Official publication of Age Concern North Shore

Office Phone: (09) 489 4975

Email: ageconns@acns.co.nz

177B Shakespeare Road, Milford, Auckland 0620

OFFICE HOURS:

9am - 4pm Monday - Friday

Autumn 2017

www.ageconcern.org.nz

North ShoreAwhina Kaumatua o TeRaki Pae Whenua

AGE MATTERS CELEBRATINGOVER 50 YEARS

A Pukeko Print & Design Ltd publication. For advertising phone Monique (07) 577 9092 or email monique@pukekoprint.co.nz x www.pukekoprint.co.nz x Please refer to website for disclaimer

Serving the needs of older people

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The very best wishes for a healthy and happy 2017. I trust that you have been able to enjoy some sunny weather over the Christmas New Year period. Hopefully late summer and autumn will be more settled with less wind allowing us to enjoy some light exercise and a chance to safely build up our Vitamin D.

The end of 2016 was a busy time for us with our annual Sponsor a Senior appeal and our Volunteers Function. I would like to acknowledge the extra effort that the staff put in around these events to make them so successful.

This year we held a very successful High Tea to thank our many amazing volunteers for their hard work and dedication. Volunteers support our services in many areas, including: Asian Services; Club Gordon; Volunteer Drivers; Health Promotion; Visiting Services and newsletter delivery. Congratulations to those volunteers who received certificates and gifts for 5, 10 or 15 years of service. We were especially pleased to be able to award four certificates for 20 years of service to Lawrie Hart, Helen Hart and Susan Patterson from the Accredited Visiting Service and to Wendy Dixon from Club Gordon. 30 new Visitors also received an accreditation certificate. A big thank you goes to Harcourts Cooper and Co who sponsored the event with a wonderful collection of vintage china and spot prizes. The vintage china really helped to create the High Tea atmosphere. Staff and a small group of volunteers worked very hard on the day to ensure the success of the event.

It is with sadness that I take this time to inform the membership of the death of a long term volunteer, Pat Pearson. Pat was a Board member for many years and actively supported the work of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service. In 2015 we

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Devonport/Northcote Ph: (09) 486 5074 North Bays Ph: (09) 473 8186Milford Ph: (09) 551 3050Albany Ph: (09) 476 0011Glenfield Ph: (09) 442 4334

We hope you enjoyed the festive season and are looking forward to a busy fun-filled year ahead. Well, it certainly will be if you join us on a Driving Miss Daisy Outing!

At Driving Miss Daisy we can help with a lot more than simply driving you to appointments, or getting you from A to B. Soon after launching our service in 2009 we discovered that our clients wanted more than just the practical service that we offered – they wanted to continue with social activities, meeting people and having fun. So, we decided to add Outings to our service offering, and it is now one of our most popular and appreciated services.

If you have an outing that you’d like to organise we can create a tailor made experience for you. Perhaps you might like a trip down memory lane to, or a visit to a particular art exhibition or movie. Other quintessential outings might be enjoying an ice cream at the beach, a walk through a botanic garden or enjoy a local rugby game. You might even like to round out the experience with coffee or a meal at a café.

Many of our clients gather together a friend or two to share the experience – there’s always plenty of fun to be had!

Driving Miss Daisy also regularly organises Outings for individuals to join – if you’re interested in hearing about our upcoming Outings we’d love to hear from you. You’ll have a wonderful time and these Outings are a fantastic way to meet new people.

Driving Miss Daisy is committed to helping our clients get out and about, so you can live life to the full and enjoy every moment. Remember that many of our franchise owners have fully equipped Wheelchair Vehicles, and all our vehicles can fit a fold down walker or wheelchair which is no problem at all. If you have an Outing you’d like us to co-ordinate for you please call us today to discuss – we look forward to seeing you soon.

Devonport/Northcote - Shirley Bluett & Marie Green(09) 486 5074 027 224 4423North Bays - Corlize Britz(09) 473 8186 021 473 818 Milford - Alan Jennings (09) 551 3050 021 503 575Albany - Alan Jennings (09) 476 0011 021 503 547Glenfield - Kate Jenkinson (09) 442 4334 021 515 454

Driving Miss Daisy Outings will add a spark to your week!

were pleased to present her with a Special Jubilee Award to acknowledge the support she had given to our organisation. She was well liked and admired by all those who had occasion to work alongside her. On behalf of Age Concern I pass on my condolences to her family.

With Easter coming up next month I hope you get the opportunity to treat yourself with an Easter egg or a Hot Cross bun. I remember the anticipation of buns hot from the oven on Good Friday and waiting because we weren’t allowed to have Easter eggs before Easter Sunday. Sharing times like these with family and grandchildren is not only enjoyable, but researched evidence says time spent with grandchildren can extend life by years. Volunteering is also beneficial, so if you have time to spare let us know as we may be able to use your skills and experience.

Celebrating life and life’s experiences is the positive side of working at Age Concern. We exist to help people age well and enjoy their older years. Thank you to those members who have donated to us to support our services. Remember to mention us to your peers who may need some information or support.

This year we will be promoting the WHO Age Friendly Communities with Auckland Council Local Boards and asking for your feedback. We have signed an agreement with Police and WDHB to work together in relation to Vulnerable Adults and I was invited to Chair the Annual Elder Law Conference for the Health Sector in February. Working with other sectors like these mentioned, ensures older people’s needs and concerns are continually advocated for by Age Concern. We look forward to increasing our reach

to those most vulnerable and providing a programme of events and services to support wellbeing and social connections during 2017.

