Family Care NZ - Issue 46 by Family Care

WITH CARERS NZ | ISSUE 46

just for you!

NEW ZEALAND

Help others, help yourself

COVID-19

Fun!

UPDATES

Stay Prepared Vaccination News Latest Advice

Good times CHANGING PLACES Accessible bathrooms CARE PARTNERS Dementia programme SELF-CARE Nice things to try MONEY GAME New from IHC JOIN PSA! Fairer for carers

GIFTS GALORE BE IN TO WIN!

Plus...

books, learning, useful things, reader stories, gifts + more!

FILM

James and Isey, a love story

MOOD BOOSTERS

Give them a try!

Supporting families wh nau and carers through COVID-19 A treat to look forward to Thanks to wecare.kiwi partner IHC we were able to provide 300 family carers with $30 Warehouse cards to buy something fun. We loved reading your heartwarming stories and seeing your photos. Enoy your cards!

I care for a daughter who has a very rare syndrome which has resulted in physical and intellectual disabilities. Our days consist of feeding pumps, equipment day and night, and listening to the Wiggles all day (her favourites!). I do get very lonely at times. We live rurally so it’s isolating. What a lovely gesture for carers like me. It’s a good day and the sun is shining.

I am 47 and care for my daughter who has an intellectual disability, ADHD and autism. Since her birth I have never been employed full-time and was recently made redundant from my parttime job (retail assistant one day a week). Thank you for the gift of an uplifting voucher.

Our family lives in a multi generation household. My mother is a caregiver for my Dad who has Lewy Body dementia. In our end of the house, my husband and I have two young girls and permanent care of our granddaughter who is autistic. During lockdown, it’s been a constant tag in, tag out situation for all 7 of us to get a break. We also happen to be shifting house. It’s all a moving landscape adding to everyone’s discombobulation! I would like to nominate my Mum for a voucher. She celebrated her birthday and marriage anniversary during this lockdown, and still gave me time out from managing all our home learning and packing while keeping the kids happy.

My name is Courtney and I am the mother of a 3 year old boy who has Lissencephaley. With COVID-19 we are doing all his personal cares and respite during this time. I saw on Facebook your amazing gesture and thought it was really kind.

I help take care of my Mum who has Alzheimer’s and my Dad who has prostate cancer. They both live with me. I’d like to nominate Dad for a card – he cares for Mum 24/7 whilst dealing with his own health issues.

Can I nominate my 17 year old daughter who has been so helpful with her 15 year old brother who has severe autism and global developmental delay. We don’t have much family here. My husband is an essential worker for the power board and I can only work parttime. My daughter has been such a help with her brother. A gift card would be a lovely treat for her.

My son is 9. He has autism, ADHD, dyslexia, behavioural challenges and other disabilities. Everyday life is a struggle in this house. I would like to apply for a gift card for my 13 year old daughter who puts up with a lot - verbal outbursts and constant stress have led to her having anxiety and requiring counselling. While we have multiple services helping us, the days are hard. We never know what each day is going to bring. As a single Mum I can’t afford to do much for the kids. My son has just had some items purchased with our carer relief funding. It would be really nice to be able to do something for Jess, too, as she often misses out.

I would like to nominate my friend for a voucher. She has three children, two of whom have a health condition and need help with all daily living tasks. Going out hasn't been an option, and at the best of times it’s a struggle for my friend dealing with two power chairs plus a five year old. This lady deserves a little pick-me-up. She is an amazing Mum!

I am writing in reply to the $30 retail voucher offer you put up on Facebook for my Mum. She is the sole full time carer for my Dad who is disabled due to Parkinsonism, cerebral vascular disease, and dementia. The lockdown has been really hard for them. Mum used to take Dad out for lunch every day for a bit of a breather but now she can only take him out for a drive when she goes grocery shopping (Dad waits in the car). I think Mum will be delighted to receive a voucher.

I would really appreciate a voucher so I can get some shoes. I care for my two teens, one with autism, the other with autism and ADHD. I also support my mother-in-law who has Parkinsons, my own Mum who had a stroke, and a son who was injured resulting in brain injury. There is very little left for me and I desperately need a new pair of shoes! Thank you for considering me.

Hi team, what a lovely gesture. At the moment I am feeling totally overwhelmed so even if I don’t get anything just wanted to tell you how it is appreciated just seeing that post on Facebook. My hubby and I are the parents of two adult children on the autism spectrum. One still lives with us (he’s 29). Our daughter lives independently but is still reliant on us for all aspects of her life including financial. Now that my hubby is retired this is proving harder and harder. I have COPD and am not old enough for the pension (darn) but I can’t work. My hubby is type 1 diabetic and is now having ongoing heart issues. I’m also the Power of Attorney for my dear friend who is nearly 80 and has no family or friends in NZ. She had cancer surgery last week and now they think it’s affected her dementia, so I’m furiously trying to find a support living facility for her. So basically - arrrrrrgh!!!!! Thanks for listening. It’s made my day knowing people out there care.

I would love to nominate my Mum for a gift card. I have a 6 year old autistic daughter. She is strong, sassy, fierce and just a bit over this lockdown. We live in Auckland. Mum has been awesome in giving my daughter and I time apart. It has been invaluable to me at a time that is quite stressful - Mum is wonderful.

I have 3 children aged 16, 12, and 10, all of whom have ADHD and autism. I home school my oldest but also my other two when times get hard for them at school. Lockdown has been full on as my son’s carer cannot come to take him out for his usual activities. There is no such thing as a break until things settle back down. Every day is more tiring than the last. I would treasure a voucher to look forward to buying myself something to make life a bit brighter.

I am emailing on behalf of my 18 year old daughter. I have progressive multiple sclerosis and am wheelchair dependent. Since my husband left 2 years ago, she has been my mainstay. I only have support hours to cover when she is as at university lectures. She then becomes my main carer once she gets home each day and every weekend. I would love to surprise her with a voucher as a small token of my gratitude.

I saw your post on Facebook. I am a mother of two (2 year old girl & 8 month old boy). I stopped working when we found out I was pregnant and planned to go back when our first baby was born, but God has other plans for us. I am a full-time carer for my first born daughter who has cerebral palsy, seizures and developmental delay. Thank you for remembering someone like me.

Supporting families every day! Carers NZ provides advice, information, support and advocacy for anyone caring for friends or family members. All of our services and information are free to our community of family carers, disabled people, older people, and community organisations. Please help to keep our 0800 helpline, email hotline, web and printed resources, and other services available to New Zealand’s carers at no cost.

Your Details Name ______________________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________________ Physical Address ___________________________________________________________________________ Phone _______________________ Postal Address (If different) _________________________________________________________________ Mobile Phone __________________ Town/City ______________________________ Post Code ______________________________

I'd like to support your work!

 One off donation (donations over $5 are tax deductible)  Monthly donation (I authorise Carers NZ to make automatic deductions every month from my credit card until further notice)  $25  $50  $100  $200  My Choice $ ______________________ All donations will be used to keep Carers NZ services and information free for family carers and those they support: infopacks, Family Care magazine, e-newsletters, 0800 helpline, email hotline, advocacy, and keeping carers connected via social media and in-person meetings and events.

Payment method

 By credit card:  Visa  Mastercard

Card number 

  

Name on card (please print) ______________________________________________ Expiry ___/___ CSV 

3 digit number on back of your credit card

Signature _____________________________________________________

 Or by bank deposit/internet banking Account name Carers New Zealand Trust Account no 12-3096-0298326-02 Reference: Donation Would you like a copy of your receipt?  Yes

 No

Please photograph or scan your completed form and email to centre@carers.net.nz or post to Carers NZ, Freepost 256234, PO Box 47385, Ponsonby Auckland 1144 (no stamp required). Alternatively, phone us and we can process your credit card donation in person: 0800 777 797. Thanks for helping!

0800 777 797 l www.carers.net.nz l centre@carers.net.nz

feature

this time features

24 Reader Gifts!

One entry, all draws

Complete and return our easy entry form and you will be entered into every reader gift draw! One entry per person please. Just return your form to us and you’re in to win! SEE OUR GIFT ENTRY FORM ON PAGE 10

One Entry for All Gift Draws! Just complete and return this form and you will be entered into every draw! One entry per person please. We'd love to know more about what you like. Please tell us about yourself (tick any that apply)!    

I am a family carer for another/others I am a 'self carer' managing my own health and disability needs I care for a child or young person with a disability I have (or assist someone who has) these conditions or health issues:

_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

 I work in health and disability  I work for a community organisation  I share my magazine with others (if so, how many others see your copy of Family Care: _________ )

I would most like to win these reader gifts: 1. _____________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________ Name ___________________________________________ Physical Address __________________________________

www.carers.net.nz

________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Mailing Address (if different) ________________________

________________________________________________

08 11 14 16 20 25 27 34 36

Making the most of life

Bubbles

Support for families

regulars 9

Your Say

Reader feedback

Money Game

Counselling

Young Carers NZ

Books Music Film

Fun ideas!

Useful Things

Joys of Life

Self-Care Planner

Care Partners

CareWise

Another COVID Day

New tool from IHC! Ways to help

And reader gifts Lightness each day Dementia programme Tips and tools

Find a service

Watch, read, listen

Aids, equipment, fun stuff! Organise good times

Juggling work and care?

COVID-19 Guide

Links and advice

Right On the Edge? Steps to take

Changing Places

Accessible bathrooms

I have just completed a questionnaire sent to me by your organisation. I didn’t know of Carers NZ's existence until I received this and have already gone to your website to have a look at your information. I am delighted to know you are there and will read your web pages with interest. Looking after my husband following an accident five and a half years ago has completely changed my life as well as his. Trying to keep a brave face and make the most of life has been our aim. There are a lot of people worse off than us and plenty of people in the cemetery would swap with us. There is always something to be grateful for and I think we do very well at keeping our morale up and supporting each other. However it can be hard and sometimes difficulties arise which seem like the straw which is going to break the camel’s back and overwhelm me. It is so nice to know that there is an organisation out there that cares for carers and is actually doing some research. Thank you for doing this research and giving me the opportunity to tell someone how I feel. Friends may ask how you are, but who wants to hear what’s really going on? It’s easier to say we’re fine than to tell them you are depressed, lonely and exhausted. But I am grateful for the help we have been given over the years and understand how complex and difficult it is to support families in these circumstances. I know these organisations do their best to help where they can and resources are not unlimited. I just wanted to say thank you and look forward to gleaning some helpful advice from your web pages. NICKY

16 FamilyCARE 5

Value our work Without you, NZ would be worse off! You do outstanding work every day at your home for loved ones and the wider community. You are skilled and dedicated. But you also carry a lot on your shoulders. The PSA is here to support you and connect you with other family carers to share experiences and voice your concerns. For years our union has supported thousands of the family carers who are paid via ACC providers, and we are now extending this professional support to the growing number of family, whānau and aiga carers who receive payment for some of their mahi aroha.

Welcome to the PSA! The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is the largest union in New Zealand. Our 80,000 members work in a uniquely diverse range of occupations, including home support, mental health and addictions, disability and social services, as public servants and much more. For over a century the PSA has advocated for better pay and conditions of our members, but also for public and community services serving individuals and communities in need. New Zealanders deserve a health and disability system that fully funds the best possible family care and looks after the people who provide it. Your wellbeing is important to ensure that you can provide the best possible care for your loved ones.

What the PSA can do for you The PSA’s close relationship with Carers NZ goes back decades, but for the first time we are formalising this alliance. More family, whānau and aiga carers are being paid for their work, and we want them to understand the benefits and options available to them as members of the PSA. PSA membership is an affordable way to know you have protection if you ever need it, whether from our organising or legal teams. We lobby the Ministry of Health, ACC, the DHBs and whoever else it takes to ensure your ideas and concerns are heard. Members also have access to additional travel and lifestyle benefits through PSA Plus, including holiday homes and special discounts.

The PSA’s achievements for family carers like you Our union’s work has contributed to and actively supports Enabling Good Lives, and we campaigned for increased Funded Family Care pay rates. We support Mahi Aroha – Carers’ Strategy Action Plan and advocate for your interests beyond the strategy. The PSA is also a carer friendly employer, as a participant in Carers NZ’s CareWise programme to support working carers. The Care and Support Equal Pay Settlement is one of our biggest achievements, and while support workers still face problems around things like in-between travel and guaranteed hours, we’re proud to look back at a deal that delivered pay rises of up to fifty percent. The Settlement now applies to some family carers, and we hope to negotiate its renewal and extension in 2022.

Who is this for? You are eligible to join our union if you are a carer paid to support friends or members of your family, whānau or aiga, or if you provide support through individualised funding. Union membership is an opportunity to connect and network with others, so you can work together to improve your lives. The PSA is a collective of your peers - you are the union.

