Eldernet

22/09/2026

Is Alzheimer's shifting from a disease we manage to one we can actually treat?

The World Alzheimer Report 2026, from Alzheimer's Disease International, says that after years of slow progress, we're now on the brink of real diagnostic and medical breakthroughs.

We're not talking about a cure — that's still a way off, and much of this is still in trials. But the shift in thinking is notable:

💊 New drugs already available overseas can slow progression in some people, by clearing the amyloid plaque that builds up years before symptoms appear
💉 Trials — some involving New Zealand — are testing whether treating people before symptoms appear could delay or prevent cognitive decline altogether
🩸 The report highlights emerging blood tests as a major development for detecting Alzheimer's earlier, with trials underway in the UK and Australia
🍅 Clinical trials also point to lifestyle changes — regular exercise, a Mediterranean-style diet, and staying socially connected — making a real difference to cognitive decline

Dr Campbell Le Heron, neurologist and Alzheimers NZ spokesperson, says these advances only matter if people can actually access them. He's calling for better diagnostic pathways, a stronger specialist workforce, more trained primary care clinicians, and investment in community-based dementia services — warning that Māori, Pacific peoples and rural communities shouldn't be left behind.

Hopeful news. But also a reminder that the system needs to be ready for it.

Full article: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/health/1483456/alzheimer-s-disease-starting-to-be-considered-a-treatable-condition-study

Alzheimer's disease is starting to be considered as a treatable and preventable condition, a major new report says.

22/09/2026

Today the Eldernet team took part in Clean Up Week with Keep New Zealand Beautiful.

We're pleased to report that New Brighton is actually looking pretty clean! Finding rubbish took more effort than expected, with our volunteers having to venture into bushes and hard-to-reach spots to uncover litter.

A huge thank you to Bunnings Warehouse New Zealand for supplying buckets, gloves and rubbish bags, and to Christchurch City Council for collecting all the rubbish we gathered.

We were also joined by the team from Niko Engineering Limited, who came along after seeing we'd signed up online. They fit right in with the team (and seemed to enjoy the savouries too!). And we're excited to hear we've inspired another local business to join us next year.

It was a rewarding way to spend the morning, and as an added bonus, we clocked up our daily step count along the way too. Winning all round!
🌿♻️👟

21/09/2026

This article about Joan Hodge is a lovely reminder of something that’s easy to forget: it’s important to keep doing the things we enjoy.

As we get older, hobbies and activities can be some of the first things to slip away. Sometimes the hardest part is simply getting started — going for the walk, picking up the paintbrush, getting back into the garden or returning to something you haven’t done for a while.

But those things are good for us. They give us something to look forward to, keep us active and engaged, and help us hold onto the parts of life that make us feel like ourselves.

You rarely regret thgetting out for walk, or spending time doing something you love.

What’s something you always feel better for doing?

Read Joan’s story here:
https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/the-star/knitting-showcase-sparks-conversations-bvr8rrf9

18/09/2026

Spring is here, and even with everything going on, there’s something about seeing new growth appear that can’t help but bring a bit of joy.

Gardening gives us a lot more than flowers and vegetables. 🌱

Gardening can give us:
🌿 A reason to get outside
🌿 Gentle, practical movement
🌿 A sense of purpose and routine
🌿 Fresh food
🌿 Something to nurture and look forward to
🌿 A place to simply sit and enjoy

Our latest Substack article with Sarah O’Neil, author of Growing Vegetables, is full of practical advice on getting started, growing in smaller spaces, adapting gardening as we get older and making gardening work for you.

As Sarah says, even waiting for a seed to germinate gives us a little bit of hope for what’s coming next.

Read our full interview with Sarah here:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-211795248

And while you’re out there, take a photo! Our Show Us Your Favourite Patch competition is open until Sunday 27 September.
📧 [email protected]

16/09/2026

If you’re comparing care suites, knowing what to ask can make the process much clearer.
A care suite may look appealing, but it’s important to understand not just the room itself, but also the care that can be provided there, the upfront payment, any ongoing charges, and what happens financially when the suite is vacated.

This simple checklist highlights some of the key questions worth asking when you visit or speak with a provider.

