in their daily life such as; language barrier, lack of knowledge about the health care and social system and difficulties around travelling to places. Some of the older people can overcome these hurdles with the support of their family but a large number are living alone, in isolation, as their family are unable to help them due to a variety of reasons. Although there are agencies and groups working for the Chinese community, there are only a few which are well-established and they face challenges meeting the growing demand placed upon them. Most of all, these services do not specifically cater for older people. Therefore, these older Chinese migrants’ needs have not been met by the mainstream support agencies.In order to fill this gap, I have started to collaborate with other existing Chinese agencies and groups, in order to connect

the older people to the services and activities available for them in order for them to create a sense of belonging in this community. I also give talks to Chinese groups to promote positive ageing and I raise people’s awareness about ways to prevent elder abuse and neglect. I support Chinese clients when accessing social services and provide language (both Cantonese and Mandarin) support and cultural advice to other professionals when working with Chinese clients.Ray Law’s direct phone number is (09) 820 0271 email rayl@ageconcak.org.nz

Volunteers required for The Vintage Store on Monday and Wednesday afternoons, especially till operators. We also need some fit strong volunteers to assist with moving stock around for any days that suit you. We would love you to join our team of volunteers at our Papatoetoe store 3/154 Kolmar Road. Contact tvsadmin@accm.org.nz or call the store on 250 1935 in the mornings to speak to Christine or Brendon for more information.

Arthur’s keen on planning for the future and his end-of-life careSouth Aucklander Arthur Te Anini has a chronic illness he knows will limit his life. It’s a sobering thought, but the ex-army man understands that thinking about and planning for his future, and end-of-life care, makes everything much less scary.

So, Arthur (Ngāti Whanaunga) has completed an advance care plan that tells his whānau and health care team what’s important to him and the end-of-life care he’d like.

“The idea of an advance care plan appealed to me. It presents clear information, not just for me, but for my family and medical team too.

“For example, if I reach the stage where I can’t speak and prolonging my life would be futile, I don’t want to be kept alive by having a feeding tube or being hooked up to machines. My advance care plan was an opportunity to say that to my medical team, while I could.”

Arthur’s plan also says that if he is unable to speak for himself it’s important to him that he is “kept presentable – clean shaven, fingernails cut and wearing clean clothes. Where I am isn’t important to me, but I’d like to hear familiar voices singing and talking.”

Dr Barry Snow, clinical lead of the National Advance Care Planning Cooperative, says what’s important to you and gives your life meaning might include people and pets, your values and the ways you would like those caring for you to look after your spiritual, cultural and emotional needs.

“Having an advance care plan is particularly important if you become too unwell to tell your loved ones and health care team what you want yourself.

“For example, what medical treatment would you want if you had a life-threatening illness? Would you want to be kept comfortable with your pain controlled, or for your life to be prolonged with active life-support medical treatments?”

Dr Snow says many people see having an advance care plan as an important gift as it can relieve loved ones of the burden of having to make decisions on their behalf.

Arthur Te Anini agrees. “It’s a huge relief to have done my advance care plan and to know that my whānau and my health care team are aware of it. I can still change it at any time, but it means I am free to enjoy my life.”

The Counties Manukau Health advance care planning facilitator can help you to think about, talk about and plan for your future and end-of-life care. Contact the facilitator at advancecareplanfacilitator@middlemore.co.nz

There are also lots of free resources to help Kiwis think about and prepare their advance care plan at www.advancecareplanning.org.nz

Important websites you should check out - if you don’t have the internet at home you can access

these at your local library:

www.accm.org.nzwww.positiveageingnetwork.org.nzwww.agewell.org.nzwww.eldernet.co.nzwww.superseniors.msd.govt.nzwww.adhb.govt.nz/seniorlinewww.healthpoint.co.nzwww.healthpoint.co.nz/public/older-peoples-health/counties-manukau-health-needs-assessment/www.seniornet.co.nzwww.cab.org.nzwww.greypower.co.nzwww.cffc.org.nz

Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

Page 20

Are you looking to down size your property?

For further information or an application form please visit Auckland Council’s website

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nzand search “own your own unit”

or contact our call centre on (09) 301 0101

Auckland City Council may be able to help!We have a portfolio of properties known as the

“Own-You-Own” units. One and two bedroom units with or without garages are sold to people 65 years of age or older at different tenure/discount options.

We have villages located in the following areas:North: Belmont, Bayswater and Beach Haven

East: PanmureSouth: Highland Park

West: AvondaleCentral: Mt Albert, Mt Eden, Onehunga and

Sandringham (5 villages)

The latest IRD Scam“Hello my name is Thomas and I’m calling from Inland Revenue, my employee ID is 12345678. I’m calling about your debt, we require your solicitor’s name as Inland Revenue is taking you to court.”