Join today by going to www.psa.org.nz/join Gross annual salary

Fees per fortnight

Under $19,629

$4.40

$19,629 - $42,744

$8.90

$42,745 - $54,999

$15.40

$55,000 - $74,999

$18.20

$75,000 - $99,999

$20.00

$100,000 and over

$21.50

Carers NZ is the national peak body supporting our country’s family, whānau, and aiga carers. It acts as Secretariat for the Carers Alliance, a coalition of 50 national not for profits. The annual value of family carers’ largely unpaid work is $10 billion (Infometrics). We value the mahi aroha of the workforce represented by the PSA and look forward to drawing on the union’s 100 years of expertise to improve recognition, support, and equal pay and workforce rights for family, whānau, and aiga carers.

reflections

Moment to moment It's been interesting to hear from so many readers about their pandemic experiences. As we put this issue together, we're in the midst of a rollercoaster time of vaccination, service disruptions, travel uncertainties, and tiredness ... we know that many of our community are tired. At the same time, we're hearing about the positive experiences families have had. More time together, appreciation of rich small moments, more time to reflect and, for some, lots of laughs and fun times. Fun isn't a word most of us would associate with the months of COVID-19, yet it's one we've heard more of lately. Thanks for sharing your stories about ways you're finding to have good times. You've inspired us to make 'fun' the focus of this issue! We hope you enjoy Angelique Kasmara's suggestions. Getting through these COVID-19 days is still a reality, too, so we've developed some new resources to help with this. We've also got suggestions for mood boosters, and what to do if you're having a tough time and might need some help. It can be hard to ask for assistance but our helpline has been really busy since mid year as pressures increase for those seeking guidance about food, housing, respite, and support funding. We're always here to help if you need answers, or just someone to talk to - 0800 777 797. Meanwhile, don't forget that in our e-magazines you can click on an email address or web link to go straight through. It's part of the fun of digital publishing, and we're exploring ways to offer new kinds of 'rich' content in future issues. Video, online learning, zoom recordings, fun ways to connect and make friends - stick with us while we experiment, and you'll see the results in the months ahead.

FamilyCARE Editor Laurie Hilsgen Contributors Kimberly Graham, Tricia Irving, Angelique Kasmara, Virginia Linton, Dr Kathy Peri Advertising + Inquiries centre@carers.net.nz Phone (09) 360 7221 Publisher Family Care NZ PO Box 23 Mangonui, Far North 0420 ISSN 1177-3340 Print 2230-4819 Digital Disclaimer Articles and opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of Carers NZ, Family Care, or advertisers. Winners of our giveaways will receive their gifts within 6-8 weeks of each draw. By entering a reader gift draw your details may be provided to the supplier of that gift. If you do not want your details to be provided, note this on your entry form. Copyright is owned by the creators of images and graphics used in Family Care; see individual credits below. Cover image Lilechik-h, shutterstock.com Copyright Family Care. All rights reserved.

Warmest wishes until next time!

You'll find our entry form for all reader gifts on page 10!

Thank you for supporting this issue

Photo credits, shutterstock.com unless specified otherwise. COVER: lilechik-h; P5: YucaLorna, Rawpixel.com, Real People Studio, Pedal to the Stock; P9: apichon_tee, MA8, Spatuletail, Tristan Tan; P10: DJ Taylor; P16: Pedal to the Stock, New Africa, Lennystan, Nattha99; P20-24: Monkey Business Images, Pressmaster, Oneinchpunch, Real People Studio, Jakkapan, Alina Kruk, Rawpixel.com, Sunny Studio; P25: Mix Tap; P26: Avian; P27-29: Marish, Alexei_TM, Kantinar Kongjaidee; P30: Rawpixel.com, Alexei_ TM, Uraiwons; P34-35: Yucalora, Kantimar Kingjaidee; P36: Fizkes.

FAMILY CARE FRIENDS

www.carers.net.nz

FamilyCARE 7

Find your bubble inside a bubble Families shut inside in Auckland and Northland were in line for some online relief during their extended Level 4 lockdown when music therapist Ahjay Stelino took his sounds and skills direct to families with disabled children. Ahjay Stelino, an Auckland-based music therapist, partners with IHC Programmes to offer music therapy. This year he has held in-person sessions in Wellington and Hamilton. A further session scheduled for Tauranga in August was moved online when the country went into lockdown. The online groups are kept small and children are grouped by age. Families were asked to have a few things handy (musical instrument, plastic container, rice, dried lentils, silk scarf, bubbles) for Ahjay to use in the workshop. With the news that the Level 4 lockdown was to be extended, IHC sent out an invitation to families in Auckland and Northland on the IHC Library database to participate in online music therapy with Ahjay. The sessions started in early September and the first one, for children under 12, was booked out within hours. This is familiar territory for Ahjay. He was online during lockdown 2020, providing free musical interaction for families struggling to entertain young children through a dedicated Facebook channel – now called Awhi Ngā Mātua. This is an online community for parents of tamariki with disabilities and high health needs, set up and supported by IHC Programmes. Ahjay, who has two boys aged five and nine, says listening to music or playing music together can be a fun, relaxing family activity to add to the day.

Ethan Wan-Zeng, encouraged by Dad Caleb Wan-Zeng, shakes a shaker made at the workshop as Ahjay Stelino plays and sings. Ethan took part along with his twin brother Enoch.

Ethan Wan-Zeng lets the music carry him away at an IHC music therapy session at Hamilton Public Library in May. The session was attended by six families for children aged 12 and under. “Listening to music individually can allow each person to have their own ‘bubble within a ‘bubble’, where they can escape into the world created by the music they are listening to.” Ahjay says the in-person and online sessions are one-off sessions, so the focus is to help parents with ideas for using music at home, rather than on doing a music therapy session with the child. “With both the in-person and online sessions, I like having the whole family involved,” he says. “Especially important are siblings, as I find that these younger persons are usually very enthusiastic and naturally inclined to want to do music with their brother or sister with disabilities.” An important aim of the project is to make sure the families keep using music beyond the one-off sessions. The families all get musical resource packs to help them continue to apply the ideas learnt at the session. The packs are handed out at the in-person sessions and mailed out for the online sessions. The success of last year’s online sessions gave rise to the in-person sessions hosted by IHC this year and funded by Wellington Community Trust and Trust Waikato.

feedback

your say WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Share your thoughts, or ask other readers for advice. Send your comments to centre@carers.net.nz, or post them to PO Box 47385, Ponsonby 1144.

Pick me up

Thank you for the latest issue of Family Care. I read it on exactly the day I needed to because of all the info about burnout, which was so relevant for me on that day. Keep up the good work. ANGE STANFIELD

Easy recipes

I love your magazine, with so many helpful suggestions and interesting articles. Thank you for sending it to me. After I have read it cover to cover, I pass it on to our local library for others to enjoy. I especially like the easy, affordable recipes you include. ANNE

Not alone

I cared for my parents full time for ten years without help because what was on offer to me as a ‘family carer’ was not what we needed, and I knew no one to call on to use the respite subsidy. My parents both died in January within three days of each other, which was lovely for them – they had been married for 75 years. I enjoyed receiving your magazine and knowing I was not alone. Thank you. JANET PHARE

We're not machines!

This is my first copy of Family Care and I really enjoyed the wellbeing, doing nothing, we’re not machines and purposeful breathing features. Thank you for the great content! I really appreciated the advice. JAZ www.carers.net.nz

New ways to pay Cheque books have been withdrawn. A lot of us depended on cheque books to buy our groceries and pay the usual household bills. My daughter taught me to use internet banking, something I was against because I was scared of the unknown. Now I am so pleased because I don’t have to leave the house on cold wet days and make a special trip into town to pay bills. My concern now is focused on elder abuse. With a cheque book we had control of our money, and if a family member wanted some ‘emergency’ money we could help them out but still have control. Without cheque books, many senior citizens will have to rely on family members to pay their bills and access money via internet banking and using cards. In other words, no matter how much we

Taking heart

Awhile ago I arranged for you to send a copy of your magazine to Counties Manukau Grey Power, and now as I’m no longer the one clearing this PO Box, I wonder if I can have copies sent to my home address. I’m not a carer – I’m a caree. Is that a word? I had a stroke 18 months ago, which has left me

trust the family member, they will have total control over our nest eggs. I have seen and heard about how some seniors have been bullied into handing over large sums of money to greedy family. Be careful! LINDA T

struggling with a few issues – but I really enjoy looking at this magazine. In Issue 45 I found a wonderful Leonard Cohen quote which changed my whole perspective. Whereas I tended to be frustrated by my ‘imperfect offerings’, I now just ‘ring the bells that still can ring' and appreciate the light that comes in through the cracks. CHRISTINE

Thanks Christine, we love that Leonard Cohen verse too. "Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in." It goes well with our cover theme this time. Take care Christine - we wish you and all Family Care readers fun and good times this year.

Share your stories and advice with other readers! We’ll send a surprise gift for every letter we publish. Email your letters to info@carers.net.nz or post them to PO Box 47385, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144. FamilyCARE 9

feature

_______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________

 I work in health and disability  I work for a community organisation  I share my magazine with others (if so, how many others see your copy of Family Care: _________ )

I would most like to win these reader gifts:

Making the most of life

I have just completed a questionnaire sent to me by your organisation. I didn’t know of Carers NZ's existence until I received this and have already gone to your website to have a look at your information. I am delighted to know you are there and will read your web pages with interest. Looking after my husband following an accident five and a half years ago has completely changed my life as well as his. Trying to keep a brave face and make the most of life has been our aim. There are a lot of people worse off than us and plenty of people in the cemetery would swap with us. There is always something to be grateful for and I think we do very well at keeping our morale up and supporting each other. However it can be hard, and sometimes difficulties arise which seem like the straw which is going to break the camel’s back and overwhelm us. It is so nice to know that there is an organisation out there that cares for carers and is actually doing some research. Thank you for doing this and giving me the opportunity to tell someone how I feel. Friends may ask how you are, but who wants to hear what’s really going on? It’s easier to say we’re fine than to tell them you are depressed, lonely and exhausted. But I am grateful for the help we have been given over the years and understand how complex and difficult it is to support families in these circumstances. I know these organisations do their best to help where they can and resources are not unlimited. I just wanted to say thank you and look forward to gleaning some helpful advice from your web pages. NICKY

1. _____________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________ Name ___________________________________________ Physical Address __________________________________

________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ Mailing Address (if different)_________________________

________________________________________________ ____________________________ Post Code___________

Update your details! Every form with an email address will go in the draw for a mystery prize. Email* ___________________________________________ Mobile___________________Phone___________________ * Please provide this information if you would like to receive our bulletins, offers, and other resources.

Email to supportteam@carers.net.nz or post to PO Box 47385, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144

10 FamilyCARE

LIKE NICKY, YOU MAY FIND THE CARERS NZ WEBSITE HELPFUL, WITH ITS FREE RESOURCES AND SELF-CARE IDEAS. THERE'S LOTS TO LOOK AT! HTTPS://WWW.CARERS.NET.NZ www.carers.net.nz

Money Game puts some fun into paying bills ‘Stand Tall’ is a new app designed to dodge those tricky money situations – like getting to the end of the week and finding there’s no cash left for dinner. The app is being developed by IHC and online gaming company InGame to make handling money easier for young people with disabilities who want to be independent. “It’s a character-based game, so you choose your avatar – what you’re going to look like in the game,” says Phil Clarke, IHC Head of Library and Information Resourcing. “The background changes as you make decisions in the game and move around your flat and out to the gym or the movie theatre. As you move through the day there are various choices that have to be made.” Phil says other characters or situations crop up that challenge what players plan to do and how they plan to spend their money. Another key aspect of the game is shopping, particularly grocery shopping. Players are asked to decide what they’re going to eat. Phil says each purchase has a consequence and players can see their available money dropping as they spend. But the consequences don’t just hit the wallet. The game has two bars for measuring progress – money and wellbeing. Players can go at their own pace and repeat stages, and a voiceover is available for people who can’t read the screen. Phil says the idea of a resource to help young disabled people handle money was first discussed two years ago with Merrill and John Holdsworth. The Holdsworth Trust is a longstanding supporter of the IHC Library. “We wanted to do something with teens with intellectual disability who were thinking of moving out of home. We knew that our initial audience would be people who were tech savvy,” Phil says. The Holdsworth Trust donated $20,000 in seed funding to explore the idea of an online app with local digital technology company Optimation. Feedback was sought from people with intellectual disabilities and a parent of a teenager.

The game has two bars for measuring progress: money and wellbeing. Players can go at their own pace and repeat stages, and a voiceover is available for people who can't read the screen.

‘Stand Tall’ is the working title of the prototype.

The new app will provide a fun way to help young disabled people handle money. “It was teasing out what some of the issues were for people who were looking to live independently,” Phil says. “In the end we came up with the idea that we wanted something fun in the form of a game that would help people with money.” IHC then approached InGame, a gaming developer with a background in interactive training and educational games. To develop the app to prototype stage, IHC received a further $75,000 from the Ministry of Social Development, from a COVID fund designed to help people with disabilities stay active and connected in their communities. IHC is now seeking a further $100,000 to finish the project and to make the app free to download. Check out this video (click on the photo at the top) to see how Stand Tall was tested as a board game before it was turned into an online app.

CAN'T GET TO THE SUPERMARKET? WE CAN HELP. Order your groceries and have them delivered by the Student Volunteer Army. Call 0800 005 902 or go to shop.sva.org.nz.

Nationwide Counselling Services A range of advisory and counselling services are available in New Zealand. Many of these can be accessed by phone, text, or email. Don’t feel alone if you’re struggling – reach out for help. 1737

Free call or text 1737 to speak with a trained professional counsellor at any time 24/7. Free counselling service: depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, feeling down or overwhelmed. Highly recommended as first point of contact for callers seeking help.

AIcohol Drug Helpline

0800 787 797 or text 8681 (24/7); online chat at www.alcoholdrughelp.org.nz If you are concerned about your own or someone else’s drinking or drug taking, the Alcohol and Drug Helpline can assist with information, insight and support.

