Senior Services. A word from Arthur

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1 ISSUE 12 Senior Services A RESOURCE FOR ORGANISATIONS WORKING IN THE SENIORS COMMUNITY August 2013 Website: A word from Arthur Kia ora koutou. Our exciting news is that now the SuperGold Card programme has over 10,000 business outlets. People can take advantage of savings across different sectors including health, travel and transport. Read more inside as well as articles on changes to the living alone payment, preventing elder abuse, and applying online. The new General Manager, Lindsay Meehan, starts on the 2nd September. I ve enjoyed meeting many of you and I d like to thank you for making my time here an enjoyable and rewarding one. Noho ora mai Article Page SuperGold Card reaches 10,000 business outlets milestone 2 Keeping eyes healthy 2 How do clients find answers to their questions? 3 The Social Assistance (Living Alone Payments) Amendment Act 3 It is time to stop elder abuse 4 Increasing numbers of seniors applying online for NZ Super 5 Changes to Student Allowance 5 Guide launched to help seniors avoid online scams 6 Volunteering in the community 6 Contact us 6 Keeping warm during winter 7 Seniorline 7 What s RealMe? 7 Welfare Reform changes 7 Services for Seniors brochure updated 7 Arthur Grooby, General Manager, Senior Services Getting in touch with Senior Services 8

2 SuperGold Card reaches 10,000 business outlets milestone quadrupled to over 5,600 businesses with more than 10,000 outlets offering discounts nationwide. The continued growth and success of this programme means that older people can continue to get real value from the SuperGold programme. A comprehensive list of the businesses offering SuperGold Card discounts in each region can be found at Latest SuperGold special offers! The SuperGold programme has surpassed 10,000 business outlets which is a real milestone for the programme. This means that there are now more opportunities than ever for cardholders to access discounts across the country. During May and June this year, a new SuperGold business recruitment campaign, targeting the health and wellbeing sectors was undertaken. This was a very successful campaign which attracted over 1,200 new businesses to the SuperGold programme. New businesses include dental services, pharmacies, physiotherapists, optometrists, chiropractic and osteopathic services, nutritionists, sports facilities/equipment as well as trades, home heating and insulation providers. An ongoing focus for the programme was the desire to increase the number of participating businesses in provincial and rural areas. Around 45% of these new businesses came from outside of the main city centres of Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. In December 2011 there were 1,469 SuperGold businesses representing 5,734 outlets. Since then the number of participating businesses has nearly Challenge fuel with 87 sites nationwide is offering SuperGold Card members 8 cents per litre off their petrol and diesel for a limited time. Cardholders simply need to take their Card into any participating Challenge service station and receive their discount. There is a maximum of 100 litres per visit, although there is no minimum limit. All terms and conditions are in store. Read more at: The OPSM chain also recently signed up all of their stores nationwide. Keeping eyes healthy Aged related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in New Zealand. It affects one in seven people over 50 and the incidence increases with age. It affects the central vision and this loss of vision impacts on a person s ability to drive, watch television, access websites and even recognise faces. Symptoms should never be dismissed as just part of getting older. Detecting changes early allows for steps to be taken to slow down the progression of macular degeneration. For information visit or phone 0800 MACULA SENIOR SERVICES ( 2/8

3 How do clients find answers to their questions? The Social Assistance (Living Alone Payments) Amendment Act 2013 On 2 September, 2013 the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001 and the War Pensions Act 1954 are being amended. The quickest way for clients to find answers to their questions is to use our Ask a question tool on the Senior Services website at Simply type the key word or words that your question relates to in the Advanced Search field. Then select the 'search' button. The answers that best match your key words will be listed. If the search field is not showing, clicking on the Find Answers tab will take you back to the first page of answers and display the search field. For example if you would like to know how much New Zealand Superannuation you may be entitled to, try typing any of the key words: rates New Zealand Superannuation maximum and the item will be displayed - depending on the words used it may or may not be in the first page of results. Alternatively, browse through the questions page by page and see which ones are of interest to you. If you have searched the Find Answers and can't find a suitable answer you can us your question on the Ask a Question tab. We will respond by as quickly as possible. As a result the Living Alone Payment and the two current single rates of New Zealand Superannuation are being replaced with the new single living alone rate of payment and the single sharing accommodation rate. This change also applies to Veteran s Pension. Existing clients currently getting the Living Alone Payment will not have to do anything. They will automatically change over to the single living alone rate of payment on 2 September There is no change to the current rate of payment. The changes will make it easier for people on New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran s Pension to get the correct rate of payment when their circumstances change. When people start living alone no application form is needed and people can start getting paid based on what they tell us in person or over the phone. The definition of a dependent child is also being amended. In addition, the reference to a licensed boarding house is being updated to reflect the new definition of a boarding house in the Residential Tenancies Act For more information visit the News and Updates section on the Senior Services website from 2 September at: SENIOR SERVICES ( 3/8