Janferie Bryce-ChapmanExecutive Officer

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Age Concern North Shore Staff Directory

Main Reception 489 4975email: ageconns@acns.co.nzExecutive OfficerJanferié Bryce-Chapman 929 2319 email: janferiebc@acns.co.nz AdministratorMaureen Andrews 489 4975email: maureena@acns.co.nzAVS Co-ordinatorKathryn McMahon 929 2307email: visitingservice@acns.co.nzElder Abuse Alison Bravenboer 929 2309 Asian Social WorkerJane Lai 929 2311 email: janel@acns.co.nzCommunity Development/ EducatorKatie Rom 929 2312 email: educator@acns.co.nzClub Gordon Co-ordinatorLesley Alexander 489 4975 and leave a message email: lesleya@acns.co.nzField OfficerAlana Kraemer 929 2305 email: fieldo@acns.co.nzFinancial AdministratorRhonda Oliver 489 4975 and leave a message email: rhondao@acns.co.nzCommunications Co-ordinatorDiane Matheson 929 2306 email: dianem@acns.co.nzAdministration Assistant (AVS)Julie Moncur 929 2310email: juliem@acns.co.nz

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of Age Concern North Shore. The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the publisher or Age Concern advocates or rejects its use. 65

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A note to membersMany of our members will have used our Skills Bank list to hire a trusted tradesperson, but as some of you will have noticed we don’t always have the skills listed that you may want, in the area that you live in.Please help us to ensure better coverage and a broader skills base. If you know of a plumber, electrician, home worker etc etc that you are comfortable recommending to other older people let us know so that we can contact them and see if they would like to offer their services through the list.Alternatively, talk to them and suggest they contact us. All new tradespeople are asked to complete an application form and from there we reference check before they are added to the list.We will be looking at updating the list for members in May or June, so please let us know as soon as possible so that we can ensure they are included.

Staff ChangesSheryl Royal, Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Co-ordinator has recently left her role to move overseas. Sheryl was a valuable member of our team and we all enjoyed working alongside her. We wish her the very best in all her future endeavours. Her replacement will be starting in the middle of March.

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Serving the needs of older people

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Age Concern North Shore Charitable TrustAge Concern North Shore Inc. is a fully compliant incorporated organisation that began on the North Shore in 1965 and was commissioned to deliver relevant assistance to older persons in our community to enable them to have a better life. Since then, there has always been a continuing and increasing need to expand its services in order to meet the increasing number of issues that can face our local senior citizens. Such issues include isolation, financial and emotional abuse, lack of mobility and disempowerment - all common difficulties experienced by increasing numbers caused by population growth and the greater longevity that our citizens are now experiencing.

Age Concern North Shore Charitable Trust was established in 2008 as a Trust to help provide Age Concern North Shore Inc. with some sense of surety that it could continue to provide independent financial support to assist in maintaining and growing the work of Age Concern North Shore Inc. within our serviced area.

Both these Age Concern North Shore entities are dependent on public funding provided through financial assistance that is becoming more dependent on donations and bequests in order to continue to provide for the increasing needs of our older people, their families and their carers.

We know and understand there are increasing demands for your finances from many organisations and we sincerely ask that you give consideration to assist in enabling the continuation of Age Concern North Shore’s current work and help meet the future challenges that we all want to be delivered by Age Concern North Shore when we need them!

Donations to either of our Age Concern North Shore entities are always welcome and if you would like to find out more information on bequests the Trust offers an information booklet - “Your Will and Age Concern.”

Together we can make sure that here, in the place where we have chosen to grow old we know it will be able to be done with proper care and dignity.

To make a donation or order a booklet, or if you would like one of the Trustees to contact you, please phone 021 828 839, or email: acnsctrust@gmail.com or write to 117B Shakespeare Road, Milford, Auckland, 0620.

Age Concern North Shore2017 HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAMMEThe following Health Promotion activities are available free of charge to persons aged 65 years and over and living independently in the North Shore community.

To register your interest for any of these activities, please phone 489 4975 or email: educator@acns.co.nz. Registration is essential and places will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Dates and venues are still to be confirmed.

Positive Steps – Falls Prevention ProgrammeThe programme aims to help you maintain your health and well being and help you retain your independence. A small group of participants will be guided through a 2½ hour session over four consecutive weeks, with morning tea included. The sessions are partly educational and partly gentle exercise designed specifically to improve leg strength and balance.

Seniors Eating Well ProgrammeA theory only four-week nutrition programme of two hours per week (with morning tea included). The information that will be provided has been designed by Dietitians and is supported by the Ministry of Health and will focus specifically on the nutritional needs of an older person (which change as we get older). We are not in a position to advise on specific dietary requirements as a result of medical conditions or allergies/intolerances.

Technology For Seniors EventAn opportunity for older adults to get individual instruction with their own devices (e.g. cellphones or iPads) and also try-out other forms of modern technology (e.g. iPads, Facebook & Skype), with assistance and guidance from Senior students at local High Schools.

Sleeplessness & Stress Workshop This 2½ hour workshop (with morning tea included), is designed to assist older people to understand more about fatigue caused by both a lack of good

quality sleep and by stress. It will offer positive strategies and suggestions for improving hours of quality sleep and coping with stress.