Anxiety New Zealand

Helpline 0800 269 4389. Online therapy and Covid-19 help resources available. www.anxiety.org.nz

Depression Helpline

0800 111 757 or free text 4202 to talk to a trained counsellor for support or to ask any questions. www.depression.org.nz/contact-us

EAP Services

Employee Assistance Programme – providing practical assistance to employees when personal or work issues arise that may impact on their ability to do their job or affect their wellbeing (confidential counselling services across NZ and internationally). Freephone: 0800 327 669 www.eapservices.co.nz

Gambling Helpline

24-hour Freephone: 0800 654 655 www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz

Kidsline

0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE). For young people up to 18 years of age 24/7. www.kidsline.org.nz

Lifeline

0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE). Lifeline trained counsellors deal with many kinds of issues including psychological and emotional distress, financial and work issues, marriage and family/wh nau problems and with callers who are lonely, ill, depressed or the victims of violence or abuse. Text ‘Help’ to 4357 www.lifeline.org.nz

Rural Support Trust

Helpline 800 787 254. Chat to someone who understands, because they’ve been there. www.rural-support.org.nz

Salvation Army

0800 53 00 00. Supporting families and individuals in need with budgeting advice, food and clothing assistance, life skills programmes and other comfort and support. www.salvationarmy.org.nz

Samaritans

0800 726 666. Confidential, non-religious and non-judgmental support to anyone who may be feeling depressed, lonely, or may be contemplating suicide. www.samaritans.org.nz

SPARX

An interactive self-help online tool for young people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety: www.sparx.org.nz 0508 477 279 or free text to 3110

Suicide Crisis Helpline

0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Supporting Families in Mental Illness

Northern Region, 0800 732 825; Central North Island, 0800 555 434; South Island, 0800 876 682. Information and support for families/whānau.

The Lowdown

Free text 5626. Support and information for young people experiencing depression or anxiety. www.thelowdown.co.nz

Victim Support

0800 842 846. Free 24/7 support. nationaloffice@victimsupport.org.nz www.victimsupport.org.nz

What’s Up

0800 942 8787 (0800 WHATSUP) For 5 - 18 year olds. Available 12.00pm – 11.00pm M-F or 3.00pm – 11.00pm weekends. Online chat is available from 5.00pm – 10.00pm daily at: www.whatsup.co.nz

Youthline

Mental Health and Addictions Service. Youthline works with young people, their families and those supporting young people. Call 0800 376 633; Free text 234; Email: talk@youthline. co.nz or online chat at www.youthline.co.nz

In emergencies always phone 111 0800 777 797

centre@carers.net.nz

did you know? feature

Help and information if you support someone in your family or whānau Young Carers NZ was established in 2005 by children and young people in caring roles for loved ones. Over the years it has grown into a community of 2000+ young carers and supporters, mainly interacting on social media. A number of leadership groups led by young carers under the age of 24 advanced the work of Young Carers NZ and a new group is now established - young carers from across the country helping to shape new supports for those currently helping members of their families, whānau, or aiga.

Young Carers NZ thanks the ProCare Foundation and MSD for supporting its work to recognise and assist young carers.

Young caring is still too invisible in New Zealand. Help us to make young carers aware of support, and to know that there is a network just for them. You can do this by: • Telling a young carer in your life about YCNZ’s Facebook community where they can receive support, updates, and learn about activities that might be of interest: https://www.facebook.com/youngcarersnz

• Asking them to click on the link to the short survey for young carers at the top of the Facebook page. This survey will help New Zealand know more about young carers: how old they are, who they help to care for, what they do, where they live, their ethnicity, and how they feel about their role. So far we have had more than 500 responses to the survey and other research is underway to build a picture about our country’s young carers. It takes just a minute to complete the survey. If the young carer in your life is very young, help them complete the survey!

• When completing the survey the young carer can provide their contact details to join Young Carers NZ – the free network that exists just for them. They will receive regular e-updates, and have opportunities to connect with other young carers, and sources of advice and help. Or, young

carers can join the network by phoning 0800 777 797 or emailing centre@carers.net.nz

• Schools, youth networks, counsellors, community organisations, and families/whānau can make sure young carers know about the Student Volunteer Army’s Service Award recognition programme. It recognises and celebrates the volunteering of secondary students including the mahi aroha of young carers. YCNZ has worked with the Army for several years to build the programme at schools around the country. Learn more at https://www.service.sva.org.nz/students/

• Request Young Carers NZ’s free resources for adults working with young carers, and to help young carers. Phone 0800 777 797 or email centre@carers.net.nz

• Community, professional, and education networks that want to learn more about Young Carers NZ and help to ensure better support for them can request a Young Carers NZ presentation – or just have a conversation. Contact us to arrange this.

If you or someone you know is a young carer who would like advice or has questions about what help is available for you, get in touch. We can answer questions, connect you to other help, or just listen. 0800 777 797 l https://www.facebook.com/youngcarersnz l centre@carers.net.nz 14 FamilyCARE

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books, music, film

OUR PICKS!

Watch, listen, read, share, learn!

JAMES AND ISEY You may have heard about this uplifting, feel good New Zealand documentary about the week leading up to Isey’s 100th birthday celebrations. James is Isey’s son, who left behind a career in music and acting in Auckland 25 years ago to become a full-time carer. He had returned home to Karetū, near Kawakawa in the Bay of Islands, to look after his father, who had cancer. When his Dad passed away at the turn of the millennium, James stayed on to care for his adorable mother - straight talking, eloquent Isey, who let James know often when he was fussing too much (all the way through the film). Other Isey highlights include sitting in the marlin chair on a fishing boat scolding James for telling the McDonald’s cashier her age, and when she drank bourbon whiskey followed by the same grimace every time. The week leading up to Isey's birthday saw them out on the game fishing boat, in the Waipoua forest visiting Tāne Mahuta (the giant kauri tree), trips into Kawakawa, Kaihoke, and their marae at

Karetū, and seeing the two seas colliding at Cape Reinga. James talks about his spiritual beliefs as a Tōhunga Ahurewa (high priest), and his karakia feature in the first part of the documentary. The highlight of the film was, of course, Isey’s big day. I felt myself smiling and wanting to join in on the singing and dancing. After watching such an intimate insight into their everyday life, you could not help but celebrate alongside them. As Isey's dedicated carer and son, James could not do enough to make the day special, and it was beautiful to watch. There were touches of sadness around the sacrifices he had made and other losses the family had endured, however Isey’s sass and James’ doting demeanour made for heartwarming, positive viewing. Highly recommended! Review by Angelique Kasmara, author of the new novel Isobar Precinct. Angelique is Carers NZ's communications manager.

TIKANGA

By Francis and Kaiora Tipene Living a fulfilling life rich with tradition, connection and te ao Māori Following on from their bestseller, Life as a Casketeer, Francis and Kaiora Tipene share how they bring the traditional values of tikanga Māori into day-to-day living, their insights into whānau, mahi and manaakitanga, and how they live a life rich with the concepts of te ao Māori. Known for their warm hearts, grace and humour, the stars of the wildly popular series The Casketeers show how the traditions of tikanga shape their lives juggling five sons, three businesses and a television show - all while sustaining a life filled with joy and connection. Tikanga is available at booksellers nationally, or buy a copy at https://www.harpercollins.co.nz RRP $39.99

1 OF 3 COPIES! GIVEAWAY ENTRY FORM, PAGE 10 www.carers.net.nz

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Fun!

What makes you happy?

LITT WAY LE S LOVETO YOU RSEL F

Personal vibes

Singing has a lot of benefits but here’s the catch: only if you do it in a space where you’re feeling comfortable. So jump in the shower, or go for a drive, and belt your lungs out! If you’re one of those rare people who happily burst into song in public – then go for it!

HEALTHY COLOUR

A variety of vibrantly coloured fruit and vegetables is a mainstay of healthy eating. Make it a bit more fun by amping these up. Squeeze turmeric (fresh if you’re able to source it) into rice to give it a glow and boost your curcumin levels. Or grate raw beetroot into salads, muffins and even cake, to give your food that wonderful crimson glow!

Natural healing

Kawakawa tea is packed full of goodness! If you live close to an area where kawakawa is plentiful, gather some leaves to make a fresh pot. Here’s a video on how to brew this traditional Maori tea https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=SC5ly4YbxA

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GOOD THINGS

Do you have a beautiful outfit, makeup samples, perfume, a special notebook, and an expensive teapot that you’re saving for a ‘special’ occasion? Why not dress up, brew a pot of tea, and write down your favourite quotes in your favourite chair! Include some delicious treats.

Time flies when you are having fun. Albert Einstein

www.carers.net.nz

GET YOUR CRAFT ON

The lovely team at All You Needle are passionate about inspiring people to create and make things for themselves. Based in Kerikeri (but always available online with nationwide deliveries), this NZ business is a treasure trove of all things cool and crafty. It offers a great selection of hipster macramé kits, super stylish knitting projects, unique kids' crafts, relaxing activities, elegant embroidery, and so much more for all tastes and abilities. https://www.allyouneedle.co.nz

To get your craft on we have two All You Needle bundles to give away worth $125 each!

Help if you care for a friend or family member Carers NZ produces many free resources. You can find them at https://www.carers.net.nz or phone 0800 777 797 to order copies for yourself, or bulk copies for carers in your network. Many carers feel isolated and aren’t sure what help is out there for them.

COOL HEADS

Our resources are designed specially for all carers including those supporting an older person, older carers, and young carers aged under 24.

BraveFace is a trio of herbal supplements designed to tackle stress and worry. Try CoolHead Day spray for rapid calming action, HeadRest night drops for a better sleep, or LiveCalm capsules for long-term stress support. Made by a New Zealand owned and developed company, the BraveFace system works for both instant relief and to reduce symptoms over time. HeadRest night drops $45, LiveCalm daily capsules $40, CoolHead day spray $45. Go to https://www.hellobraveface.com to buy online, or you'll find these products at Farro stores or selected Unichem and Life pharmacies nationwide.

1 of 2 full BraveFace bundles worth $110 each!

Contact Carers NZ if you need advice, have a question, or to request any of our resources.

THE ENTRY FORM FOR FAMILY CARE GIVEAWAYS IS ON PAGE 10! www.carers.net.nz

0800 777 797 centre@carers.net.nz https://www.carers.net.nz https://www.facebook.com/CarersNZ https://www.facebook.com/YoungCarersNZ FamilyCARE 17

Useful things

Aids, equipment, fun stuff!

CHEEKY CLEAN TOILET SPRAY Leaving all your landscapes cleaner!

Here’s some Kiwi ingenuity for you! Cheeky Clean toilet spray is a fantastic all natural, eco friendly alternative to oceanpolluting wet wipes. Simply spray on your toilet paper for a smooth, effective clean. The spray is made from chamomile, aloe vera, lemon, tea tree, lavender, and natural oils and gums and is neatly packaged in recycled bottles. One bottle holds the equivalent of 400 wet wipes, so you’re getting excellent value for money while saving the earth!

A LIFETIME’S SUPPLY OF CHEEKY CLEAN

Cheeky Clean - From Concept to Creation to Cleaner Cheeks By Chris Scott I have personally never understood why we use dry toilet paper. Hygiene is always accompanied by moisture - washing the dishes, showering, wiping the bench, mopping the floor – so why have we (in the Western world anyway) settled on using dry toilet paper on our bottoms? It has never made sense to me. And as someone who has suffered on and off with IBS, it’s been a bit of a frustrating battle at times. It was partially due to this that I decided one afternoon in December 2018 to look into options to improve the overall toileting experience. There had to be a middle ground between dry toileting and spending all sorts of money on a bidet. One of the other reasons for getting stuck into this project was our son, who has autism and is yet to master the art of wiping for himself. When helping to wipe other people, it’s a lot easier to use a wet wipe. And we used wet wipes for a

very long time, only to throw them in the bin or shamefully flush them. But wet wipes are horrendous for the environment, even if they aren’t flushed. They go to landfill and most never break down since they are full of microplastics and microfibres. So that was always gnawing at my conscience too. I gave the process a lot of thought and eventually settled on the idea of moistening toilet paper by wetting it. Well, gently misting it in the case of Cheeky Clean. I looked around and found the perfect lab and sniffed hundreds of essential oils. We trialled so many samples, and tweaked them and changed them and then tried more. I wasn’t interested in synthetics, only natural, eco friendly and sustainable ingredients – or nothing. Cheeky Clean isn’t here to add to the problems, we’re here to make things better, easier, smoother. We’re here to clean up the way we wipe. And finally, we settled on the winner.

