Losing a licence doesn’t have to mean losing independence. If your loved one has a long-term impairment that makes using public transport difficult or unsafe, they may be eligible for a Total Mobility card. The scheme subsidises taxi and approved transport fares, so they can keep getting to appointments, the shops and social activities.

Yes. In-home care can include personal care such as showering, dressing and medication prompts, household tasks such as cleaning and meal preparation, companionship, and respite to give family carers a break.

It can be either. Funded care is arranged through NASC after a needs assessment and is paid for by Health NZ. Private care is arranged and paid for directly with a provider, which gives more choice over hours, timing and the type of help. Many families use both, topping up funded hours with private care.

There are two types. A property EPOA covers money, bills, assets and property, and can take effect straight away or only if mental capacity is lost. A personal care and welfare EPOA covers decisions about health, care and living arrangements, and only takes effect if mental capacity is lost.

No. Hospice works alongside the GP and other health professionals, who stay involved in care.

No. Hospice doesn’t provide round-the-clock hands-on care in the home. Personal care and home support are arranged through NASC or privately, and the hospice team can help you access these.

They’ll need an assessment through an approved needs assessment and service coordinator (NASC). The assessor will look at whether their impairment stops them from doing part of a public transport journey on their own, such as walking to a bus stop, getting on board, or knowing where to get off. Once approved, they’ll receive a card to use with participating transport providers.

A referral can come from their GP, a hospital team or another health professional like our ICC team, and in many cases you or your parent can contact NASC directly. An assessor will talk with your parent (and family or whānau if they wish) about their health, daily activities, safety at home and goals. Many assessments use a tool called interRAI to build a full picture of their needs.

Begin by thinking about your values and talking with the people close to you. Your GP, practice nurse or hospice team can help you complete it. A free national template is available from Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission. Once it’s done, share a copy with your GP and family.

That’s what an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is for. It’s a legal document that lets someone choose a trusted person (their “attorney”) to make decisions on their behalf if they lose the ability to do so themselves.

Nothing. Hospice services are free, funded through a mix of government funding and community fundraising.

No. Hospice care neither speeds up nor delays death. Hospices don’t provide assisted dying, but they will continue to care for and support anyone who is considering or has chosen it.

The card covers a set percentage of each eligible fare, up to a maximum amount per trip, and the passenger pays the rest.

Depending on assessed needs, NASC can arrange funded home support, personal care, carer support and respite, day programmes, and assessment for residential care.

Any time. It’s never too early, and it’s especially worthwhile if you’re living with a long-term or life-limiting illness, or are getting older. You can update your plan whenever your health or wishes change.

No. Hospice supports people of any age with a life-limiting illness, including heart failure, lung disease, kidney failure, motor neurone disease and dementia, as well as cancer. Support extends to family and whānau too.

No. Many people are referred months or longer before the end of life. Getting hospice involved earlier often means better symptom control and more time to plan.

Talk about your wishes early, complete an Advance Care Plan and an EPOA, and consider supporting your local hospice by volunteering or donating.