Staying Safe WorkshopA 3 hour classroom-based refresher workshop for Senior drivers (with morning tea included). The workshop aims to fine tune your safe driving knowledge, increase your knowledge of road code changes and outline other transport options available to help Seniors remain mobile. The session is relaxed and informative and you will not be tested. Literature will be provided to take away.

Talks/Presentations for Seniors GroupsOur Health Promoter, Katie Rom, is available to visit Senior’s Groups with several talks/presentations which can be timed to suit your agenda. Free literature will be provided for members to take home. We don’t charge a speaker’s fee, but donations are always welcomed to help cover travel and costs of resources. The following talks are available:1. Steady Steps - simple tips to help try and prevent a slip, trip or fall occurring 2. Nutrition in a Nutshell - an overview of the nutritional needs of Seniors to help you stay healthy and fight off illness and infection 3. All about Age Concern North Shore - our role and services provided4. Elder Abuse and Neglect - awareness and prevention

To request a talk/presentation, please email Katie at: educator@acns.co.nz or phone: DDI 929 2312, 9.00am – 2.30pm, Monday – Thursday.

North Shore

Serving the needs of older people

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Greetings to our wonderful volunteers and I hope you all had a happy and restful Christmas and New Year. Time is marching on and we are already at the end of our current reporting period, so you should have received your record of visits form for the next period - this will be for 4 months from 1 March to 30 June. We will require your current ROV forms to be returned to us by 3 March - this can either be done by dropping your form into the office, posting or emailing it, or you can phone us with the details – whichever is easiest for you. If you have received your ROV form in the post but would prefer it to be emailed instead please let us know. Contact Julie: juliem@acns.co.nz or 929 2310.

We established a Facebook group last year for AVS visitors so if you haven’t joined it and would like to please contact either myself or Julie and we will send you an invitation to join. It is a virtual support group

for our AVS volunteers to exchange information and ideas and we would welcome new members. It is a closed group and it is monitored by Julie and myself so if you have any questions or problems it is another way of contacting us or sharing within the group. We ask that you do not mention the name of your client if you are posting on the page but you are welcome to send us a private message with any concerns you may have.

Lastly we are always looking for new ways to alleviate social isolation in older adults so we are setting up some fortnightly café groups in local shopping malls over the next few months. The aim of this is to connect older people who might otherwise be at the mall doing some shopping or having a coffee, with other people doing the same thing. It is purely social, with a chance to make new friends and have a chat over a coffee. If you are interested in the idea and would like to discuss it further I would love to hear from you.

“Volunteers don’t get paid because they are worthless, but because they are priceless”

Thank you for being a part of this worthwhile service.

Happy 95th Birthday to Pierette Duthie of Parklane Village. Her wonderful birthday cake was made by the Good Bitches Bakery. Inset is her visitor Chantal Van Rooy.

Regards

Kathryn McMahonPhone: 929 2307Email: visitingservice@acns.co.nz

AVS Update From the Field OfficerThis was my first time involved in the Sponsor a Senior appeal and I was overwhelmed by the generosity of North Shore people. We were able to deliver over 70 hampers to isolated and vulnerable older people on the North Shore. We had a wonderful response including hampers from Contact Centre Staff at Smales Farm; goods and specially made cards from Torbay and Milford Primary school children; donated gifts and goods from Embroiderers Guild; Hospice Committee Old Girls; Castor Bay Tennis Club plus generous cash donations from many other thoughtful people. Community Food Harvesting made homemade jam and chutneys that was able to be included in some of the hampers.One recipient wrote - “A few minutes ago, a neighbour knocked on my door and when I opened it he handed me a magnificently wrapped Christmas box filled with all the goodies I never buy myself - and told me it was one of several gifted by Age Concern North Shore to our pensioner units. I try hard to ignore Christmas, my only family is now overseas and I

rarely hear from them, so it’s easier on the spirit to just sail on regardless and treat it like any other quiet day with lousy TV!! I live a really good life, am safe and happy and surrounded by good people and I am very grateful for it. But it is such a treat to be handed a cornucopia of unexpected yummies - and I would like to pass on my delight and thanks to all those responsible for making such a lovely idea come together”.We at Age Concern could not reach so many people without the support of the community. Thank you to all.

Alana KraemerPhone: 929 2305 Email: fieldo@acns.co.nz

Experience the Maree Gray DifferenceMoving home can be stressful but it needn’t be if you have Maree Gray on your team.

100% “Maree listens first then provides practical advice towards preparing your house for sale, has tradespeople at her fingertips and supports you all the way. My house sold at auction and the price exceeded all expectations by over $200k!”

- Jan, Milford

100% “After 24 years, Maree helped me with drastic decluttering, organising tradespeople and motivating me throughout the whole process!”

- Carol, Forrest Hill

100% “Maree was professional, very friendly, extremely helpful and always went the extra mile. Maree suggested we paint the inside of the house, change the lightshades, remove all our furniture and hire ‘staged’ furniture, at the time I thought this ridiculous! However, upon seeing the transformation and the value it added to our property - it proved to be the right decision!”

- Martin & Kate, Glenfield

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Where tradition still has a place

Club GordonWe were really pleased with how successful the charges implemented last year to update Club Gordon have been.

The members enjoyed the cosiness of the smaller venue which has encouraged greater interaction between them, the volunteers and the entertainers.

