We are committed to promoting wellbeing, rights, respect and dignity for older people. Our vision is that older people thrive in an inclusive society for all ages. Age Concern is a charitable organisation dedicated solely to the over 65s and we receive thousands of requests for help every year. We provide services, information, education, advocacy and support, working together for the rights and wellbeing of older people.
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Services Offered
Counselling Services - Our Counsellor provides counselling to older adults around age related issues such as transitioning to residential care, change in family relationships, grief and loss anxiety. The counsellor will provide counselling to older people who sometimes struggle with family dynamic and relationship changes that come because of various age related issues. This occurs because of changes in living situations, finances, mobility, physical or mental health issues and the changing relationships within whanau. Older people in the community are knowledgeable about services such as doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, and dietitian but they sometimes have limited understanding of what counsellor's offer. It was acknowledged that older people often go through a variety of changes in a relatively short space of time. This can result in experiences of grief and loss. Counselling is a safe place to confidentially share personal issues, without feeling judged or being told what to do. A counsellor is not there to analyse you or tell you what is wrong but rather to assist you to process issues, see different perspectives and to make your own decisions. Available from Age Concern Counties Manukau (South Auckland, Eastern suburbs and Papakura) only.
* Reduce social isolation and loneliness and the significant detrimental impact this can have on physical and mental wellbeing; * Prevent elder abuse and neglect, and in doing so, move older people from a position of vulnerability to one of resilience; * Maximise the independence and enhance the ability of older people to meet the challenges of their changing needs. * Promote positive ageing strategies so all people can age in place and maintain our quality of life as we get older; * Inform local bodies and organisations on issues of concern for older people so they are represented in their communities.
Elder Abuse Education - Age Concern Auckland and Counties Manukau have an educator who regularly offers training to groups and organisations in our community on elder abuse and neglect prevention.
Elder Abuse Response Service - Auckland Elder Abuse Response Service is a collective of Age Concern Counties Manukau, Age Concern Auckland, Age Concern North Shore, Vaka Tautua and Shanti Niwas. Together we cover the Auckland region, working collaboratively to assist older people who have been referred to our service. Please read the table below for details of the provider in your suburb, or the appropriate regional cultural and linguistic service. The Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) aims to improve the quality of life of older people in abusive situations and to prevent abuse by providing information, education programmes, advocacy and support. If your are concerned about elder abuse, whether you are an older person yourself, a family member, friend, neighbor or professional, you can contact our Elder Abuse Responsive Service team for free and confidential advice. Our qualified EARS Social Workers have a wide knowledge of the needs of older people and their carers and they work closely with relevant organisations. They are available to talk with groups to help promote public awareness. Seminars and presentations on elder abuse and neglect prevention can also be arranged.
Fees and Payment
This is a registered charity.
Services Offered To: Adults
Special Groups: Bilingual
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
If You Call, Please Let Us Know How it Went:
Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.