Our news, events, tips and updates


  • Support Worker Update 11 June 2020
    Update for our Support Workers
    Posted: Thursday 11 June 2020
  • Contact Tracing Register download
    Posted: Wednesday 20 May 2020
  •  Wellbeing Support for Healthcare Workers
    Supporting you so you can support New Zealand - Call 0800 820 080
    Posted: Monday 18 May 2020
  • Carers NZ Newsletter
    Posted: Monday 18 May 2020
  • The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Careerforce, has created five learning modules with useful advice on how to support your family and whānau during the pandemic, and halt the spread of COVID-19.
    The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Careerforce, has created five learning modules with useful advice on how to support your family and whānau during the pandemic, and halt the spread of COVID-19.

    These modules are based on the course materials that health and care support workers use to gain their formal qualifications, and have been developed for all audiences to use at any point, not just in the current environment.
    Posted: Wednesday 13 May 2020
  • ACC helping over 65s stay strong and healthy in their bubble - resources to exercise safely at home
    During COVID-19 we're asked to stay home, which means you cannot attend community group strength and balance classes. The good news is that you can still safely exercise at home to maintain your strength and balance.

    We've been busy working with the health sector and TVNZ to create a strength and balance exercise programme called 'Healthy For Life'. Hosted by former-Silver Fern Bernice Mene, 'Healthy For Life' is designed to help older people work on their strength and balance through an exercise programme.
    Posted: Thursday 30 April 2020
  • ANZAC Day 2020 in Lockdown
    Anzac Day is one of the most important national occasions for both Australians and New Zealanders. In 2020, for the first time in history, Anzac Day Services across New Zealand have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Even though public Anzac Services are unable to go ahead, it does not mean that the tradition of remembering and commemorating our veterans and service personnel should be cancelled too - click on the link below to see more:-
    Posted: Friday 24 April 2020
  • Nationwide Counselling Service Contacts
    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.
    Posted: Thursday 23 April 2020
  • Whakatau Mai/ The Wellbeing Sessions: Resilience for Families
    Supporting Families NZ invites all families caring for someone experiencing mental distress to a self-care webinar. At Supporting Families, we believe that pro-active self-care is important for everyone in the whanau but is essential when you are supporting someone you love with their own journey of recovery. Spend an hour with us online and learn tips and tricks to incorporate self-care into your daily routine.
    Posted: Tuesday 21 April 2020
  • ALERT LEVEL 4 Lockdown Update 20th April 2020
    Please click on the link below to view our regular Lockdown Plan updates. Thank-you all for your patience and understanding during this unprecendented time. Our focus remains on providing safe support to our Staff and Clients during this time.
    Posted: Monday 20 April 2020
  • COVID-19 WAGE SUBSIDY CLAIM FILLABLE FORM - For Support Workers
    There is more than one way to claim and pay staff due to COVID-19 disruption. To do this accurately we need to collect the relevant information from you. We have attached a link to a fillable form that you can fill and email/or print and scan to us where possible.
    Posted: Friday 17 April 2020
  • Charity partnership wecare.kiwi launched to assist carers and vulnerable people
    wecare.kiwi is here for people living on their own or caring for others during the pandemic.
    Developed by national charities Carers NZ and IHC, wecare.kiwi offers a helping hand and a listening ear during the current Level 4 lockdown period, and will provide practical supports once New Zealand returns to alert Levels 2 and 3.
    Posted: Wednesday 15 April 2020
  • Delivereat - directory of NZ Businesses delivering online during COVID-19 Lockdown
    Delivereat – an online directory of independent New Zealand businesses still delivering during the Covid-19 lockdown the site being updated daily. From nationwide to region specific operations, the directory lists what type of produce the store offers as well as where they are able to deliver to.
    Posted: Thursday 9 April 2020
  • Civil Defence assistance with supplies and food for those who can't get out
    Here is a Civil Defence number for people who have absolutely no outside help to get supplies and are struggling with getting basic food: 0800 790 791. The service operates seven days a week from 7am to 7pm
    Posted: Tuesday 7 April 2020
  • Priority/Assistance at Supermarkets
    NorthAble has contacted all and confirmed that they will give priority access to Clients / Essential Support Workers. Some have special arrangements (i.e. using different entrances) so have a look at the link below at the branches which apply to you:-
    Posted: Monday 6 April 2020
  • Carer's NZ Newsletter
    Check-in from Carers NZ - how are you faring? About Carers NZ - Established in the early 1990s by and for family carers, Carers NZ acts as the national peak body providing information, advice, learning and support for carers in their network.
    Posted: Friday 3 April 2020
  • COVID-19 Updates to WhatsApp
    The Government today announced that they were working with WhatsApp to help people stay up-to-date during the
    the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Link below
    Posted: Thursday 2 April 2020
  • Ministry of Health Update for Essential Services Providers
    Essential services Any workers providing direct hands-on support that maintains a person’s necessities of life, including physical
    wellbeing and safety in a residential or home and community setting, is considered essential. Home and
    Community Care Services (HCSS) and residential care facilities are therefore essential services and must
    continue to be available under Alert Level 4.
    Posted: Tuesday 31 March 2020
  • MOH Guidelines re Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Homecare Workers
    As an essential worker you are playing a vital and much appreciated role in keeping New Zealand running during Alert Level 4.

    You may also be wondering if you need to be using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in order to keep yourself safe during this time. You’ll may also be wanting to know what to do to protect those in your bubble when you return home.