I’m going to stop there because there is a lot wrong with those words, things that point to it being a scam.

First off they give you an employee ID number. This is meant to show it’s an official call, but Inland Revenue staff do not give out employee ID numbers. Employee numbers for most organisations are for payroll purposes only.

Next they tell you they’re calling about your debt. Their wording is quite deliberate, “your debt”, suddenly you’re worried. Then they quickly follow up by asking for your solicitor’s name as they’re taking you to court. Now you’re probably really worried.

However this is really important: if you owe a debt to Inland Revenue, you will receive a letter from them, most likely more than one. The first contact notifying you that you have a debt should never be over the phone.

So what are the scammers hoping to get? They’ll ask you to confirm your IRD number, possibly they’ll tell you that you can settle the matter before it goes to court if you provide them with a bank account or credit card number. Inland Revenue will never ring you and ask for those details.

It can be unsettling having someone on the phone telling you that you’re in trouble. However here are some things you can do to protect yourself:1. Inland Revenue has a Voice ID system. Basically you ring Inland Revenue and register your voice on their system. So, if someone rings up saying they are from Inland Revenue and asking you to confirm your IRD number, just ask to be put through to the Voice ID system. If they won’t then it’s likely this is a scam.2. Ask to ring them back. They will give you a phone number to call them back on. Ignore it. Instead look up the number on the IRD website, or in the phone book. 3. Say that your son/daughter/friend has financial power of attorney and all matters should go through them. If it is a genuine phone call they will happily follow up with the appropriate people, but it’s more likely they will hang up.4. The longer you are on the phone the harder it is to get rid of them. They will be persistent, going over the same thing again and again, “we are taking you to court”, “you owe a debt”. Never attempt to engage them in conversation, especially if you feel pressured or uncertain about anything. 5. Which brings us to the most important weapon you have. They are on the phone, so you have the power. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, then hang up. That may sound rude, but remember they’re trying to steal your money. They may try and ring back, if they do then my suggestion is say that you’ve contacted Inland Revenue in the meantime and everything is under control.

Next time we’ll talk about email scams and how to spot them.

Rodney StrongAge Concern Feature Writer

Resiliency In March 25 of our AVS Volunteers attended a professional development session on Resiliency from Anne Foley (Supporting Families in Mental Illness).Anne gave our volunteers a comprehensive overview of just what resiliency is and then focused on what our volunteers could do to encourage resiliency in the older people they support. At this point it might be helpful to give a little background now for those of you wondering, “but what IS resiliency?”

Resiliency is how well we adapt when we face stressful situations, such as trauma, tragedy and adversity. It can be thought of as how well we “bounce back” after a difficult experience.

Resiliency is something that everyone is capable of, and like many things it comes more easily to some than others, but it is something that can always be developed and improved. People are constantly demonstrating resiliency on large and small scales, whether it’s people in Christchurch rebuilding after devastation and trauma; coping with the loss a beloved pet; remaining calm during home renovations or adapting to living with the effect of a serious illness, there are countless ways human beings demonstrate their resiliency.

Resiliency does not mean a person doesn’t experience emotional pain. It is in fact quite the opposite, it means that in spite of great emotional distress, a person is able to process their pain and carry on with life in a meaningful way.

Ways to build resiliency include:

1. Find a Sense of Purpose in Your Life2. Build Positive Beliefs in Your Abilities3. Develop a Strong Social Network

4. Embrace Change5. Be Optimistic6. Nurture Yourself7. Develop Your Problem-Solving Skills8. Establish Goals9. Take Steps to Solve Problems10. Keep Working on Your Skills

A very big thank you to Anne from Supporting Families for all of her guidance and insights on just how important it is to foster resiliency in ourselves and the people we care about!

Anastasia Bouman

Come and discover everything technology has to offer at

SeniorNet Papatoetoe91 Cambridge Terrace, Papatoetoe

Phone: (09) 278 3174Email: snetadmin@clear.net.nz

Counties Manukau Serving the needs of older people

Page 22 Page 23

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Papatoetoe208 Great South Rd(Opposite Hunters Plaza)Ph: 09 277 2233

Pukekohe11 West StreetOnsite ParkingPh: 09 238 0095

Manurewa161B Great South Rd(next to Labtests)Ph: 09 266 3850

Concert in Botany18th July 2017, 11am

P: 0508 266 237 (toll free) E: bookings@operatunity.co.nz W: www.daytimeconcerts.co.nz

WIN a double pass to the It’s Rainin’ Men show by simply filling in the details below and posting to Pukeko Print & Design, 927 Cameron Road, Gate Pa, Tauranga 3112, by the 7th July 2017 to go into the draw.