We will be building on this success in 2017 and would like to see more isolated older people taking the opportunity to enjoy a weekly outing (during school term time).

If you would like more information, call the office and leave your details and I will ring you back.

I was very pleased last year to be able to give certificates to two of my long serving volunteers, Wendy Dixon who has been a volunteer at the Club for 20 years and Anna Ward for 15 years. The Club

is dependent on the volunteers who give so freely of their time and I would like to sincerely thank them all. We are currently looking for more volunteers to help – if you are interested please contact me by calling the office. Volunteers help in the kitchen, with hostessing or as drivers to assist with pick up and drop off from the Club.

Lesley AlexanderPhone: 489 4975

JOIN NOW!For fun, laughter,

companionship andentertainment

• Morning Tea and Light Lunch• Transport Provided• Wednesday’s (during term time)

For more information contact:Age Concern North Shore

Phone: 489 4975 Email: ageconns@acns.co.nz

Club Gordon (formerly the Prescott Club) is an initiative of Age Concern North Shore

CLUB GORDONDo Not Knock - Get Your Sticker TodayDoor to door sellers be warned: consumers are fed up with your sales tactics.

Consumer NZ’s latest survey showed 70% of members dislike door-to-door salespeople and want them to stop calling. Over 60% dubbed these trades “annoying” and “intrusive”.

Consumer NZ has launched a campaign to fight back against dodgy door-to-door dealers. As part of their campaign, they are distributing free “DO NOT KNOCK” stickers. The stickers can be put on your letterbox, front door - or anywhere prominent - to warn door-to-door sellers not to knock.

Your RightsEverybody has a implied licence to enter your property and knock on your door. But you have the right to take away this licence. You can revoke a salesperson’s licence to enter your property by displaying a “DO NOT KNOCK” sticker. If a door-to-door seller ignores the sticker, they’re likely to be trespassing.

Consumer NZ are calling on companies which use door-to-door selling to ensure their agents and employees don’t enter properties displaying a sticker. The Direct Selling Association of New Zealand, which represents around 40 companies, has already said it will tell its members not to enter premises with a sticker.

Consumer NZ will also be pushing for changes to the Fair Trading Act to make it an offence for sellers to ignore a “DO NOT KNOCK” sign.

Get Your Sticker from the Age Concern North Office either by calling in or send a stamped self-addressed envelope to 177B Shakespeare Road, Milford 0620

Serving the needs of older people

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Go to www.facebook.com/ageconns/ to follow us on Facebook.

SuperGold CardWhen visiting Australia make sure you take your SuperGold Card with you.There are different discounts on offer so check out what’s available before you go, on the info for cardholders’ page at the SuperGold website. You can also look out for the ‘Seniors Card welcome here’ stickers in Australia and ask if they accept our SuperGold Card.

Daylight savings ends When Daylight savings ends on Sunday April 2nd at 3.00am (turn your clock back an hour to 2.00am) don’t forget to change your smoke alarm batteries. Contact your local fire station for help if you find this difficult.

Glenfield Evergreens - friendship and fellowship for senior adults Meet second Tuesday of the month, 10.30am at Glenfield Baptist Church, 46 James Street.Morning tea, entertainment and lunch.For further details phone June 962 1279 or Geraldine 479 3403.

SeniorNet SeniorNet gives older adults an opportunity to get on the Internet and learn more about communication and information technology. It is a voluntary organisation for people over the age of 50 who would like to learn more about computers and what they can do, from word-processing through to surfing the internet.

Many older people may feel they’re being left behind by technology and the computer age. SeniorNet brings them together with computers in a friendly, fun and stress-free way.

Throughout the world SeniorNet has established Learning Centres in which classes are offered on a wide variety of computer topics, to meet the needs of the members by using voluntary teachers in the same age group, many of whom have graduated from the same courses, encouraging members to learn

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARDcomputer skills at their own pace.

There are three SeniorNet organisations on the North Shore:SeniorNet Bayswater Inc. Learning Centre, 135 Bayswater Ave, Bayswater. Phone Membership Secretary, Neville 482 2052; www.seniornetbayswater.nzSeniorNet North Shore St John Centre North Shore, 2 Shea Terrace, Takapuna. Phone 486 2163, www.seniornetns.netSeniorNet GlenfieldRooms 14, 15 and 16 The Mayfield Centre, 5 Mayfield Road, Glenfield. Phone 444 2231, www.seniornet-glenfield.org.nz

Morning Melodies, Bruce Mason Theatre 11.00am - 12.00pm Monday 20 March – The Royal New Zealand Navy Band Monday 10 April – Takapuna Grammar Musical ShowcaseMonday 8 May – The Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland Band Monday 12 June – The Royal New Zealand Navy Band Monday 3 July – Long Bay College Musical ShowcaseMonday 14 August – The Band of the Royal Regiment of New Zealand Artillery Monday 11 September – The Royal New Zealand Navy BandMonday 16 October – North Shore Brass Monday 13 November – The Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Auckland BandMonday 11 December – The Royal New Zealand Navy Band

Tickets at door or from the Bruce Mason Centre Box Office.