Lemon, tea tree, aloe vera, chamomile and lavender, all bringing to the party their own health benefits. Together they smelt and felt amazing. Cheeky Clean has helped my family, my friends and plenty of strangers achieve a better way of toileting already. It’s been welcomed by many communities with their own concerns around rectal hygiene and I’m constantly surprised about how many people are contacting me and sharing their stories around how much they needed the spray. It’s clearly something people have been waiting for or unconsciously needing for a while now, and I’m super stoked to have helped facilitate that! There will be more to come as we look into travel bottles and Cheeky Clean for babies, so give us a try and stay posted! Buy online or learn more at https://cheekyclean.co.nz

THE ENTRY FORM FOR FAMILY CARE GIVEAWAYS IS ON PAGE 10! 18 FamilyCARE

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RAW STRAWS

Here’s a great alternative to plastic straws! Raw Straws are made from rice flour and tapioca starch, are 100% natural, gluten free, vegan, compostable (completely biodegrading in 90-100 days), and edible. They come in beautiful colour options but are without flavour themselves, so they won’t affect the taste of your drink. And they’ll last for up to an hour in cold drinks! Size, shape and colouring may vary from straw to straw. Raw Straws are made by 100% New Zealand owned and operated company Straw the Line NZ. https://strawtheline.co.nz/

1 OF 5 PACKS CONTAINING 100 STRAWS WORTH $20 EACH!

ACUPRESSURE AT HOME

Shakti Mats are a modern spin on ancient acupressure techniques, which you can do within the comfort of your own home. The mats are made of 100% organic cotton and nontoxic dyes, and the acupressure ‘nails’ are made from recyclable and durable ABS plastic. Each mat contains polyurethane foam (PU). Local craftspeople in India make each Shakti Mat by hand, and Shakti employees in India are supported with a living wage, sick leave, holiday leave, an emergency medical fund, and investment in the education of their children. Learn more and buy your own mat at https://www.shaktimat.co.nz

With over 1600 products, we’re your mobility experts. Wheelchairs to Walkers & Scooters Continence to Cushions Bedroom Furniture to Bathroom Products Home Living to Helpful Gadgets Kitchen Aids to Cooking Utensils

Stores at Browns Bay, Royal Oak and Botany. Or shop at www.ilsnz.org

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Joys of

LIFE!

Fun! It’s a lovely, simple concept, even by Oxford English Dictionary standards, which defines it as, ‘lighthearted pleasure, enjoyment, or amusement; boisterous joviality or merrymaking; entertainment’. By Angelique Kasmara Fun is also a fleeting state of being, connected with the more carefree moments in our lives. Which is possibly why it can be a struggle to remember the last time we did something for pure fun, especially in recent months! This elusiveness extends to psychological research. Similar topics such as happiness and wellbeing have entire books devoted to their subject. No such luck when it comes to fun, which makes sense on an intuitive level - what better way to kill fun moments than to study them? However, there are many reasons why fun deserves its turn in the spotlight.

Making your own fun

Who remembers being told as a child ‘go make your own fun’ when we complained about having nothing to do? Usually this order came when the adults just wanted us out of their hair. Some of our most inventive games came about when there was a distinct lack of toys and television. We can extend this to learning how to make your own fun as an adult. Let’s look towards Sam Low for inspiration. During his two weeks in MIQ after returning home from Melbourne, he made artworks of the meals delivered to his room! https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/food-wine/300160572/ covid19-chef-turning-managed-isolation-food-intorestaurantworthy-meals-gets-pms-nod

Fun is important!

If an opportunity for fun presents itself, do you embrace it? Or does the mere thought exhaust you? Your current situation can also dramatically affect former pleasurable activities. A bit of time out with pizza and an ice cream in the park can feel foolhardy instead of fun if your doctor has just told you that your cholesterol levels are too high. Over the last year, and especially through lockdowns, activities once perceived as light relief started feeling like chores for many of us - Zoom parties, sourdough starters and TikTok dancing, to name a few. If we’re also weighed down with responsibilities, we may carry a lot of guilt around having fun. If this is the case, it’s even more important to think about new, fresh ways to find your joy again.

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FRAME YOUR MIND TO MIRTH AND MERRIMENT, WHICH BARS A THOUSAND HARMS AND LENGTHENS LIFE. William Shakespeare

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IF YOU NEVER DID, YOU SHOULD. THESE THINGS ARE FUN, AND FUN IS GOOD. Dr Seuss

Why have fun? Bringing back fun

Cast your mind back to the last time you did something for yourself that may have been considered frivolous, indulgent, or silly. It may be watching back to back episodes of a TV programme, going to an ice cream parlour or a comedy show, scrolling Instagram, attempting a cartwheel, or goofing around with a favourite pet or human. Keep going!

Physiologically, it helps to balance out stress and feel-good hormones, which boosts our immune systems. According to The British Cohort Study https://cls.ucl.ac.uk/ cls-studies/1970-british-cohort-study/ reading for fun improves language and math skills. It suggests that fun activities introduce us to new ideas and encourage selfdirected learning. Sometimes, with all the pressure we can experience in daily life, we lose sight of who we are. Fun allows us to find ourselves, and simply be. Embracing your need for all kinds of treats is simply just what we all need at times. Entertainment can help with emotional release. Crying, laughing, or relating to a character’s struggles packaged into a song, movie, TV show or book, can have a cathartic effect. Doing something for pure pleasure recharges our creativity, energy, productivity and overall cognition!

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Fun in a changing world

Just as fun means different things for different people, remember that you are a different person at different stages; what may have been fun once can make you feel flat now, or former fun activities become inaccessible because of outside circumstances. During the beginnings of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was novelty in rising to the challenge of the new. Now that it’s more about weathering the onslaught, and dealing with the vaccination rollout, and a lot of handwashing, many of us are simply tired. Recognising these changes and having to let go can bring a sense of loss, and it’s hard to have to fill the void (if your happy place was travelling overseas prepandemic, for example). When casting around for other options, view them not as compromises, but as opportunities to rise to the challenge. Instead of that trip you’ve been hanging out for, look up staycation options, or join a class to learn something new. Think of something you could do when travel does open up again, like starting to learn a new language, or enrolling in a workshop that explores a culture you’re interested in.

DO ANYTHING, BUT LET IT PRODUCE JOY. Walt Whitman

Ways to have fun

Explore a hidden side of yourself. It may be writing a poem, taking up drawing, learning how to knit, starting a podcast, or discovering how to fix a car!

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Find out what your favourite musicians are listening to, and try out their playlists!

Whenever you catch yourself thinking about a worst case scenario, think about what the best case scenario would look like. It sounds simple, but it’s something few of us dare to do because we don’t want to disappoint ourselves.

Make or buy some food that you’ve never tried before. Your tastebuds may be delighted!

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Dance like nobody’s watching. It’s a cliche for all the best reasons. It really does make you feel good!

Play dress ups. Put on your most outrageous or glamorous outfits. Take photos! You don’t even have to leave the house for this activity.

Instead of taking the most straightforward route in your daily exercise, look for funny crooked pathways, interesting loops, and odd diversions.

Embrace the absurd. If you aren’t going out much due to COVID-19 concerns, the supermarket may be the only time you leave the house. Feel like wearing your best outfit and highest heels? Do! FamilyCARE 23

Help for Carers! Do you support a friend or family member who is ill, has disabilities, or a chronic condition? Carers NZ offers useful information, and advice about available help around the country! We are a national not for profit that works with many other community, government, and charitable organisations to support those in caring situations. Carers NZ assists carers directly via its 0800 and email services, and acts as Secretariat for the New Zealand Carers Alliance of 50+ national not for profits who are working in unity to give carers public visibility and a voice in decision-making that affects them. Phone our National Resource Centre to request a free carer infopack or for a referral to a carer support network in your area. It's free to join our network (just call our 0800 helpline) or email centre@carers.net.nz You'll receive regular e-newsletters, email and posted updates, and we'll keep you informed about important news all carers should know about. We'll also let you know about learning and social events you might like to attend in your area, or online! You might also like to check out our web space that's just for carers. Visit the site regularly to see new articles, blog posts, and helpful information to support you in your role!

Visit https://www.carers.net.nz Email centre@carers.net.nz Facebook www.facebook.com/carersnz Twitter #carersnz Pinterest CarersAir

Reclaim the phrase ‘guilty pleasure’

While ‘guilty’ pleasures allow us to decompress and release a lot of stress, often these little things we allow ourselves are frowned on: seen as embarrassing, lazy, selfish or taboo. This judgement may come from others, but often it’s ourselves doing the judging. We make ourselves feel that anything which brings pleasure is something that needs to be earned. Personal taste should not be another thing to feel guilty about! So what if you spent the weekend bingewatching a reality TV show? If something brings you joy and happiness and does no harm, view it as simply ‘a pleasure'. It’s about feeling good about liking what you want to like.

Nurture your happy hormones Our bodies generate mood enhancing hormones, and boosting these is a good way to let in space for fun. Exercising, sharing a meal with loved ones, and eating healthy food are all natural ways to boost these, as well as creating more fun in themselves! Serotonin - wellbeing, mood stabiliser, happiness Dopamine - pleasure, motivational role in brain’s reward system Oxytocin - bonding, love, trust

Phone Carers NZ's National Resource Centre Monday to Friday during business hours: 0800 777 797 24 FamilyCARE

Endorphins - pain relief, runner’s high, relaxation

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NEW!

For care partners

Alzheimers NZ is offering a new online programme for care partners. By Dr Kathy Peri, Director of Alzheimers NZ’s Dementia Learning Centre. There is mounting evidence1 that dementia care and support in New Zealand needs greater investment, both in the workforce and for those caring for or living with someone who has dementia. Caring for someone living with dementia can be both rewarding and extremely stressful, mentally and physically. The carer can become very emotionally involved, which is great and means they take their role very seriously, but that commitment and dedication can also mean they devote more time and energy to the person they are supporting than to themselves. Over the last two years many carers have been feeling more isolated due to Covid-19 and the associated lockdowns. That’s why it is so very important care partners have access to good support services and resources. And that’s why the Dementia Learning Centre saw it as a priority to develop its new online Caring for the Carers programme which aims to help care partners take better care of themselves so they can enjoy more reward and experience less stress. The programmme was co-designed with carers and people living with dementia around New Zealand, so it’s very dementia friendly and user-friendly. It’s a first for the New Zealand dementia community and offers a range of tips, resources and advice around mental and physical wellbeing, rest and relaxation, and diet and lifestyle to ensure www.carers.net.nz

carers can better deal with the stresses of their role. It includes three specific modules: looking after yourself, staying connected to the community, and tips and tricks for caring for someone with dementia. The modules are self-directed, easy to navigate and have a number of links to external resources to which carers can refer for further information. These are really helpful when those stressful times occur. At those times carers can go to our online programme and access mindfulness activities, or try some relaxing breathing exercises. Since the programme’s launch last August we have been capturing feedback from users and have been delighted to hear it’s already making a difference. “Love the carers online programme, it is so easy to navigate," said one, while several stated they feel so much better and more supported now they have this programme to refer back to and to pass on to others. Health professionals working with carers and the people with dementia whom they support have recommended the support programme to help reduce the carer’s stress levels during the current COVID-19 lockdown. Access to the carer online support programme can be found at the Alzheimers NZ website via the Dementia Learning Centre page. https://alzheimers.org.nz/news/introducing-thecaring-for-the-carers-programme/

“I FEEL SUPPORTED NOW THAT I HAVE THIS PROGRAMME.” 1 This evidence can be found in recent reports “Our Lives Matter” and “Getting Our Heads Around Dementia in New Zealand”, The Dementia Declaration and the recently relaunched Dementia Action Plan 2020-2025.

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THE COVID COMPLICATION How are you doing? Some quick ideas from Carers NZ! The pandemic has given us all an extra obstacle to navigate around. There’s a lot you can’t control, so focus on what you can. By Tricia Hendry Do what you can to reduce virus risks

Pay attention to hygiene, face coverings, getting vaccinated, staying safe at home, and being wise when you're out and about.

Stay informed but don't fret

Too much news can be stressful. Limit your intake. Only use trustworthy information. Avoid misinformation that does harm and increases fear. Keep up with developments and check in with https://covid19.govt.nz

Support is available - make the most of it

Register with wecare.kiwi – set up by a network of charities including Carers NZ and IHC to provide check-ins, reassurance, day to day advice, or help to deal with practical concerns at all alert levels. https:// wecare.kiwi For health support, contact your GP without hesitation. For COVID-19 queries, call Healthline, 0800 358 5453. If your mental health is suffering, use the 1737 helpline (24/7) for support, or contact your doctor.

Make self-care a priority

Take things slowly – pace yourself. Eat healthy food, drink water regularly, take breaks, get enough sleep, exercise when you can, use some positive self-talk, and take any help that’s offered. Keep a simple routine going at all levels. Remind yourself that life is about lots of things, not just the pandemic.

Take moments to relax and unwind Use music, stretch, breathe deeply, enjoy a snack, read, do a hobby or something creative, bake or cook for fun, call a friend, watch a comedy, walk, sit outside, meditate, pray, reflect, write down your thoughts – or just nap!

Stay connected

Keep up positive relationships with those you care about. Keep your sense of humour. Find ways to help each other. Check in with friends, family, whānau, and neighbours. Phone, email, message, share a Facetime or Zoom together – or wave over the fence! Get together when you can.

This challenging time will pass. Remember, tricky recent changes in how support is provided are temporary. Take things step by step and day by day. Be very kind to yourself. You’re doing the best you can in an unpredictable situation. Well done!

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Tips and Tools for

Getting through another

COVID DAY

Some of us have found recent times pretty overwhelming. How can we make this situation easier? What can we do to get ourselves and others get through these traffic light days? By Tricia Hendry

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Make sure you’ve got the basics sorted, such as essential supplies

From shopping to medications, you will have some basic things to sort out. When you have done this, it can decrease your stress. So if it’s proving a challenge, register with wecare.kiwi This online support hub has been developed for anyone living alone, supporting others, or just feeling alone or vulnerable. A Police vetted volunteer can provide day to day advice, check-ins, or help with practical concerns. Phone 0800 777 797 or visit https://wecare.kiwi

Make a simple plan for your day

Keep up a routine as much as possible, however simple

Each day doesn’t have to be exactly the same. We can take one day – or any part of the day – at a time. Why not slow things down and do things differently right now? What could be a bit different today? Even simple things like what you choose to wear or eat or do, where to walk, or what to watch, read, or listen to.