    It’s natural that you, and people living with you may feel concerned and have questions about protecting themselves from contracting COVID-19.
    Posted: Tuesday 31 March 2020
  • Countdown On-line Shopping - Priority Assistance for over 70s and those with a disability
    To ensure the customers who most need it have access to online delivery services at this time, Countdown are taking applications for a Priority Assistance service for online deliveries.

    Eligibility for Priority Assistance service is based on the government’s guidelines around those who are most at risk:
    People over 70 years of age.
    People with chronic illnesses including respiratory conditions, heart conditions, high blood pressure, kidney problems and diabetes. This also includes people undergoing treatment for cancer and blood conditions that make them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
    People who are in self-isolation after returning from travel or coming into contact with someone confirmed to have COVID-19.
    We also know that a number of our customers have disabilities that make it difficult to shop in our stores. These customers will also be eligible for our Priority Assistance Service.
    Posted: Saturday 28 March 2020
  • Build Your Bubble - a guide for older and disabled people
    Everyone has people in their lives that they see regularly or depend on. Think about who lives in your home, and who is essential in each person's life; this includes family and friends and people who visit for fundamental reasons, like personal care or support workers. All the people you interact with regularly are part of your bubble.

    If your household needs to stay at home and hibernate, it is essential to think about keeping everyone in your bubble safe, healthy and in touch. Talk to everyone in your household and make a list of the essential people in their day or week.
    Posted: Friday 27 March 2020
  • Sign Language Resources from Deaf Aotearoa
    These sign language videos are provided by Deaf Aotearoa. This summarises key information on the health advice for the general public page. Please click on the link to view the Ministry of Health page.
    Posted: Friday 27 March 2020
  • Message from Adele Jones - Chair of the Board of Trustees, Home Support North
    Hello to all you kind and lovely people out there!
    We have been receiving wonderful news of the symbiotic bonding taking place between you and your support workers. We know how our support workers care about you in your everyday lives and that you appreciate what they do for you but we’ve been hearing from them of the warmth and appreciation you have shown during these unusual days you have experienced lately. They are aware how unsettling it is for some of you and I’m sure their empathy for your situation will be surrounding you as soon as they enter your door. Be assured that your CE , Leanne McLiver, and her dedicated staff in the office are
    seriously concerned for your safety and also appreciate what they hear of your kindness.
    Posted: Friday 27 March 2020
  • OUR WELFARE / BEHAVIOUR
    Home Support North tips on our welfare/behaviour and visiting the offices.
    Posted: Friday 27 March 2020
  • Support Workers Area
    This is for existing workers only - login to the SW Area - use the contact email that you have supplied to us and click on the "forgot password" link - you will then get a temporary password link sent to your email address to allow you to login (you can change it once you have logged in). You can download leave forms and get other useful info such as how to get started with Remote Worker (our electronic timesheeting app) here.
    Posted: Wednesday 25 March 2020
  • Ministry of Health Essential and Non-Essential Services
    Latest Information from Ministry of Health regarding what is an essential service and what is not. Home Supports that people cannot safely manage without are considered essential services. Please click on the link below to read full information
    Posted: Wednesday 25 March 2020
  • COVID-19 Government Website
    Together we can slow the spread. This website has everything you need to know about COVID-19 in one place. Learn the simple steps you can take to unite against the virus and slow its spread. Find out what help is available and get the latest updates.

    If you’re not sure who to contact for help, call the free government helpline on 0800 779 997 (8am–1am, 7 days a week). Got symptoms? Call your GP before you visit. Or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
    Posted: Tuesday 24 March 2020
  • MOH Guide for Support Workers
    The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in home and community support settings, to protect both the clients and the support workers.
    This information sheet should be read in conjunction with information available at health.govt.nz/covid-19
    Posted: Tuesday 24 March 2020
  • Influenza Vaccination Reimbursement for our Support Workers
    Support Workers are now eligible to get their Flu Vac early. Home Support North with reimburse the cost of this for its Support Workers (up to $45 - please complete form attached and send in with receipt). You can get also get your Flu Jab the following pharmacies:-

    Kensington Pharmacy
    Unichem Kerikeri
    Maunu Pharmacy
    Unichem Kamo
    Unichem Onerahi
    Shackletons Kaitaia
    Buchanans Pharmacy
    Posted: Friday 20 March 2020
  • COVID-19 Coronavirus Update
    Correct handwashing procedure which is the best way to avoid the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses. If you are experiencing symptoms (High temperature – above 38.0 degrees Centigrade, Headaches
    Breathing Difficulty /Wheeze/Shortness of Breath call Healthline on 0800 35 85 453 for advice.
    Posted: Thursday 5 March 2020
  • In January 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed a new type of Coronavirus, known as COVID-19. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the situation and following guidance from the World Health Organization. The likelihood of an imported case in New Zealand is high, however the likelihood of a widespread outbreaks remains low.
    Posted: Monday 3 February 2020
  • Remote Worker - electronic timesheeting app for Support Workers
    Currently in trial and SWs are loving not having to complete and get timesheets signed and to the office (we are working hard to make other forms available online too). We are currently ironing out a few minor issues but we are looking forward to streamlining our payroll services. It is planned to roll out to all SWs from January 2020 - following an upgrade to our Client and SW system - Care~Call.
    Posted: Tuesday 22 October 2019
  • First Aid Training
    Posted: Thursday 17 October 2019

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