Queenstown and Wanaka welcomes new service helping seniors at home

Queenstown and Wanaka seniors and those of any age who need ‘at-home’ services from time to time have help at hand from new business Your Saving Grace.

The company is launching its in-home help, respite and companionship service later this month (Wednesday October 16).

Director Karen Soundy said Your Saving Grace was born out of the lack of services in the region offering residents, particularly seniors, varying degrees of help towards supporting their independence.

“There’s a small public service out there that assesses and caters to residents in need, but nothing of a private nature where individuals can chose and self-manage that assistance according to their lifestyles,” she said.

“This type of help is critical at a time when families are working longer hours, have more demands on their time and move around a lot.

“Not only that, but New Zealand's elderly population is expected to more than triple between 2013 and 2026, which is a staggering statistic.

“Thousands of residents, supported by their families, want to age at home with confidence and in a social, healthy and manageable way. The demand is there now, and it’s only going to grow when at the same time the government is encouraging ‘ageing in place’.”

Mrs Soundy has herself spent many years caring for family, regularly driving to Invercargill to help her mother, uncle and aunties.

“They all looked forward to my visits and scheduled many social and mealtime appointments around them,” she said.

“That’s all people need sometimes – someone to talk to, someone friendly to help with a few small chores, to go out and have a coffee and crossword with, or to alleviate some of the day-to-day tasks that become more difficult after an operation.”

Your Saving Grace has a team of professional, trustworthy and local carers who, depending on a client’s requirements, can assist with chores, general household duties, companionship to appointments and social outings and help people maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

They also provide temporary companionship and care when family and caregivers are away, or help around the home after clients return from hospital, a service that is aimed at all ages.

An obligation-free home visit and initial consultation starts the process, after which clients can pick and choose what they feel they need and when.

For more information contact Your Saving Grace on (03) 442 5129 or visit: www.yoursavinggrace.co.nz/care