Routines support our mental health, even when disruptions have caused unwanted change. Do your normal things as much as possible. Add in some new things. Take it slow. Don’t expect too much of yourself, or others.

Consider saying yes to offers of help

Now’s a good time to accept others’ goodwill, such as doing shopping or collecting medications for you, or checking in regularly. Carers NZ can link you up to helpful providers in your area if you need a hand. Phone 0800 777 797 or visit https://wecare.kiwi

Limit your news intake

Too much news can add stress. Limit what you watch and listen to each day. Distract yourself with other things.

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Give attention to COVID-19 facts, not rumours

Avoid worry, anxiety, misinformation and untruths that do harm. Tune into only reliable sources of information. For example, Radio New Zealand, Television One, or visit the government COVID-19 information website: https://covid19.govt.nz

To keep safe, act how you’d like others to act

Make your own self-care a TOP daily priority

To avoid being exposed to this infectious virus, keep following all the key requirements – respect the rules of whatever level we’re on, social distance, wear a mask, do plenty of hand washing, get vaccinated, and enable others in your household to do these things too. We’re all in this together.

Be kind

When we’re very stressed we can take our frustrations out on others. An encouraging word, patience, and a smile can go a long way in helping us and others cope. Don’t underestimate the power of everyday kindness.

Self-care isn’t selfish or indulgent. Looking after your own wellbeing will help you get through this demanding time and also care for those whose wellbeing you support. Take some time for yourself to do things you enjoy. Try some of our Mood Boosters on the next page.

Choose positive ways to boost your mood each day

The Mood Boosters that follow are all based on research and real experiences. Some of them you might already be doing. Maybe try something new. Which work best for you? A good mood helps us cope with things.

“WHAT DAY IS IT?” ASKED POOH. “IT’S TODAY,” SQUEAKED PIGLET. “MY FAVOURITE DAY,” SAID POOH.

www.carers.net.nz

FamilyCARE 29

MOOD BOOSTERS Give them a try! MOVE IT

Physical activity – whatever it is – increases our level of the feel-good chemical dopamine. This then boosts our overall sense of wellbeing, increases energy levels, improves memory, and even helps us sleep better. We feel more relaxed and positive about things. So, find ways to be regularly active – walks, cycling, runs, exercise routines, dancing, gardening. What works for you? Do that.

the fresh air. Walk in green areas. Pick some flowers. Plant some herbs. Plan your summer garden!

MAKE THE MOST OF SUNLIGHT Sunlight helps produce mood-stabilising chemicals like serotonin and can boost our vitamin D levels. Low levels of this vitamin lead to fatigue, low mood, and even depression. Get outside daily if you can. Use sunscreen!

STAY CONNECTED WITH OTHERS

Relationships are vital for our wellbeing. Our mood can lift when we spend time with others. Catch up with friends and family regularly – in your home or by using the phone, messaging, texting, face to face conversations via technology, or in person. It all helps when we keep our relationships as positive as possible. Hug!

PLAY WITH A PET

Enjoy time with your pet. Play with them. Often they can delight us – and calm us.

GET CREATIVE FOODS FOR MOODS

Healthy food and drinking water regularly help our body to perform at its best and our brain to keep up a positive mood. Make sure you have plenty of different vegetables and fruit daily. See more here: https://www. healthnavigator.org.nz/healthy-living/f/ food-and-mood

USE MUSIC

Music can make us feel so much better. It can lift mood, lower stress, and calm us. Why not put on music that lifts your spirits or soothes you? Maybe make a music playlist you love!

GET INTO NATURE

Being near nature can lift our mood fast. Even looking out a window can help! Having nature around us reduces stress hormones, boosts our immune system, improves sleep, and can help to lower blood pressure. Sit outside on the doorstep and look around. Look up into the trees. Lie on the grass. Watch the birds or small creatures. Notice the wind’s effects. Smell

Do whatever gets your creative juices flowing. Plan a project, make something, continue something you’ve been working on, learn something new, cook or bake, sing, play an instrument, dance, write, paint, invent! Using your creativity can be enjoyable and satisfying too.

LAUGH OFTEN

Laughter is one of the fastest ways to lift mood. Look for ways to have more fun in your day. Find opportunities to laugh more. See the funny side of things. Watch a comedy. Enjoy a cartoon. Read a funny

book. Play games. Wear something crazy. Spend time with those who can make you laugh – even via technology!

DECLUTTER FOR 2 MINUTES

It can help if our home environment feels good to be in, especially during lockdown. Start and briefly pick up or straighten up a few things. That’s it! Do more another time. Even 2 minute bursts of effort feel good!

HAVE A SNOOZE

We all feel better after a good night’s sleep. However, sleep doesn’t come easily for all of us, especially in unsettling times. The good news is that there are things you can do to improve your sleep, such as keeping to a regular routine, winding down first, or avoiding technology screens and coffee at night. Sleep stories to fall asleep listening to are increasingly available - they may help. Find them on apps like Calm or Spotify. For sleep tips visit https:// www.healthnavigator.org.nz/healthyliving/s/sleep-tips For Carers NZ’s helpful sleep links go to https://carers.net.nz/ information/sleep-better

WATCH OR READ SOMETHING UPLIFTING What sorts of things or people inspire you? Do more of these things, which can be motivating and encouraging when so much feels uncertain.

Carers NZ https://www.carers.net.nz https://www.facebook.com/carersnz centre@carers.net.nz

TOTAL ME TIME

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

other time out

Before you go to bed: What did I do today for me?

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

MINUTES

TOTAL

When you get up: What am I going to do today for me?

Get in the habit of asking yourself 2 questions each day

What other ‘me time’ can you fit in? A break can be anything that keeps you strong and well – anything that makes you feel good!

Download copies of this planner at https://www.carers.net.nz

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Look at your typical daily routines; you may already be getting more exercise than you think (vacuuming counts!)

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

exercise physical activity

Weekly Planner WHEN CAN YOU MAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF THIS WEEK?

BITE SIZED BREAKS FOR WELLBEING Start with 1 minute, then try 5!

Try a bite-sized break! Find a break that suits your mood at https://carers.net.nz/respite-wellbeing/ Just follow the link and click on the Take A Break button!

Respite, time out, whatever you call It - give yourself a break! SVA ad

Take 1 Minute Take 5 is a fun feature at Carers NZ's website - there are options galore. Having some time out can benefit our health and wellbeing. It can encourage independence, build self-esteem, and broaden our social interactions. Interesting breaks and activities can be enjoyed together, or just watched on our own, when it's not so easy to get out! https://carers.net.nz/respite-wellbeing/

All of Carers NZ’s services, events, and information are free. Please help to keep our resources and support free by considering a donation – see page 4. Thanks for helping! 32 FamilyCARE

www.carers.net.nz

feature

be in the

garden meditate

read a book

swim

sleep

listen to music

cuppa tea

hot bath

5 IT WILL LOOK LIKe ThIs

LeT The FORTUNes BeGIN.....

IT WILL LOOK LIKe ThIs CUT OFF

TAKe ThIs BIT OF PAPeR

FOLD CeNTRe TO MeeT OTheR sIDe

3 FOLD OTheR CORNeR & CUT OFF BOTTOM

UNFOLD The PAPeR & TURN IT OVER

FOLD The CORNeRs sO The POINTs MeeT

6 YOUR ResULT FLIP IT OVeR

cUT oUT & FoLD YoUr weLLBeINg ForTUNe TeLLer Cut and fold your wellbeing ‘fortune teller’ and keep it handy. When you have a rare moment to yourself, pick a number and enjoy the suggested activity for some time out! www.carers.net.nz

www.she-cares.org

FOLD The CORNeRs sO The POINTs MeeT

FOLD IT & WORK YOUR MAGIC

she

cares

FamilyCARE 33

feature

RIGHT ON THE EDGE? Close to 'losing it'?

Steps to take when stress is extreme and you’re struggling to cope. By Tricia Hendry

The journey of family, whānau and aiga carers can be extraordinarily demanding. At times, strong emotions can build up and up and become hard to manage. We all have different stress thresholds and ways of coping. We all have limits. In those moments when we feel we might lose control, and do or say something harmful, what can we choose to do? The following suggestions come from family carers who have been there.

Steps to help you cope

Recognise your triggers – those things that wind you up fast. When they happen, you’ll be more ready to say to yourself something like, “okay, I recognise this feeling, and know I might lose control soon. It’s time to stop and take some time to calm myself down.” Then do that. Slowly count to 10 or more. This shifts your focus onto something else, helps you calm down, and avoids you doing or saying something you’ll regret. Or, try counting backwards or in another language. Take some slow, deep breaths – in through your nose, and slowly out through your mouth. Don’t rush it. Breathe deeply until you feel yourself calming down. Breathe out your tension or anger. Talk to yourself to calm yourself down. “It’s okay. Let it go. Take a breath. You can do this. There is no hurry.” Leave the situation. Ensure the person you care for is in a safe place and deliberately walk away for a time, until you can steady yourself. Go to another room or get outside. Take a break. Express your frustrations to others, calmly and directly. Sometimes it helps to honestly get things off your chest. For

“SOME DAYS CAN SUDDENLY GET JUST TOO HARD, TOO FRUSTRATING, TOO MUCH. I’VE LEARNED FROM EXPERIENCE THAT THAT’S THE MOMENT THAT I HAVE CHOICES TO MAKE, BEFORE I REACT BADLY IN WAYS I LATER REGRET.” Peter

34 FamilyCARE

www.carers.net.nz

feature example, "you know, I’m so stressed that I can’t do this with you right now, so I’m going to take some time out for a few minutes until I calm down" or "I'm so tired and frustrated, I need to stop and rest". Talk to someone you trust or message them for immediate support or to distract you until you can calm down. Release your tensions physically. Take a walk, throw or kick a ball, punch a pillow or a cushion, dance, stretch, do some exercises, clench and open your fists, stamp on the spot. Keep yourself and anyone else near you safe.

Be aware of warning signs

Keep cool. Splash some cold water on your face, have a cool glass of water, breathe in some fresh air, walk outside, Notice the choices you’re making, or have a quick cool shower. Colder words you’re using, the thoughts temperatures can help reset how we’re and emotions you’re having, and feeling and thinking. how your body is reacting. Use your sense of humour to see if Notice if ... there’s a funny side to the situation, even if others can’t see it. You snap at others more often; Find a quiet space. Close your eyes. more things irritate you. Tense your body, then gradually relax it, Your body feels tight and tense, bit by bit, from top to toe. or shaky, or deeply fatigued. Use good music to calm you, distract you, or lift your mood. It’s harder to unwind and relax at Write it out. Put thoughts and feelings all; you’re constantly on edge. into words. You don’t have to share it with More ideas anyone. Just get them out. If you’re battling with something, just Your sense of humour is hard to Visualise. To calm down, imagine stop. Go back a few steps. Slow everything find; your mood is getting more yourself in a favourite place or somewhere down. Breathe. Leave it or come back to it negative. you’d like to be right now. later when you feel more in control. Relationships are becoming more Forgive yourself. No one is perfect. If Refocus. Give your attention to something strained; there’s more arguing. you get overwhelmed or lose your temper, else - something that can distract and calm remember you’re only human. you. You’re using more alcohol or drugs. Don’t beat yourself up for having Make a positive decision that understandable, normal reactions to immediately encourages you like You can’t think straight and are extreme stress. Find some positive and switching to doing something completely struggling with even the smallest safe ways to deal with such moments different, or easier, or more enjoyable. Or decisions. in the future. Focus on what you can decide to find some help to get some respite control, such as your perspective, as soon as possible. attitude, and actions. Apologise if you need to. Hit the restart button. Let go of the guilt. Do you need help for your own behaviour? Are your actions or words harming the person your provide care for? If you are concerned for your mental or physical health, prioritise getting the help and support you deserve and Contact the supportive team at Family Violence Information need. Line on 0800 456 450 (9am – 11pm every day) for self-help If you feel you need some support: information and services in your area to help you make positive changes. Reach out to a friend or family whānau member for

Reach out for help!

support – be honest with them.

Contact the support team at Carers NZ on 0800 777 797 during business hours. Use the 1737 helpline (24/7) for support, or try other helplines - see page 13.

You might want to reach out for help or counselling. See our suggestions on page 13. .

Contact your doctor. See a counsellor. If you need to find a local doctor, counsellor, or psychologist, contact your District Health Board's Mental Health Service. If you are having ongoing suicidal thoughts and feel at immediate risk of harm call 111 or go to your nearest health emergency centre for care and support.

Take your self-care seriously.

For self-care strategies that can work for you, see our helpful article We Are Not Machines at https://www.carers.net.nz, or contact Carers NZ on 0800 777 797. www.carers.net.nz

FamilyCARE 35

Changing PLACES Truly accessible public bathrooms are few and far between in New Zealand. But more are popping up thanks to Changing Places, a charity led by campaigner Jenn Hooper. What are Changing Places?