Name ___________________________Phone Number ____________________Alternatively email your details to: monique@pukekoprint.co.nz and quote ACCM 2/17

New housing partnership between The Selwyn Foundation and Auckland Council to commence operations in July The Housing for Older People limited partnership between charitable trust, The Selwyn Foundation, and Auckland Council has confirmed its appointments to the Board of its General Partner and has also announced its new name, as it prepares to take over operations of the council’s Housing for Older People portfolio on 1 July 2017.The limited partnership was formed in December 2016 to undertake comprehensive tenancy and asset management services associated with the council’s stock of 1,452* rental units for senior citizens, which are located in villages across south, north and west Auckland. As a 51% shareholder, The Selwyn Foundation has appointed three directors – Selwyn Board members; Helen Melrose and Vicki Sykes, and Selwyn CEO, Garry Smith. Matthew Harker and Kerry Hitchcock have been appointed by Auckland Council following an external selection process. Helen Melrose is the Board Chair.

WIN

Stars can’t shine without darkness.

Dealing with Scammers - Part Two. Email Scams or the Suckers’ Call ListIn my last article I talked about phone scammers, and some of the ways you can spot them. This time I’m going to focus on email scams.

Email scams have been around for as long as emails themselves. And like everything else in the world they have become more sophisticated over time.

There are actually two types of email scam. For this article, we’ll call them passive and aggressive.

Passive email scams are those that try to entice you into a conversation. They will tell you a story, and try and draw you in to replying. Once you’re engaged they will ask you to send them money, perhaps through something like Western Union. The most well-known of these was the Nigerian Prince email, where

someone claiming to be a prince needed help getting access to their money, but could only get it if you helped them pay some sort of fee. They may ask for money straight away, or build up a relationship over several emails before asking.

I call these passive scams because if you don’t reply then nothing happens. Even if you do get lured in and send money, at the most you’ve only lost the money you’ve sent. However the best thing to do is delete the email straight away.

The aggressive emails scams are generally more sophisticated, and their aim is to steal all your money. They might claim to be from your bank, or contain an attachment with an unpaid invoice that you must pay immediately to avoid penalties. They might have a link, in the body of the email, which will take you to the bank website.

The scammers’ main aim with these types of emails is to get your online banking password. They are

either trying to download a virus to your computer, or they’re going to be more direct. The purpose of the virus is to record your key strokes, basically a spy on your computer that will let the scammers know what buttons you’re pressing, and from this they can work out your passwords. They might also send out emails, purportedly from you, to everyone on your contact list. This is their way of spreading the virus, and that’s also why you will sometimes get emails from friends that look a little strange.

The good news is, protecting yourself is pretty easy. Make sure you have good computer security. Most computers come with virus protection, but you need to make sure it stays up to date. If you’re not sure then ask for help from family or friends. There are also mobile computer experts that will come to your house and check it out for you, although there is a cost. My father thought his virus protection was up to date, but it had lapsed, and he downloaded a virus which resulted in a sum of money being taken from his bank account, so never assume you’re protected.

Sometimes you’ll get an email from your bank saying you need to log into your online banking. The link they send you might take you to a page that looks like your bank, but it isn’t. The best way to avoid problems is never follow the link. Instead go to your bank’s website as you would normally do. Another way to spot this scam is if you do click on the link, then look at the address of the page. The one that should say www.anz.co.nz for example. Chances are it’ll say something different from what it should.

An important thing to remember is that scammers are not out to get you personally. They don’t know who you are, where you live, or any details about you, other than your email address. Scammers send out tens of thousands of emails each day to random people whom they call suckers. You’re safe as long as you take steps to protect yourself.

Rodney StrongAge Concern Feature Writer

VOLUNTEER VISITORS NEEDED

We urgently need Daytime Weekday Volunteer Visitors.

If you are a permanent resident, are over 18, available during the day on weekdays, and you would like to visit an older person for an hour a week on an ongoing basis,

please get in touch with us.

We will police check and reference check you, train you, and match you with clients who are on our

waitlist in your area.Contact: 279 4331 ext 815 or ext 801 or email admin@accm.org.nz

Acacia Cove Village is privately owned and New Zealand operated. It has its very own tournament-sized bowling green.Not to mention it’s own restaurant,heated indoor swimming pool,library and gym.

Wattle Farm Road, Wattle Downs, AucklandPhone: 09 268 8522 Fax: 09 268 8422Email: acacia@acaciacove.co.nzWebsite: www.acaciacovevillage.co.nz

Move into a villa or one of our luxury apartments in this tranquilestuary setting and they’re yours to enjoy every day of the week.Call us on 268 8522 and we’ll be

more than happy to show you around.