Weed A New Zealand Play by Anthony McCartenPresented by the Company Theatre, at the Rose Centre, School Road, Belmont.Saturday 25 March – Saturday 8 April.Phone: 445 9900

North Shore Home and Garden Show North Shore Events Centre, Wairau Valley.Friday 10 March – Sunday 12 March

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra - Tickets 623 1052 • Romantic Strings - St Georges Church, 2 The Terrace, Takapuna Tuesday 11 April, 6.30pm• From Russia with Love - Bruce Mason Centre Thursday 4 May, 7.30pm• APO 4 Kids - Bruce Mason Centre Friday 5 May, 10.00am and 11.30am

Hospice Tennis Fun DaySunday 7 May 10.00am - 4.00pm at Northcote Tennis Club.For more information phone 485 3567 or visit www.hospicenorthshore.org.nz

Did you know...• The average person falls asleep in 7 minutes• 85% of plant life is found in the ocean • 11% of people are left handed • Lemons contain more sugar than strawberries• Dreamt is the only word that ends in mt• A cat has 32 muscles in each ear• The only continent with no active volcanoes is Australia

Serving the needs of older people

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for beautiful funerals | www.dils.co.nz

6. Can you assist the borrower in another way?

I have already guaranteed somebody else’s loan - what does this mean?If you have guaranteed a borrower’s debts and the borrower defaults on their lending, the bank can require you to pay the borrower’s debts.Your situation as a guarantor will be determined largely by provisions in the guarantee.

What is the extent of lending I am agreeing to guarantee? Most guarantees are unlimited in amount and guarantee ‘all obligations’ of the borrower. This means the debt you guarantee may include lending that exists at the time the guarantee is provided, plus all of the borrower’s obligations to the bank on an on-going basis. This could include further lending, credit card debts and overdrafts. You can ask for your guarantee to be limited to a specified amount, but the bank does not have to agree to the guarantee being limited.

Can I cancel the guarantee?Generally speaking, you can cancel a guarantee at any time. However, this does not release you from the guarantee. The cancellation only freezes your liability at the amount of the guaranteed debt when you asked for it to be cancelled. Even after you do this, the bank can require you to pay the guaranteed debt that existed at the time you cancelled the guarantee (including any interest and costs). If you cancel a guarantee, the bank may require the borrower to provide alternative security.

Will the bank tell me if the borrower is not meeting their obligations?Being called on as a guarantor may be the first time a guarantor is made aware of the borrower’s financial difficulties. This is not uncommon. Generally speaking, lenders are not obliged to notify guarantors of a borrower’s financial difficulties. In fact, the bank could be in breach of its duty of confidentiality to the borrower if it did so. The only exception would be if the guarantee has specific provisions all parties agree to for the bank to notify the guarantor. However, you can ask the bank to advise you of the guaranteed debt amount at any time.

Could a bank require me to repay all the debt before asking the borrower or other guarantors to repay the debt?The bank does not have to pursue the borrower for the debt. Once the borrower is in default the bank has the right to pursue you as guarantor. Generally speaking, if more than one guarantor has guaranteed the borrower’s debts, the bank can choose who to pursue. The bank also has the right to require only one guarantor pay the full amount of the guaranteed debt. In some circumstances you may be able to pursue the other guarantors to obtain their contribution to the debt. This is not always straightforward and you should seek legal advice.

If the bank also has a mortgage as security for the debt, could it require me to pay when it could sell that property instead?A bank does not have to realise any securities it holds before requiring you to repay the guaranteed debt. However, if you pay the guaranteed debt, you may be entitled to claim against securities held by the creditor in respect of the debt.

What happens if I do not pay or cannot pay?If you have an account with the same bank as the borrower, it may take funds from your account. Most guarantees provide that any security you have provided to the bank is security for your obligations as guarantor. This means if the bank has a mortgage over your home, it could take steps as mortgagee to sell the property to satisfy your obligations as guarantor. If you have not provided security to the bank, it could sue you through the courts for payment of the guaranteed debt.

Do I have any remedies against the borrower?You may be able to encourage the borrower to pay the amount required to the bank. However, the borrower may not have the financial ability to do so. Once you have paid the guaranteed debt, you may be able to assume any rights the bank has against

Guaranteeing Somebody Else’s DebtSometimes a bank will only provide credit to a customer if someone else provides a guarantee. If you agree to be a guarantor for a borrower, the bank can require you to pay the borrower’s debts if they default on their repayments.

Guarantees can be complex. Lending to family or acting as a guarantor should never be undertaken without due consideration and legal advice from your lawyer or financial advisor.

It should never be undertaken under duress or at risk to your own financial security. If you are concerned that you are being coerced into making a financial decision that is not in your best interests contact our Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Co-ordinator to discuss this.

If you are already a guarantor and have any concerns, contact the Banking Ombudsman office, the bank directly, or your lawyer, as soon as possible. The following is intended as a guide only.

I have been asked to guarantee someone’s debts. What should I do?You should take independent legal advice and think carefully before agreeing to be a guarantor. If a bank has asked for a guarantee it may indicate the borrower does not meet the bank’s lending criteria or the bank thinks the borrower may default on the lending. You should ask yourself the following questions. 1. Do you know if the person asking you to guarantee their loan has the ability to service and repay the loan? 2. Do you know what their credit history is like? 3. Do you know if the borrower already has other obligations to the bank? Do you know the extent of their obligations? 4. Is the borrower likely to let you know if they start to find it difficult to keep up with their obligations? Are they likely to keep you informed if their obligations increase, eg if they take out further lending? 5. Could you afford to meet all of the borrower’s obligations?

the borrower, including a claim to any security such as a mortgage.