Changing Places came about because some people need more than standard accessible toilets offer in order to 'go'... people with profound and complex disabilities, as well as those with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis who need extra equipment and space to allow them to use toilets safely and comfortably. The campaign for Changing Places started almost two decades ago in the UK, where there are now more than 1,500 of these bathroom facilities, including within several High Street supermarket chains and motorway service stations. Australia has followed suit and is fast growing its own network, with well over 150 of the accessible bathrooms built already. In fact, Changing Places now feature as part of the building regulations in both Australia and the UK.

Why are these facilities so important?

Changing Places addresses the needs of those unable to selftransfer onto a standard accessible toilet. 36 FamilyCARE

Until now these people, along with their caregivers and families, have been excluded in our society. They have either had to remain close to home or even undergone invasive surgical procedures, just because their most basic hygiene needs weren’t being met. Changing Places also takes care of the carer – because we’re important too, right?! “As a family, we love to travel, but to travel with our son we need to know how and where we can access a toilet. As a family carer my back and general physical wellbeing is essential to enable my son to lead a good life. Crouching down on floors to change a 16 year old, highly dependent on a wheelchair, is not only unsafe and unhygienic, but highly undignified for any human being.” Kimberly Graham, Grab Your Wheels, Let’s Travel

Great, but what about NZ?

In 2018, Hamilton based Jenn Hooper (mother to a disabled child with complex needs) established Changing Places NZ, a registered charity. She secured the trademark of the internationally recognised Changing Places to ensure functional standards remain high and can't be compromised. Prior to this, Jenn invested four years in research locally and worldwide, ironing out shortcomings the UK and Australia encountered during the implementation stages of Changing Places, and applying learnings to plans for New Zealand. Once confident in her design, and with the cooperation of the www.carers.net.nz

feature

Hamilton City Council, Hamilton Gardens opened New Zealand’s first Changing Places bathroom in April 2018. Hamilton Gardens Changing Places NZ facilities provide specialised equipment, including: • a ceiling/wall mounted track hoist • a height adjustable adult-sized changing table • a shower over the change table • a centrally placed height adjustable toilet with room either side • a screen or curtain for privacy • a height adjustable hand basin • a hygiene and sharps waste bin • adequate space for the disabled person and at least two assistants or family carers • a secure access system

Secure access system

Each Changing Places bathroom contains valuable assets which need protecting from misuse, so it is essential that these bathrooms remain locked. Jenn says the UK experienced many problems at the beginning by allowing facilities to be left open to the public, ranging from vandalism to the homeless moving in. Changing Places ensured secure access for NZ facilities utilising technology that didn’t exist when the UK first started building their rooms. When signed up as a registered member, NZ users are issued with an electronic tag which allows access to any Changing Places facility nationwide. The electronic tag comes with a simple pullout tag on a retractable lanyard. If lost, the tag can easily be deactivated and reissued. Lifetime membership requires a small one-off fee, which is fully funded for the majority of users - Changing Places NZ has secured agreements to process funding through ACC, Individualised Funding, Work & Income, and the Cerebral Palsy Society, with other funders likely to come aboard in the future. The UK charity is hoping to establish the same security system in its own future builds. This will allow everyone to travel without the need to carry a pile of keys, locate where a key is held, or have to front up to a camera to be judged by a stranger in order to gain access. “These rooms aren’t about excluding those that don’t need them. They’re about including those that do.” Jenn Hooper – Founder, Changing Places NZ

Are Changing Places available nationally?

New Zealand councils have generally been very receptive to the need, once they know it exists. They have also welcomed the expert advice and support provided by Changing Places NZ. The charity has worked hard to begin educating around the need. A 2018 petition by Jenn Hooper recently resulted in a positive Government response, with agreement to support a nationwide network of these bathrooms. "We now wait to see what the framework for that looks like, but in the meantime it’s important for all of us to keep sharing www.carers.net.nz

awareness of the need – and the solution – to our councils and District Health Boards," Jenn says.

How many Changing Places are there now?

There are three Changing Places bathroom facilities, with four due for construction and others in different stages of planning. All Changing Places NZ bathrooms will continue to boast fabulous themed artwork. Jenn’s daughter Charley, who inspired her mother to become passionate about disability inclusion, will feature in the artwork of every room in some way.

How can I help?

Changing Places NZ needs help to make it grow. Share the website and Facebook pages with your networks and on social media. Talk about Changing Places to your special schools, respite homes, doctors and friends. Place a Changing Places NZ bumper sticker on your car, laptop or wheelchair. You can help to ensure these bathrooms are available across the country by approaching your local council. Keep an eye out for public toilet revamps or build plans in your area and suggest they include a Changing Places bathroom. Perhaps most importantly, if you or someone you know need these rooms, join Changing Places as a member. "The rooms were built for those that need them. Help identify who they are and together let's get these rooms well used," Jenn says. Details about the bathrooms, memberships, and how to donate can be found at https://ChangingPlaces.org.nz FamilyCARE 37

Are you coping with bladder and bowel issues, or supporting someone who is? We’re here for you. Our helpline is available Monday to Friday 0800 650 659 Check out our resources and videos here

We are delighted to have two specialist continence nurses on our team, Lisa Smith and Louise Mills, who are ready to answer your calls on our helpline, from 9am to 5pm weekdays. Both Lisa and Louise are vastly experienced, with a wealth of knowledge and expertise. They love to help whānau and carers and can provide support and advice for adults and children. Whether you are caring for someone with incontinence in these trying times, or your own symptoms have been worsened by stress and anxiety, they can help. Continence issues can easily slip to the bottom of the heap when you are dealing with so many other worries.

Please give our friendly nurses a call. They can help with advice about accessing product, steps you can take from home to help your symptoms and how you can get further support if you need it. Call us on 0800 650 659. You can also email info@continence.org.nz with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you. You don’t have to do this alone.

Continence NZ is proudly supported by:

IS YOUR WORKPLACE CARER FRIENDLY?

CARERS NZ CAN HELP!

IF YOU'RE A FAMILY CARER, ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO BE CAREWISE

www.carewise.net.nz EASY STEPS TO CREATE A CARER FRIENDLY WORKPLACE

Employers sign a commitment to be CareWise

Workplaces receive a CareWise welcome pack and recognition certificate

They can check how carer friendly they currently are using our Self-Review tool

Carers NZ provides free resources, updates, and fun things for CareWise workplaces

They will learn how to be more carer friendly in five priority areas

NZ and global research and news are regularly shared with CareWise employers

Our Action Plan template helps employers tailor steps to ensure a carer friendly workplace

Carers NZ supports working carers and their employers at an early stage, to reduce stress and help carers keep working and earning!

Become CareWise - be a carer friendly employer Carers NZ will keep you informed about issues important to family carers, and provide practical one to one support for caring staff. We can also help you lead carer focus groups in your workplace!

FamilyCARE 39

1 million + New Zealanders support friends and family members who are unwell or have a health condition or disability. Almost 90% of carers are workforce age. They can struggle to juggle employment and caring for loved ones. CareWise can help.

CareWise Spotlight

Transtasman insurance specialist Suncorp was one of our first CareWise employers! Melissa Bell is a senior in-house lawyer for insurance provider Suncorp New Zealand, providing legal partnership, support and advice to all areas of the organisation's life and general insurance businesses. Melissa and husband Chris Bowden have three children aged 4, 7 and 10. Their eldest, who attends a specialist school, has a brain impairment and an intellectual disability. He has communication challenges, safety needs and high support needs. Melissa says it can be a juggle to balance working for a living alongside her caring role. "While every family carer will have a different experience, in general we don’t have the same options or flexibility as families who aren’t also carers." After school groups and holiday care are not currently an option for Melissa’s son, for example. “We rely on having arrangements in place for appropriate one-on-one care that is appropriate for his needs. That kind of additional pressure alone can exclude carers from many employment opportunities.” She says her family is lucky to have the option of this extra support, which isn’t available to every family due to barriers like cost or complexities around care needs. Suncorp New Zealand has supported Melissa with flexible work options that allow her to balance her caring, parenting and working roles. “I work four days per week so can accommodate medical and therapy appointments for my son. Suncorp also offers additional flexible leave, which I take when we have medical or school appointments,” she says. Suncorp places a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity, as well as flexibility, she says. “My leader is supportive of me juggling my hours around caring commitments. I also have a friendly, supportive team.” Melissa's advice to employers, based on her experiences as a family caregiver who also works, is to not focus on any perceived limitations when interviewing potential team members who have caring responsibilities at home. “Research shows that diverse teams deliver enhanced results. Carers will bring different experiences and perspectives to your workplace, and this might give your team an edge over competitors. How can we hope to empathetically serve customers with care responsibilities or disabilities if we don’t have carers and people with disabilities employed in our workplaces?” www.carers.net.nz 40 FamilyCARE

Carers may reward employers’ confidence in selecting them with enhanced loyalty and commitment, she says. Melissa suggests that family carers seeking work should think about the skills they've developed in their role and how these might benefit a potential employer. “Many carers are uniquely experienced in juggling many balls, and staying calm and focused in the face of the unexpected!” She was honest with Suncorp from the start - she felt it was important that her employer be aware of her life commitments outside of work. “It can be daunting applying for a new role without feeling that our caring responsibilities will disadvantage us, but I would encourage others in my position to have a frank conversation with any potential employer,” Melissa says. "I explained the flexibility I needed and why I wanted to work part-time. I’m lucky this wasn’t a problem for Suncorp, but I like to think that my work ethic and the quality of the work that I do more than makes up for any perceived negatives associated with my caring responsibilities.” “COVID-19 lockdowns have taught us that employees can and have given up a great deal to continue working while caring and home schooling." "If your caring is going to be a problem, then perhaps they aren’t the right employer for you.” FamilyCARE 40 www.carers.net.nz

SUPPORTING FAMILY CARERS THROUGH COVID-19 The past two years have been a rollercoaster for everyone. Those with caring responsibilities for a friend or family member have faced extra hurdles, such as disrupted support services and maybe needing to organise home schooling while also working from home. Here are tips to help caring staff get through the pandemic. Sign up for CareWise - it's a free program supported by the Ministry of Social Development to help carers keep working and earning. Join at https://carewise.net.nz Raise awareness and visibility of carers in your workplace using the online CareWise toolkit you can access once you've joined the program. It includes in-house communications, survey templates, workplace posters, and more. Signpost practical support available to carers in your organisation. Promote what's available as a carer friendly employer - wellbeing resources for all staff, emphasising the relevance to family carers in the workplace; direct caring staff to support organisations who can help, such as Carers NZ. Create an intranet page with information and links to guide caring staff to available help. Carers NZ can assist when you're setting up your page. Make support for carers explicit in your policies and procedures. Ensure these have 'heart' for carers by mentioning them in areas such as flexible work, leave arrangements, Employee Assistance Programmes, external support available through your organisation, and resources on offer to staff. Carers NZ can help! Offer peer support through in-house networks even if these are via Teams or Zoom. Consider how the pandemic might be affecting the carers who work for you. Ask how things are going, and talk about ways to provide additional flexibility or support, even if this is just about 'what ifs' (what if we have another lockdown, for example). There are now 150+ CareWise workplaces in New Zealand at 600+ locations, committed to carer friendliness for 100,000+ staff! Ask your employer to join CareWise free at https://carewise.net.nz

Visit https://www.carers.net.nz Email centre@carers.net.nz Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ carersnz Twitter #carersnz Pinterest CarersAir

Phone Carers NZ's National Resource Centre Monday to Friday during business hours: 0800 777 797 www.carers.net.nz

FamilyCARE 41

COVID-19: Family, whānau and āiga carers 16 December 2021 The health and disability workforce is currently under pressure due to the mandated vaccination order. Providers may have to reduce household management services and client visits to enable them to focus support to those most in need. If you receive home and community support services and are concerned about what this might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs over the next few months. See the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community support services’.

Carers are important and working hard during COVID-19

Carers are important and make a significant contribution to the quality of the lives of the friends, family, whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins who we are and what we value. Carers’ work is of huge social and economic value to New Zealand. The role of a carer becomes even more challenging during New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your families, whānau and āiga and we acknowledge and value you.

There’s lots of helpful information for carers

We know that you may be doing more than usual, so we are thinking of you in how we provide information, funding and access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers Alliance, service providers and other partners to keep you informed. This information has been brought together to make it easy for you to find the support and advice you need. While we will revise this resource as required, things do change, so please regularly check the following COVID-19 and carers online resource sites: • • •

covid19.govt.nz Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) and also search ‘COVID-19 carers’ Ministry of Social Development’s website (msd.govt.nz) and also search ‘carers COVID-19 information’ including the resource ‘A Guide for Carers’

If you do not have internet access to check on the latest news, please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone numbers such as for Carers NZ, Healthline COVID-19 enquiries, Work and Income and others. Other useful sources of information are provided at the end of this document.

42 FamilyCARE

www.carers.net.nz

COVID-19 vaccines COVID-19: Family,

carers

whānau and āiga

Information about COVID-19 vaccines, booster doses, and how to book an appointment is available on the Ministry of Health website (health.govt.nz) and select ‘COVID-19 vaccines’. DHBs and all other providers will use a whānau-centred approach to vaccinate family, whānau and āiga 16 December 2021 members of older people, disabled people and people with relevant underlying health conditions when they accompany to the appointment. and under providers will consider whether: The healththem and disability workforce isDHBs currently pressure due to the mandated vaccination order.