4 It is time to stop elder abuse People must not turn a blind eye if they suspect an older person is being abused or neglected and Age Concern New Zealand continues to spread this message. Spokesperson Louise Collins says it is vital people speak out and a phone call to their local Age Concern is the right step. Age Concern s Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention (EANP) teams work closely with older people and their families to resolve issues of abuse and ensure it does not reoccur. Age Concern also works in communities to educate people about the signs and effects of abuse to help prevent it from happening and how to challenge disrespectful attitudes towards older people. Mrs Collins says that nationwide, EANP services received almost 2000 referrals for the Jul 12 Jun 13 year which equated to 8 referrals per working day. "That is an average of six calls per day about older people suspected of being abused or neglected. In over half of these cases, abuse or neglect is confirmed." Mrs Collins said elder abuse is often fuelled by attitudes that are ageist and disrespectful of older people. In New Zealand the most commonly reported types are financial abuse and psychological abuse. "Some people think that because someone is old it doesn t matter what happens to them anymore or they don t need money to spend. They make decisions for the older person without even asking them what it is they want. Or, they ridicule them about the decisions they do make. Sometimes, they pressure older people into doing things they don t really want to do like giving a loan, selling their house or letting a family member move in with them for free. Attitudes like these show a lack of respect for the older person, for their quality of life and for their needs. Mrs Collins said between 70 and 80 percent of elder abuse and neglect in New Zealand occurs at the hands of family members. About half of abusers are adult children and about half of the abused elders are over 80- years-old. This is one of the reasons it stays hidden. Many older people feel ashamed their own flesh and blood is treating them badly, so they won't talk about it, she said. We know that family are very precious to older people, and try to get a win-win result when there are difficulties with family relationships. We help people recognise that older people have a lot to contribute and are very valuable members of families and the community. For contact details of the nearest Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service visit: Louise Collins, National Co-ordinator, Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services, Age Concern New Zealand. Phone: louise.collins@ageconcern.org.nz SENIOR SERVICES ( 4/8

5 Increasing numbers of people applying online for NZ Super People who are turning 65 can apply online for NZ Super. Changes to Student Allowance In May, a number of changes to Student Allowances and Loans were announced as part of Budget The changes apply to all new Student Allowance applications for study that starts on or after 1 January An application period is an approved Student Allowance application for an enrolment period of up to 52 weeks. The changes include: the removal of Student Allowance eligibility for students aged 65 or over on the start date of their course People are finding the online option very convenient, as shown in the graph above with over 30 percent of NZ Super applications being completed online in July Completing the application form online provides people with: personalised information about what they may be able to get what to do next what supporting documents they need to provide. For some people this means they will not need to have an interview. People can find the application form, and other seniors-related information, online at our website: and start the application process by clicking the Apply for NZ Super button. reducing the Student Allowance 200- week limit to 120 weeks (approximately three years of study) for students aged 40 years or over on the start date of their course. Students may be eligible for New Zealand Superannuation when they turn 65. They are currently unable to receive New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran s Pension and Student Allowance at the same time. Students who studied in 2013 Students who studied and received a Student Allowance in 2013 and apply for an allowance for study starting on or after 1 January 2014 can continue to receive Student Allowance for up to one year (until 31 December 2014) or until they reach their 200-week limit to a Student Allowance, whichever comes first. Find out more about the other changes to student finance announced in Budget 2013 at SENIOR SERVICES ( 5/8