When I agreed to be a guarantor I did not understand what I was signing and what my obligations would be. What can I do? If you feel you were not properly advised about the guarantee or were pressured into agreeing to it, you should seek legal advice or contact the Banking Ombudsman.

Source: Banking Ombudsman, March 2016Freephone: 0800 805 950Email: help@bankomb.org.nzwww.bankomb.org.nz

This is one of a number of very useful guides that can be downloaded from the Banking Ombudsman website www.bankomb.org.nz

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The end of 2016 saw us holding a very successful celebration with 98 members and volunteers attending.

The beginning of 2017 saw us celebrating Chinese New Year. Chinese New Year has been celebrated for 3,000 years, much longer than Christmas and is one of the world’s largest festivals.

The Lunar New Year is the most important festival of the Chinese Year. It is the celebration to welcome the start of a New Year and a festival of family reunion. Chinese New Year begins with a New Moon. The Lunar Year is calculated from the time it takes the moon to travel around the earth; whilst the western calendar is based on the time it takes the earth to go around the sun. The orbits of the moon don’t relate to the time it takes the sun to go around the earth, which is why it is at a different date each year.

Within Chinese communities, families get together for a special meal on Chinese New Year eve or the first weekend after Chinese New Year.

The Legend of the Twelve Celebrated AnimalsChinese legend tells of Buddha, the Emperor of the Heavens, inviting all animals to share in the New Year’s celebrations - only twelve animals appeared. To reward their loyalty, Buddha named a year after each one in the order they arrived: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram/Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar/Pig.

2017 Chinese New Year celebrates the Year of the

Rooster, the tenth animal honoured by Buddha, and in the Western calendar this officially began on Friday 28 January. The Years of the Rooster include 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029.

The Rooster represents fidelity and punctuality as its crowing wakes people up in time to start their day. People born in the Year of the Rooster are beautiful, kind-hearted, hard-working, courageous, independent, humorous and honest. They like to keep their homes neat and organised. However, they might also be arrogant, self-aggrandising, manipulative of others, narrow-minded and selfish.Volunteers Needed for Chinese Seniors English ClassThis is an opportunity to work as a volunteer English tutor with a delightful group of Chinese Senior Citizens. No formal training as a teacher is needed. The only requirements are a commitment to turn up every Wednesday morning in Takapuna during term time, with a positive attitude and a sense of fun. The Chinese participants come to class to learn conversational English, but also to socialise with other adults of any age who are NZ citizens. They are a hugely appreciative group, and the numbers coming to class are growing. Most of our tutors cannot speak Mandarin or Cantonese, but a few are bi-lingual, and a worksheet gives some guidance to the tutors and participants. If you think this might be for you, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Helen by email at helcon47@gmail.com, or by phone on 021 264 8488.

Jane LaiPhone: 929 2311Email: janel@acns.co.nz

Asian Services

Face – is their face drooping on the side? Can they smile?Arm – is one arm weak? Can they raise both arms?Speech – is their speech jumbled or slurred? Can they speak at all?Time – Time is critical. CALL 111

Stroke is always a medical emergency - act FAST

Even if the symptoms go away quickly or don’t cause pain you should call 111 immediately.The FAST campaign encourages New Zealanders to learn the key signs of stroke and to act fast by calling 111 if they suspect a stroke. Prompt action can save lives, improve recovery and reduce ongoing costs from stroke to families, caregivers and the health services. It is vital to recognise when someone is having a stroke and to start treatment as soon as possible, because the sooner medical treatment begins, the more likely brain damage can be reduced and a better outcome achieved.

Signs and symptoms of stroke usually come on suddenly. The type of signs experienced will depend on what area of the brain is affected. They can include:• Sudden weakness and/or numbness of face, arm and/or leg especially on one side of the body• Sudden blurred or loss of vision in one or both eyes• Sudden difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying• Sudden loss of balance or an unexplained fall or difficulty controlling movements, especially with any of the other signs.

For more information visit www.stroke.org.nz or call 475 0070 to receive a fridge magnet.

Know the signs of StrokeTO GIVE AWAY

We have been donated a few packs of

Rayovac Extra Advanced 312 Hearing Aid Batteries

(four to a pack) expiration date either 11/2019 or 1/2020.

If you would like any, please give us a call on 489 4975 so we can put some aside for you to collect.

Serving the needs of older people

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auckland@careoncall.co.nz

0800 99 00 11

Staying at home in your lateryears is now an affordable and safe option thanks to the care and support Care on Call provides.

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Meals made from scratch as you would in your own home, ready to heat in your oven or microwave.

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North Shore Based

St John is New Zealand’s leading medical alarm provider and is the medical alarm doctors prefer to recommend*. The St John Medical Alarm is the only medical alarm that connects you directly to St John, meaning you can continue to enjoy your independence knowing help is at hand any time of the day or night.

Also, by choosing a St John Medical Alarm you are helping to support our ambulance and other community services.

Call 0800 50 23 23 or visit www.stjohnmedicalalarms.org.nz

Make sure it has St John on it

*IMS GP Omnibus survey, 2015

Dementia is a cruel disease.

Only a small percentage of us will suffer from dementia but most of us know someone who is coping with it.

Being a friend, caregiver and/or family member can be distressing and we often feel at a loss as to what to do to help.