Providers may have to reduce household management services and client visits to enable them to focus support those whānau most in need. you receive community support services and are concerned • thetofamily, or āigaIf members arehome carersand of the person to be vaccinated about what this might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs over the next few • there is enough vaccine supply to meet demand months. • the family, whānau or āiga members have difficulty accessing the health system, including Māori, Pacific peoples, disabled people, rainbow communities, ethnic minorities and people in remote See theregions full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community • there are other risk factors in the household, such as overcrowding or a multi-generational living support services’. arrangement.

Carers are important and working hard during COVID-19

More information on vaccines and booster doses is available on the Unite Against Covid-19 website theaMinistry of Health website and select ‘COVID-19 vaccines’. Carers (covid19.govt.nz) are important andand make significant contribution to(health.govt.nz) the quality of the lives of the friends, family, whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins who we are and what we value. Carers’ work is of huge social and economic value to New Zealand.

Vaccination mandate

ToThe keep vulnerable people safe, even all health are required to beNew vaccinated. role of a carer becomes morestaff challenging during Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. You are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your families, whānau and āiga and value to you. Carers whowe areacknowledge employed orand engaged provide care and support services within a home or place of residence and are funded by the Ministry of Health, a DHB, or ACC are required to be vaccinated. Carers who are not paid by these organisations are not required to be vaccinated. More information about the vaccination mandate including the exemptions process can be found on the Unite Against Covid-19 website (covid19.govt.nz) by doing searching ‘Mandatory for workers’ andinthe Ministry of Health website We know that you may be more than usual,vaccination so we are thinking of you how we provide information, (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘COVID-19: vaccinations’. funding and access to services. Some ofMandatory the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers Alliance, service providers and other partners to keep you informed.

There’s lots of helpful information for carers

Proof of vaccination status This information has been brought together to make it easy for you to find the support and advice you need.

My Vaccine is an official record of COVID-19 vaccination status for useregularly in New Zealand. It allows you to While we Pass will revise this resource asyour required, things do change, so please check the following access certainand events andonline venuesresource operating under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic light system). More COVID-19 carers sites: information on how to obtain and use your My Vaccine Pass can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website (covid19.govt.nz) and search ‘My vaccine pass’. • covid19.govt.nz • Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) and also search ‘COVID-19 carers’ • Ministry of Social Development’s website (msd.govt.nz) and also search ‘carers COVID-19 information’ including the resource ‘A Guide for Carers’ COVID-19 is likely to be with us for some time. We must manage the risks for ourselves and the people we care for. In New Zealand, the COVID-19 Protection Framework (also known as the traffic light system) will continue to protect If you do not have internet access to check on the latest news, please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone us, while also providing more certainty and stability as possible for people and businesses, reducing the need for numbers such as for Carers NZ, Healthline COVID-19 enquiries, Work and Income and others. widespread lockdowns. It minimises the impact and provides protection from COVID-19 through Green, Orange Other useful sources of information are provided at the end of this document. and Red settings. Stay informed about New Zealand’s current COVID-19 settings and find out what this means for you and those you support on the Unite Against COVID-19 website (covid19.govt.nz) and searching ‘Traffic lights’.

COVID-19 Protection Framework

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COVID-19: Travel carers

Family, whānau and āiga

Travel is often an essential activity in your daily life as a carer and for your family, whānau or āiga members receiving care. More information about travel will be available on the Unite Against COVID-19 website (covid19.govt.nz) and searching ‘travel’. 16 December 2021

Health and disability The health and disability workforce is currently under pressure due to the mandated vaccination order.

Providers may have to reduce household management services and client visits to enable them to focus How yourself the people you care forsupport services and are concerned supportto toprotect those most in need. Ifand you receive home and community Some aremight moremean, vulnerable tocommunicate illnesses. Thiswith can include both the people careover for and yourself. about people what this please your provider about youryou needs the next few There are simple steps that can be taken to protect you and your family, whānau and āiga. months. Good hygiene is always important – regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands, and cough and sneeze See the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community into yourservices’. elbow. It’s also important to: support

Carers areand important and working hard during COVID-19 • stay home seek medical advice if unwell •

regularly clean high-touch objects, items and surfaces

Carers and make a significant contribution to the quality of the lives of the friends, family, • are getimportant a test if necessary. whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins who we are and whatdistancing we value. Carers’ work is hugeknow socialorand New Zealand. Maintaining physical from people weofdon’t seeeconomic regularly value is alsotoimportant. Use face masks

or coverings on public transport and when you can’t physically distance from others you don’t know. The role of a carer becomes even more challenging during New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your and families, whānau Protecting You vulnerable people, and those they have contact with, is vital in preventing managing theand risk of āiga and we acknowledge and value you. both COVID-19 infection and its complications and other infectious diseases. More information is available on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19’.

There’s lots of helpful information for carers

Assessment and COVID-19 We know that you maytesting be doingfor more than usual, so we are thinking of you in how we provide information,

People COVID-19 symptoms should get assessed and may need to be tested. ofNZ, the the time, a fundingwith and any access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work withMost Carers Carers COVID-19 test isproviders free of charge. Alliance, service and other partners to keep you informed. The may wear protective equipment as for a mask, gown, facesupport shield and This nurse information has personal been brought together to make(such it easy you to find the andgloves) advice and you will need. ask you questions about your symptoms, general health, where you live and who you live with. While we will revise this resource as required, things do change, so please regularly check the following

COVID-19 and carers online resource sites: Testing is done by swabbing the back of your nose or throat. A swab is like a small cotton-bud with a longer stick.• The sample goes to a laboratory to be analysed. You will be told when and how you will get your results covid19.govt.nz and •what to do while you are waiting(health.govt.nz) for the results. and also search ‘COVID-19 carers’ Ministry of Health’s website

Ministry of Social Development’s website (msd.govt.nz) and also search ‘carers COVID-19 information’ including the resource ‘A Guide for Carers’ More information on who should get assessed for a test for COVID-19, how testing works, and where to get tested can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘Assessment and testing for COVID-19’. If you do not have internet access to check on the latest news, please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone •

numbers such as for Carers NZ, Healthline COVID-19 enquiries, Work and Income and others. Other useful sources of information are provided at the end of this document.

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COVID-19: Family, whānau and āiga carers

Contact tracing and remembering where you’ve been

If someone has COVID-19, the local public health unit will find out if anyone else may have been in contact with them, to see if they have also been infected. This is called contact tracing. If 16 youDecember are called2021 by our contact tracers, please take or return the call. The public health unit, Ministry or Healthline will provide you with advice on self-isolation and check on your health and wellbeing.

The health and disability workforce is currently under pressure due to the mandated vaccination order. Providers mayallows have to household andand client enable to focus Contact tracing forreduce testing, isolation management and treatmentservices if required is avisits key to part of ourthem COVID-19 support to those most in need. If you receive home and community support services and are concerned strategy. about what this might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs over the next few Anmonths. important part of contact tracing is remembering where you’ve been and who you’ve seen. You can use

the NZ COVID Tracer app that creates a digital diary, or the NZ COVID Tracer diary booklet to help. See the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community support services’. More information on contact tracing and keeping track of where you have been can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘Contact tracing for COVID-19’.

Carers are important and working hard during COVID-19

What if youand or make the person you care fortotests positive Carersto aredo important a significant contribution the quality of thefor livesCOVID-19 of the friends, family,

Most people those whois are fullyheart vaccinated, are likely to have a mild to moderate whānau andwith āigaCOVID-19, members particularly they support. Caring at the of a compassionate community and underpins viral illness but will fully recover at home or in suitable alternative accommodation. who we are and what we value. Carers’ work is of huge social and economic value to New Zealand. Care theofcommunity is where people supportedduring by local careZealand’s providersresponse to ensure health, welfare Theinrole a carer becomes even moreare challenging New totheir the COVID-19 and wellbeing needs are met while theyfrontline are recovering from COVID-19. pandemic. You are performing a key role in keeping things together in your families, whānau and āiga and we acknowledge and value you. Being prepared for COVID-19 and making a plan is important. More information is available from the Unite Against COVID-19 website (covid19.govt.nz) and searching ‘Be prepared for COVID-19’.

There’s lots of helpful information for carers

that you may doing more than usual, so will we be areabout thinking of situation, you in how we provide If We youknow do test positive for be COVID-19, the initial contact your where best to information, isolate, and funding and access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers any support that is needed. Alliance, service providers and other partners to keep you informed. You will also be provided a contact person who will be in touch with you often to make sure that you and Thiswhānau information hasand been brought together it easy for youfor to 24-hour find the health supportsupport. and advice you need. your are safe supported and giventoa make telephone number If you need While we will reviseyour thisGP resource required, things pharmacy do change,who so please regularly check the medication, contact or youraslocal community will make arrangements forfollowing your COVID-19 and carers online resource sites: medication to be safely delivered to your home. • covid19.govt.nz Key points of contacts for health support may differ across the country. Your point of contact may be an • Ministry of from Health’s and alsoprovider search ‘COVID-19 carers’ individual or a team yourwebsite general(health.govt.nz) practice, primary care or from a local community health • Ministry of Social Development’s website (msd.govt.nz) and also search ‘carers COVID-19 information’ service. including the resource ‘A Guide for Carers’

More information is available from the websites of Unite Against COVID-19 (covid19.govt.nz) and Ministry of If you(health.govt.nz) do not have internet access to check onCare the latest please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone Health by searching ‘COVID-19 in thenews, community’. numbers such as for Carers NZ, Healthline COVID-19 enquiries, Work and Income and others. Other useful sources of information are provided at the end of this document. Your family, whānau, friends, iwi and neighbours may be able to help by dropping food and other items at the door.

www.carers.net.nz

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COVID-19: Family, whānau and āiga carers

When you’re told you need to isolate, you’ll also be asked if you need any extra support. The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is coordinating support and connecting people with the right service to help them. If you need help, MSD will connect you with someone. They may be from a local community organisation, a government agency, or a marae-based service or support that iwi have established. 16 December Masks and2021 face

coverings

Masks or face coverings are one important way of keeping you safe as a carer and for protecting others you The disability currently under pressure to the mandated vaccination order. care health for andand have contactworkforce with fromisCOVID-19. The Ministry of due Health does not recommend the use of Providers may have to reduce household management services and client visits to enable them to focus scarves or bandanas. support to those most in need. If you receive home and community support services and are concerned about what this might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs over the next few In general, we encourage you to wear a mask or face covering whenever you leave your home and cannot months. keep physical distance from others, especially in crowded indoor places. Requirements for masks and face coverings may be different at each COVID-19 Protection Framework setting. See the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community support services’. All households should have a supply of masks for each household member.

Carers are important and working hard during COVID-19

People with a disability or physical or mental health condition which makes it difficult to wear a mask or face covering exempt. and If you cannot wear a mask or face covering, you can get lives an exemption card family, to show Carers areare important make a significant contribution to the quality of the of the friends, others when needed. You can request a card from the Disabled Persons Assembly NZ by contacting them whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins on 801 emailing them at info@dpa.org.nz. who04we are9100 and or what we value. Carers’ work is of huge social and economic value to New Zealand. It is also important to trust that others doing theduring right thing. If someone does not a mask or face The role of a carer becomes even moreare challenging New Zealand’s response towear the COVID-19 covering, they may have a legitimate reason. When you are near others who are not wearing mask and do pandemic. You are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your families,awhānau and not them, keep a distance. āigaknow and we acknowledge and value you. More information on face masks and coverings at different COVID-19 Protection Framework settings, and how to wear them correctly and safely, can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘Use you of masks and face more coverings’ and the Against COVID-19 by We know that may be doing than usual, soUnite we are thinking of you inwebsite how we(covid19.govt.nz) provide information, searching ‘Wear a face covering’. funding and access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers

There’s lots of helpful information for carers Alliance, service providers and other partners to keep you informed.

People at higher risk

This information has been brought at together to make it effects easy forofyou to find the advice you need. Information for people considered higher risk of the COVID-19 andsupport for theirand family, whānau and While we will revise this resource as required, things do change, so please regularly check the following āiga is available on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘COVID-19: Higher risk COVID-19 people’. and carers online resource sites: • covid19.govt.nz Caring for older people

of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) search ‘COVID-19 You •canMinistry find information specifically for older peopleand andalso their families, whānaucarers’ and āiga during the COVID• Ministry of Social Development’s website (msd.govt.nz) and also search ‘carers COVID-19 information’ 19 response on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘COVID-19: Older people, their including the resource ‘A Guide for Carers’ family and whānau’. If you do not have internet access to check on the latest news, please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone Supporting a person with dementia numbers such as for Carers NZ, Healthline COVID-19 enquiries, Work and Income and others. You may experience extra pressure in supporting someone with dementia during the COVID-19 response. Other useful sources of information are provided at the end of this document. More information for family, whānau, āiga, carers and supporters of people with dementia who are living at

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COVID-19: Family, whānau and āiga Caring for disabled people carers

home under different COVID-19 Protection Framework settings is available on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘COVID-19: People with dementia at home’.

Information for disabled people and their families, whānau, āiga and carers during the COVID-19 response, as well links to accessible information in alternate formats, is available on the Unite Against COVID-19 website 16 as December 2021 (covid19.govt.nz) by searching ‘Information for disabled people’. The health and disability workforce is currently under pressure due to the mandated vaccination order.

Getting duringmanagement COVID-19services and client visits to enable them to focus Providersdisability may have tosupport reduce household

to those you mostcare in need. If yousupport receivebecause home and support services concerned If support you or someone for needs of acommunity disability, you’ll need to talkand to aare Needs about whatand thisService might Coordination mean, please communicate your provider about your needs over thetheir next few Assessment service (NASC).with More information for disabled people, and months.whānau, āiga and carers about disability support services is available on the Ministry of Health’s families, website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘NASC’.

See the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community

Parents support services’.

A wide range of information and links to help you care for your tamariki, rangatahi and whānau (including explaining COVID-19, Well Child Tamariki Ora, parents with babies, whānau Māori, advice, support and resources) is available on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘COVID-19: Parents’.

Carers are important and working hard during COVID-19 Carers are important and make a significant contribution to the quality of the lives of the friends, family,

Respite – ‘taking a break’ whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins Respite orare 'taking break' very Carers’ important to is support family, and āiga carers’ mental and physical who we and awhat weisvalue. work of huge socialwhānau and economic value to New Zealand. health and wellbeing. Carers need to be able to use their respite and carers support allocations to support their through the COVID-19 response. Thewellbeing role of a carer becomes even more challenging during New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19

pandemic. You are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your families, whānau and Respite care from facility-based respite services to individualised funding and Carer Support āiga and weranges acknowledge and value you. (particularly for people allocated Carer Support through disability support services funded by the Ministry of Health). Respite care is available at all levels of the Protection Framework. All publicly funded health and disability services are exempt from the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Protection Framework) Order 2021, soWe while thethat vaccination of client/whānau informs planning for the of support, it will not know you maystatus be doing more than usual, so we are thinking ofsafe you delivery in how we provide information, otherwise affect the decision to provide support. funding and access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers

There’s lots of helpful information for carers

Alliance, service providers and other partners to keep you informed. Respite supports or services are allocated by Needs Assessment and Service Coordination agencies (NASCs) and are funded by has the been Ministry of Health (for disability needs) and district health boards (DHBs) This information brought together to make support it easy for you to find the support and advice you(for need. aged care, mental health and addiction and long-term chronic health needs). While we will revise this resource as required, things do change, so please regularly check the following COVID-19 and carers online resource sites: If you are concerned about your wellbeing or the wellbeing of your family or whānau, and/or feel desperate for support you should talk to your NASC immediately. Emergency or urgent, respite may be available. You • covid19.govt.nz should• make your of concerns when(health.govt.nz) you talk to your NASC. Ministry Health’sclear website and also search ‘COVID-19 carers’

Ministry of Social Development’s website (msd.govt.nz) and also search ‘carers COVID-19 information’ including resource ‘A Guide forNeeds Carers’ For a list of all NASCthe organisations, visit the Assessment and Service Coordination Association (NASCA) website (nznasca.co.nz). •

If you do not have internet access to check on the latest news, please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone as for Carers NZ, Healthline enquiries, and Income others. Innumbers addition,such information on respite for carersCOVID-19 and people receivingWork disability supportand services is available on Other useful information are provided at the end‘Respite of this document. the Ministry of sources Health’sofwebsite (health.govt.nz) by searching supports and services’; and for carers

www.carers.net.nz

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COVID-19: Family, whānau and āiga carers

and people with mental health and addiction, long-term chronic health conditions, and aged care needs through district health boards (DHBs) is available from each DHB and the relevant NASC. Visit the Carers NZ website (carers.net.nz) to download a free copy of the Time Out Guide, a guide to help carers plan and organise respite breaks. The Carers NZ site includes other respite planning tools you may find helpful. 16 December 2021 The health and disability workforce is currently under pressure due to the mandated vaccination order. Wellbeing Providers may have to reduce household management services and client visits to enable them to focus It’s important to remember that, when you are caring for someone else, you also need to take care of support to those most in need. If you receive home and community support services and are concerned yourself. A free national mental health and addiction support service is available 24/7 – call or text 1737. about what this might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs over the next few Information on other places where you can find mental health and wellbeing support is available on the months. Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘COVID-19: Mental health and wellbeing resources’. See the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community support services’.

Financial support

If you need help to pay for food Carers are important and

working hard during COVID-19

If you cannot pay for food, you may be able to get support from Work and Income with urgent financial Carers are important and make a significant contribution to the quality of the lives of the friends, family, support and ongoing needs, including food grants. You don’t need to be an existing Work and Income client whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins to get this help. To learn more or check your eligibility, call 0800 559 009 or visit the Work and Income who we are and what we value. Carers’ work is of huge social and economic value to New Zealand. website. The role of a carer becomes even more challenging during New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 Local food banks may also be able to help. You can find these on the Family Services Directory website. pandemic. You are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your families, whānau and āiga and we acknowledge and value you.

Further advice on accessing food

There’s lots of helpful information for carers

Find more advice on access to food and essential services on the Unite Against Covid-19 website (covid19.govt.nz). We know that you may be doing more than usual, so we are thinking of you in how we provide information, funding andfinancial access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers General support Alliance, service providers and other to keep you informed. You may be eligible for financial helppartners from Work and Income for urgent costs like: accommodation (rent, board, emergency housing) This •information has been brought together to make it easy for you to find the support and advice you need. • repairing or replacing appliances While we will revise this resource as required, things do change, so please regularly check the following • emergency dental treatment COVID-19 and carers online resource sites: • emergency medical treatment • health travel costs • covid19.govt.nz • Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) and also search ‘COVID-19 carers’ You •don’t need to on aDevelopment’s benefit to get website help. You(msd.govt.nz) can find out and about thesearch supports available for individuals, Ministry of be Social also ‘carers COVID-19 information’ families,including employers and self-employed people affected by COVID-19 by visiting the Work and Income website the resource ‘A Guide for Carers’ (workandincome.govt.nz) and also checking your eligibility by searching ‘Check what you might get’. If you do not have internet access to check on the latest news, please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone If you’re not sure what you might be eligible for, or you’d like toWork talk to someone your situation, you numbers such as for Carers NZ, Healthline COVID-19 enquiries, and Incomeabout and others. can call Work and Income on 0800 559 009. Other useful sources of information are provided at the end of this document.

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COVID-19: Family, whānau and āiga carers

Work and Income clients

You can use MyMSD to update your personal details, check your payments and apply for help with things like one-off costs for food. If you still need help, you can call Work and Income on 0800 559 009. More information related to COVID-19 support and changes can be found at the Work and Income website (workandincome.govt.nz). 16 December 2021

The health and disability workforce is currently under pressure due to the mandated vaccination order. Help for carers

Providers may have to reduce household management services and(workandincome.govt.nz) client visits to enable them to search focus Information for carers can be found at the Work and Income website and support to those most need. If you receive and up community support services and are concerned ‘Carers’. Please check theinwebpage regularly forhome the most to date information. about what this might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs over the next few months.

Help for carers in paid employment (including selfSee the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community employed) support services’. COVID-19 Wage Subsidy

Carers are important and working hard during COVID-19

For information on COVID-19 Wage Subsidies, visit the Work and Income website (workandincome.govt.nz) and search Subsidy August 2021’. Carers are‘COVID-19 important Wage and make a significant contribution to the quality of the lives of the friends, family, whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins who weSupport are and what we value. Carers’ work is of huge social and economic value to New Zealand. Leave Scheme If you can’t work from home and are required to self-isolate because you meet certain health criteria, your employer eligible for the Leave Support Scheme to help payingresponse you. Youto can get the Leave The role may of a be carer becomes even more challenging during Newkeep Zealand’s thealso COVID-19 Support Scheme you’re self-employed. pandemic. You if are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your families, whānau and āiga and we acknowledge and value you. The health criteria for the scheme includes situations where:

There’s lots of helpful information for carers • You are the caregiver of a dependant who has been told to self-isolate for a period by a doctor or

We know thatofficial you may be doing more than usual, Tracing so we are thinking ofthe youdependant in how we needs provide information, health through the National Contact process, and support to do funding and access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers so safely Alliance, service providers and other partners to keep you informed. • You have household members who are considered “higher risk” if they contract COVID-19 and a

doctor has told you to self-isolate (this is to reduce the risk of transmitting the virus to vulnerable householdhas members) This information been brought together to make it easy for you to find the support and advice you need. While we will revise this resource as required, things do change, so please regularly check the following COVID-19 and carers online resource sites: and Income website (workandincome.govt.nz) and search ‘Leave More information can be found at the Work

Support Scheme’. • covid19.govt.nz Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) andthey alsomay search ‘COVID-19 carers’ Talk to• your employer about your situation and whether be able to apply for the Leave Support • Ministry of Social Development’s website (msd.govt.nz) and also search ‘carers COVID-19 information’ Scheme to help keep paying you. including the resource ‘A Guide for Carers’

Short-Term Absence Payment If you do not have internet access to check on the latest news, please use the radio, TV and toll-free phone

The COVID-19 Short-Term Absence Payment is available for employers and self-employed people to help pay numbers such as for Carers NZ, Healthline COVID-19 enquiries, Work and Income and others. Other useful sources of information are provided at the end of this document.

www.carers.net.nz

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COVID-19: Family, whānau and āiga carers

their employees who can’t work from home while they wait for a COVID-19 test result, or who are a parent or caregiver of a dependant who is staying home while waiting for their COVID-19 test results. Talk to your employer about your situation and whether they may be able to apply for the Short-Term Absence Payment to help keep paying you.

16 December 2021 More information can be found at the Work and Income website (workandincome.govt.nz) and search ‘ShortThe health andpayment’. disability workforce is currently under pressure due to the mandated vaccination order. term absence Providers may have to reduce household management services and client visits to enable them to focus support to those most in need. If you receive home and community support services and are concerned Keeping date about what up this to might mean, please communicate with your provider about your needs over the next few Please keep checking the key government websites for more information on the COVID months. response: covid19.govt.nz and health.govt.nz. See the full advisory on the Ministry of Health’s website (health.govt.nz) by searching ‘home and community support services’.

What other information do you need?

If you have questions or other information you would like to see as a carer please use the links and numbers on this page or get in touch with:

Carers are important and working hard during COVID-19

Carers are important and make a significant contribution to the quality of the lives of the friends, family, • centre@carers.net.nz whānau and āiga members they support. Caring is at the heart of a compassionate community and underpins • Carers NZ free on 0800 777 797 who we are and what we value. Carers’ work is of huge social and economic value to New Zealand. • wecare.kiwi offers practical support for people living on their own or caring for others to help in getting through COVID-19 The •roleContinence of a carer becomes more challenging New Zealand’s response to the COVID-19 NZ – Freeeven Incontinence Help on during 0800 650 659 pandemic. You are performing a key frontline role in keeping things together in your families, whānau and • Work and Income call free on 0800 559 009 āiga•andcarers.strategy@msd.govt.nz we acknowledge and value you. disability@health.govt.nz Healthline COVID-19 enquiries – call free on 0800 358 5453 For guidance on any health issues, call Healthline free on 0800 611 116 or contact your local general practice. We know that you may be doing more than usual, so we are thinking of you in how we provide information, funding and access to services. Some of the answers are evolving and we will work with Carers NZ, the Carers Alliance, service providers and other partners to keep you informed. • • •

There’s lots of helpful information for carers

This information has been brought together to make it easy for you to find the support and advice you need. While we will revise this resource as required, things do change, so please regularly check the following COVID-19 and carers online resource sites: • • •

The MANAAKITANGA JOURNEY to getting vaccinated for disabled people

1. 1 Getting information about the vaccine and where to get vaccinated You can find information about the vaccine on the Ministry of Health webpage COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Disabled People. There is information in accessible formats available. To find information about vaccination sites and where they are visit HealthPoint or Karawhiua.

2. Booking and getting to your 2 vaccine appointment

To book a vaccination you can: Use BookMyVaccine.nz. The website is accessible and can be used with a screen reader. You can ask for support including: • • • • • •

An NZSL interpreter Support to make decisions Assistance to move around A longer appointment time A quiet or low sensory environment More space to move around

Or call the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 and push 2 to speak to the disability team between 8am – 8pm, Monday to Friday or email: accessiblecovidvaccinations@whakarongorau.nz The team can help you if you need support with transport or would like to discuss whether a home vaccination might be right for you.

3 At the vaccination site 3. You can bring a support person with you. When you get to the vaccination site you will need to sign in. If you need an NZSL interpreter or information in accessible format ask reception. If queuing is hard for you, or you need a quiet space ask the friendly staff for help.

HP7873 | COVID-19 Vaccine – Disability Journey A4 | 3 Nov 2021

When it is your time to get vaccinated you will be directed to a vaccine booth. A vaccinator will ask you a few questions like: Are you feeling well today? What medication do you take? Ask the vaccinator if you have questions. The vaccinator will ask you if you are ok to have the vaccine. You will need to wait 15 minutes after the vaccine. If this is hard for you ask if you can wait somewhere else.

4 Getting your second dose 4. After 3 weeks you need to get your second dose. You can book your second vaccine by: • Booking at the time of your first vaccine • Booking on BookMyVaccine.nz • Contacting the COVID Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 (push 2 for disability team)

5. 5 Getting your COVID vaccine record You can get an official vaccination record at app.covid19.health.nz and find out more at Unite Against COVID-19

6. Enjoy summer with your 6 friends and whānau!

IDEA Services will support you to live the life you want to live. To set goals and achieve them - to have great experiences. IDEA Services’ Supported Living is for people with intellectual disabilities. Enjoy a great life as part of your community. Read more at idea.org.nz

A Disability Service Provider of the

Family Care NZ - Issue 46

Articles inside

Money Game New tool from IHC

Young Carers NZ Ways to help