Care suites can vary a lot in their features, costs and terms, so taking the time to compare options carefully is important.

Explore available care suites around New Zealand on Eldernet:
https://www.eldernet.co.nz/residential-care/care-suites

15/09/2026

We’ve loved hearing your thoughts on our latest e-newsletter. Here’s one message that made our day:

“Kia ora Eldernet Group, this email is brill, especially the focus on Māori, plus the other information. It’s made me sit up and be more aware. Kia ora.”

Empowered is our free monthly e-newsletter, sharing practical information, useful resources and stories to help you navigate the choices that come with ageing.

Sign up so you don't miss the next edition:
https://confirmsubscription.com/h/y/8592FB5CEECAF0DA

14/09/2026

When looking at a care suite, the upfront price is only part of the financial picture.

Care suites are usually occupied under an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA), with an upfront capital payment for the right to live in the suite. But there are other costs and commitments to understand too.

Your residential care costs are separate, and there may also be ongoing charges depending on the provider and agreement.

When the suite is vacated, fees such as a Deferred Management Fee may be deducted before the remaining amount is repaid to you or your estate.

With some ORAs, that repayment may not happen until the care suite has been relicensed to a new resident. It’s worth asking how this works and how long care suites at the facility have typically taken to relicense.

The exact structure can vary considerably between providers, so it’s important to understand:
• what the upfront payment covers
• what ongoing charges apply
• what fees are deducted when you leave
• how and when the remaining amount is repaid
• whether repayment depends on the suite being relicensed

Independent legal advice is required before signing an ORA, so make sure you understand the agreement and ask questions about anything that isn’t clear.

12/09/2026

🌱 COMPETITION REMINDER — Show us your favourite patch.

Win a copy of Growing Vegetables by Sarah O’Neil, plus a $50 Mitre 10 voucher.

Here are a few of the entries we’ve received so far — from a favourite tree that has moved gardens twice and residents growing from seed, to a beautiful resident’s deck and a community pumpkin patch haul.

We’d love to see the part of your garden that makes you happy.

To enter, email us:
📷 A photo of your favourite patch
🌿 A sentence or two about why it’s special
📍 Your name and town or region

Send it to [email protected].

Entries close Sunday 27 September.

09/09/2026

What are the potential benefits of a care suite?

For some people, a care suite can offer a more private, spacious and home-like environment while still receiving the residential care they need.

Depending on the provider and the suite, benefits may include;
- more room for your own furniture and belongings
- a full ensuite
- a kitchenette or separate living area
- greater space for family and visitors

Some care suites are large enough for couples with different care needs to remain living together.

There can be financial considerations too. Because care suites are usually occupied under an Occupation Right Agreement rather than paid for through an ongoing daily premium room charge, the overall cost may compare favourably over a longer stay in some circumstances. This will depend on the purchase price, fees, length of stay and the individual agreement.

Care suites won’t suit everyone, and features, costs and terms vary between providers. The important thing is understanding how they work so you can compare your options.

You can take a look at available care suites around New Zealand on Eldernet:
https://www.eldernet.co.nz/residential-care/care-suites

07/09/2026

Thinking about growing your own vegetables this spring? 🌱

To celebrate the start of the gardening season, we spoke with Sarah O’Neil, the Gardener, author of Growing Vegetables, about getting started, growing in smaller spaces, keeping costs down and adapting the garden as we get older.

One thing we especially liked was Sarah’s reminder that gardening doesn’t need to be complicated — and you certainly don’t need a huge garden.

Her advice for beginners? Start with the vegetables you actually like to eat, and don’t be afraid to begin with seedlings rather than seed.

❓ What’s your favourite vegetable to grow? Let us know in the comments. 🥕🍅

She also shares some great practical tips for gardening when bending, kneeling or lifting has become harder, including raised beds, ergonomic tools and taking a “little and often” approach.

Read our interview with Sarah here: https://substack.com/home/post/p-211795248

And don’t forget — our Show Us Your Favourite Patch competition is now open. Send us a photo of your favourite part of the garden and tell us why it’s special to be in to win.

📧 [email protected]
Entries close Sunday 27 September.

Learn about the easiest crops to get started with, the essential equipment you need, what grows well in small spaces, and more.