Wellbeing

In this section we look at how to access healthcare services in New Zealand. But, wellbeing depends on much more than just visiting a doctor when sick.

There’s a lot that goes into supporting a happy and healthy individual. You need to make sure you and the person you support eat well. It’s also important that the person you support has the opportunity to get active and enjoy social activities. And you’ll want to help them to develop the skills they need to manage healthy relationships.

This section also recognises that caring for others often starts with caring for yourself. We look at ways you can look after your own mental wellness, and ways you can get time out when you need it.

Host a hearing-friendly barbecue this summer

Wellbeing, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin October 10, 2018

It’s barbecue season and, this summer, national hearing organisation Hearing Therapy, is urging hosts to extend their Kiwi hospitality to guests who have trouble hearing.

Waikato university student proves anyone can dance

People with disabilities, Wellbeing, Supporting teenagers, My independence, Supporting adultsBy lifeadmin September 21, 2018

Facilitating an inclusive contemporary dance programme for Life Unlimited Charitable Trust’s after-school sport programme allowed Courtney Richmond to share her passion for movement and dance with willing participants.

Telling it like it is

Wellbeing, Supporting adults, Living optionsBy lifeadmin September 11, 2018

You know you’ve found a diamond when you come across a video blurb that reads, “Freedom Nathan tells it like it is with an infectious sense of humour. She’s a farm girl who likes to go fishing and hunting with her cousins…the fact she completely lost her sight at age 5 hasn’t stopped her living life to the full”.

How noisy is too noisy?

Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Wellbeing, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin September 6, 2018

Noise induced hearing loss is affecting younger people at higher rates than previous generations so it’s really important to let children and young people know how to protect their ears.

Eve conquers her fears with Life Friends

Wellbeing, My wellbeing, Help with transition to adult lifeBy lifeadmin July 18, 2018

Eve Ruth is warm and friendly. She’s a good listener and happy to have a chat – all the qualities that make for a good friend. But after managing a long illness, Eve found the friendships she once enjoyed had vanished. An adult education programme in Hamilton called Life Friends has set her on the path to making and sustaining new connections.

Guidance for selecting providers

New to disability?, Support with learning, Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Support with learning, My wellbeing, New to disability?By lifeadmin April 23, 2018

It’s important to do your homework when selecting providers of services, treatments or interventions.

Living well with multiple sclerosis

Wellbeing, My independence, Accessibility and mobility, My wellbeingBy lifeadmin April 4, 2018

Huhana Hickey a.k.a. Dr Hu is an outspoken advocate for disabled people. She describes how ageing has taught her to accept and celebrate who she is.

New Zealand’s first Changing Places facility opens

Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobility, Accessibility and mobilityBy lifeadmin March 21, 2018

Changing Places are high-specification facilities designed and built to cater to the needs of people with significant physical impairments. The first one of it’s kind in New Zealand has just opened at Hamilton Gardens.

Respite and carer support

Whānau, family and carers, Supporting children, Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Wellbeing, Supporting teenagers, Supporting adultsBy lifeadmin January 24, 2018

Respite and Carer Support are funded by the Ministry of Health and provide an opportunity for you to get a much needed break. But, there are also other ways you can take time out to relax and unwind.

Getting active and meeting people

WellbeingBy lifeadmin July 21, 2016

Encouraging the person you support to get active and take part in recreational activities is not only good for their body, it’s also good for their self-esteem and confidence too — and it can be a great way for them to meet new friends.