Here are some Memory Foundation suggestions:

What can you do to help?• If you are a friend, taking over from the caregiver for even a few hours is a much-appreciated gift! It is a challenge for caregivers to get time alone for even the most mundane things like a haircut or visiting the bank.• Speak slowly and deliberately when you are communicating. Because the brain connections work more slowly now, your friend probably won’t be able to follow quick speech.• Look out some old photographs - your own, from the paper or a book. Talk about who the people are and what they have done. Later, look at them again and recall together as much as possible. Give as many clues as necessary and be patient - sometimes the brain connections will take much longer than usual.• Try reading large print books together. Or encourage your friend to read a children’s story aloud, especially if you have a child with you.• Read out a sentence and then help your friend to recall it and repeat it.• Listen to the radio, perhaps talk-back. Listen to a caller or the host. Then turn the radio down and talk about what the conversation was about.• If you are asking your friend to do something or remember information, repeat it back a few times with time intervals.• Use reminders - post-it notes are great or a big whiteboard with key information on it.• Look for simple ways to build on hobbies your friend used to enjoy - painting with watercolours? Baking? Gardening? Crosswords? Music? Woodwork?

Dementia: What can I do to help?

• Bring a large piece jigsaw puzzle and an image of the finished picture.• Gather a group of willing friends for a simple game of cards, if that is something you used to do.• Go for a walk. Research tells us that even 15 minutes of walking stimulates the brain and reduces the likelihood of memory problems.• Keeping up your own puzzles and challenges is really important for your resilience and patience (and sense of humour!) Dr Allison Lamont’s website also has further information www.memoryclinic.co.nz/#!dementia/ckib

What Happens to a Deceased Customer’s Accounts?Each bank has its own policy on how it deals with a deceased customer’s bank accounts. It is important for the deceased’s relatives, friends or lawyer to notify the bank when someone passes away, as the bank will not necessarily be aware of a customer’s death.A bank normally freezes a deceased customer’s private accounts when notified of the death. A bank may require a copy of the death certificate before it can follow instructions.If a deceased customer had a joint account, the account will usually be transferred into the remaining account holder’s name. When a customer passes away, signing authorities and Power of Attorney authorities for their account will no longer be valid.Deceased EstatesA bank is only able to take instructions regarding a deceased person’s account from someone who is authorised to act on behalf of the deceased’s estate. The legal process is usually to obtain probate or letters of administration from the High Court. This allows executors or administrators to deal with the deceased’s property.Once probate or letters of administration have been obtained, the executors or administrators should be

Dealing with a Deceased Customer’s Bank Accounts

able to set up a special account called “the Estate of [deceased’s name]”.The bank will then transfer funds from the deceased customer’s accounts to the estate account and close the deceased’s personal accounts. The estate account is used to distribute funds such as money gifted in the will. Once distribution is complete the estate account is closed.If the value of an estate is less than $15,000, it may not be necessary to obtain probate or letters of administration if the bank is satisfied the person is dead and administration of their estate has not been applied for. You may need to talk to your bank or seek independent legal advice for more information about estates.Who Can Obtain Information about and Access to a Deceased Customer’s Bank Accounts?Banks still have a duty of confidence to their customer, even after their death. This means banks cannot disclose information about their customers to anyone other than parties who are legally entitled to it. In most cases a bank can only take instruction from the executors or administrators of the estate and is unable to release information to other parties, such as next of kin or estate beneficiaries.Source: Banking Ombudsman, 2014Freephone: 0800 805 950Email: help@bankomb.org.nzwww.bankomb.org.nz

Serving the needs of older people

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Brynyce, Tom and the Team will help you to declutter, reorganise and/or relocate.

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“Hello my name is Thomas and I’m calling from Inland Revenue, my employee ID is 12345678. I’m calling about your debt, we require your solicitors name as Inland Revenue is taking you to court.”

I’m going to stop there because there is a lot wrong with those words, things that point to it being a scam.

First off they give you an employee ID number. This is meant to show it’s an official call, but Inland Revenue staff do not give out employee ID numbers. Employee numbers for most organisations are for payroll purposes only.

Next they tell you they’re calling about your debt. Their wording is quite deliberate: “your debt”, suddenly you’re worried. Then they quickly follow up by asking for your solicitors name as they’re taking you to court. Now you’re probably really worried.

However this is really important: If you owe a debt to Inland Revenue, you will receive a letter from them, most likely more than one. The first contact that you have a debt should never be over the phone.

So what are the scammers hoping to get? They’ll ask you to confirm your IRD number, possibly they’ll tell you that you can settle the matter before it goes

The latest IRD Scam to court if you provide them with a bank account or credit card number. Inland Revenue will never ring you and ask for those details.

It can be unsettling having someone on the phone telling you that you’re in trouble. However here are some things you can do to protect yourself:

Inland Revenue has a Voice ID system. Basically you ring Inland Revenue and register your voice on their system. So if someone rings up saying they are from Inland Revenue and asking you to confirm your IRD number, just ask to be put through to the Voice ID system. If they won’t then it’s likely this is a scam.

Ask to ring them back. They will give you a phone number to call them back on. Ignore it. Instead look up the number on the IRD website, or in the phone book.

Say that your son/daughter/friend has financial power of attorney and all matters should go through them. If it is a genuine phone call they will happily follow up with the appropriate people, but it’s more likely they will hang up.