6 Guide launched to help seniors avoid online scams Volunteering in the community A new guide has been launched to educate seniors about online scams. Get online savvy - a guide for seniors contains a wealth of information on the types of scams targeting people over 50 years of age and tips on how to surf the internet safely. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment s Scamwatch spokesman Jarrod Rendle says people in this age group may have more money to invest or be seeking online business opportunities; they may travel more frequently than other age groups; and they may be more likely to have their personal details on databases. This situation makes them very vulnerable to certain online scams, some of which are sophisticated and appear very real. They aim to take advantage of those who are new to booking travel and accommodation online; are new to the internet dating scene; are looking to invest overseas; or perhaps are less adept at using social media or aware of the dangers of spam and phishing. The guide takes you through a range of scams aimed at those 50 years and over, what suspicious activity to look out for and how to protect your computer and yourself. SCAMS Get online savvy A guide for seniors is available at: Contact us For any newsletter feedback, story suggestions or questions please contact the Newsletter Editor at: seniors@msd.govt.nz Volunteering is a great way to help your community by keeping socially connected and potentially learning new skills. Giving time can make a big difference in the lives of others. At the same time, volunteers meet new people, have fun and experience new situations and challenges. One of the best aspects of volunteering is that volunteers can choose an activity to complement their personal interests. Potential volunteer options can involve: sports recreation arts, culture and heritage emergency services social services health education conservation and the environment. More information about volunteering is on the Senior Services website at: SENIOR SERVICES ( 6/8

7 Keeping warm during winter Winter snow, rain and wind are still recent memories. Here are helpful hints to survive any last minute winter blasts and prepare for winter Insulation Good quality, well installed insulation helps keep the heat in during winter. More information about insulation is on the ENERGYWISE website at: Heat pumps A heat pump can heat homes better and for less money than some other heating options. Useful information and tips on using heat pumps efficiently and saving money on power bills is at: Electric blankets Before using an electric blanket people should check for damage or wear and continue to check regularly as it is used. More information is in the Electrical equipment and appliances section at: Seniorline Seniorline is a national telephone service offering help for older people to navigate the health system. Information includes how to get help to stay at home and support services for caregivers. Seniorline can also advise on the process for entry to rest home, dementia or hospital care, funding and the services that should be provided. The service operates Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm. Call free on or visit What s RealMe? The RealMe service is the new way for people to prove who they are online. Anyone living in New Zealand can use the RealMe service. People can access lots of online services safely with just one username and password, and over time this is set to increase. People will be able to apply for things like banking services, or insurance online without having to prove their identity each time in person. It s officially backed by the Government and New Zealand Post and is free to consumers. The Ministry of Social Development, including Senior Services, will be using the RealMe service towards the end of this year. For more information about RealMe visit: Services for Seniors brochure updated The updated July 2013 version of the Services for Seniors brochure is now available. The content has been updated. To get a copy: download it from the Senior Services website at: or phone us on or visit a Local Services Centre. Welfare Reform changes New Zealand s welfare system has been reformed with new benefits that recognise that most beneficiaries can and do want to work. Changes have been in three stages: August 2012, October 2012, and July Read about Welfare Reform changes at: SENIOR SERVICES ( 7/8

8 And finally a reminder.. getting in touch with Senior Services Senior Services provides support and assistance by connecting older people to a wide range of services and information. Senior Services provides access to entitlements and financial assistance such as New Zealand Superannuation, Community Services Card, Veteran s Pension, Residential Subsidies and Overseas Pensions. It may also be able to help with some accommodation and health related costs. People can: access their website at to search for information and find answers to common questions by using the Ask a question tool send an to seniors@msd.govt.nz with a question and receive a personalised answer call them on between 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, to ask a question or get advice book an appointment to meet a case manager by phoning send mail to their postal address: Senior Services Ministry of Social Development PO Box 5054 Wellington 6145 If a person is hearing impaired they can use: - Deaf Link free-fax: Telephone typewriter (TTY): Text: MSD_Deaf_Services@msd.govt.nz So if anyone has a seniors-related question or needs information, please use the above information to contact Senior Services. SENIOR SERVICES ( 8/8