The longer you are on the phone the harder it is to get rid of them. They will be persistent, going over the same thing again and again, “we are taking you to court”, “you owe a debt”. Never attempt to engage

them in conversation, especially if you feel pressured or uncertain about anything.

Which brings us to the most important weapon you have. They are on the phone, so you have the power. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, then hang up. That may sound rude, but remember they’re trying to steal your money. They may try and ring back, if they do then my suggestion is say that you’ve contacted Inland Revenue in the meantime and everything is under control.

Email ScamsEmail scams have been around for as long as emails themselves. And like everything else in the world they have become more sophisticated over time.

There are actually two types of email scams. For this article, we’ll call them passive and aggressive.

Passive email scams are those that try to entice you into a conversation. They will tell you a story, and try and draw you into replying. Once you’re engaged they will ask you to send them money, perhaps through something like Western Union. The most well-known of these was the Nigerian Prince email, where someone claiming to be a prince needed help getting access to their money, but could only get it if you helped them pay some sort of fee. They may ask for money straight away, or build up a relationship over several emails before asking.

I call these passive scams because if you don’t reply then nothing happens. Even if you do get lured in and send money, at the most you’ve only lost the money you’ve sent. However the best thing to do is delete the email straight away.

The aggressive emails scams are generally more sophisticated, and their aim is to steal all your money. They might claim to be from your bank, or contain an attachment with an unpaid invoice that you must pay immediately to avoid penalties. They might have a link in the body of the email which will take you to the bank website.

The scammers’ main aim with these types of emails is to get your online banking password. They are either trying to download a virus to your computer, or

continued on Page 22

Did you know...• Toilets use 35% of indoor water use• Koalas sleep around 18 hours a day• The croissant was invented in Austria• Your foot has 26 bones in it• Hummingbirds are the only bird that can fly backwards• A duck can’t walk without bobbing its head• The average human brain contains around 78% water• Pop corn was invented by the Aztec Indians• The safest car color is white

Serving the needs of older people

Page 22 Page 23

APPLICATION FOR NEW MEMBERSHIPI/We would like to become a memberq Group/Full Membership q Individual/Couple Associate Membership

$35.00 (voting rights/subscription)$18.00 (no voting rights/donation)

q Mr q Mrs q Ms q Dr Other:....................................................

Name: ................................................................................................................................................................

Address: .............................................................................................................................................................

................................................................................................................ Postcode: ..........................................

Phone: .................................................................................................. Email: .................................................

q I/We would like to include a donation of $_______________________ (Donations of $5.00 or more are tax deductible) Charities Commission Number CC10946

Full details regarding membership fees, group membership entitlement, voting rights and the making of bequests can be obtained from the office.

Method of payment: q Cheque (Made payable to Age Concern North Shore) Internet banking: ASB 123026-0005671-00 (Please use your name as reference and ensure you return this form so that can process your membership).

DO NOT USE THIS FORM TO RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP

WIN a double pass to the Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters show by simply filling in the details below and posting to Pukeko Print & Design, 927 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3112, by the 17th April 2017 to go into the drawName: __________________________Phone Number: __________________Alternatively email your details to: monique@pukekoprint.co.nz and quote ACNS 1/17

Swing along to this great music as our Andrew Sisters ensemble, Glenn Miller brass ensemble and MC Karl Perigo present our tribute to Glenn

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Concert in North Shore26th April 2017, 11am

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they’re going to be more direct. The purpose of the virus is to record your key strokes, basically a spy on your computer that will let the scammers know what buttons you’re pressing, and from this they can work out your passwords. They might also send out emails, purportedly from you, to everyone on your contact list. This is their way of spreading the virus, and that’s also why you will sometimes get emails from friends that look a little strange.

The good news is protecting yourself is pretty easy. Make sure you have good computer security. Most computers come with virus protection, but you need to make sure it stays up to date. If you’re not sure then ask for help from family or friends. There are also mobile computer experts that will come to your house and check it out for you, although there is a cost. My father thought his virus protection was up to date, but it had lapsed, and he downloaded a virus which resulted in a sum of money being taken from his bank account, so never assume you’re protected.

Sometimes you’ll get an email from your bank saying you need to log into your online banking. The link they send you might take you to a page that looks like your bank, but it isn’t. The best way to avoid problems is never follow the link. Instead go to your bank’s website as you would normally do. Another way to spot this scam is if you do click on the link, then look at the address of the page. The one that should say www.anz.co.nz for example. Chances are it’ll say something different from what it should.

An important thing to remember is that scammers are not out to get you personally. They don’t know who you are, where you live, or any details about you, other than your email address. Scammers send out tens of thousands of emails each day to random people whom they call suckers. You’re safe as long as you take steps to protect yourself.

Source: Rodney Strong, Age Concern Wellington

Are you feeling at a loose end, have spare leisure time and want to do more with your life?

The 60’s Up Movement is a great way to find new friends, interesting activities and have some fun.

Phone your nearest Branch to find out more:Birkenhead, Kathy 419 9605

Browns Bay, Joy 444 0236Devonport, Roy 446 6027Glenfield, Lyn 444 8983

Northcote, Ann 443 5227Takapuna, Patricia 489 5922

Torbay, Josette 479 8159

For this and other groups/activities, look for the 2017 Calendar of Activities in your letterbox in March.

60’s Up

Sender:Age Concern North Shore177B Shakespeare RoadMilford,Auckland 0620

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