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Practical Supports

There are a range of practical supports that may make a difference for you when living with a chronic illness. Look for ways to save energy or to get support with your activities of daily living. 

 

We hope to grow this list over time.  Please let us know if you have any suggestions of what could be included in this section.  

Mobility and Home Aids

It is worth considering using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, canes, walkers, shower stools, to help conserve your energy. This is particularly the case if you experience orthostatic intolerance (symptoms when moving to an upright or standing position).

 

Talk to your GP about being referred for an assessment with an Occupational Therapist, or purchase your own. We also have some equipment available to borrow. 

Mobility Parking Permit

People with ME/CFS are often unable to walk much distance or are bed-ridden after an outing. Consider applying for a Mobility Parking Permit so that you can park in the mobility parking spaces outside shops, parks and other locations. It means you don’t have to walk so far during outings and will have more energy for the shopping or whatever you need to do. 

 

Please ask your GP or one of our nurses to complete the application form from CCS Disability Action. The cost for a 5-year permit is $50.  

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To help you plan an outing, the Christchurch City Council has a map of where the mobility carparks are.

Total Mobility Discounted Transport Scheme

People with ME/CFS are entitled to discounts that give them 75% off fares with approved transport operators - up to a maximum of $70 per trip. You can also use the Total Mobility card to get 50% discount on Metro bus fares too.

 

As at June 2024, the Total Mobility scheme is available through the following participating transport operators:

  • Greater Christchurch - Christchurch Mobility Transfers. Blue Star Taxis, Driving Miss Daisy, 
    First Direct, Freedom Companion Driving Services NZ Ltd (ChCh North and Rolleston), Gold Band Taxis, NZ Total Care Mobility Ltd 

  • Ashburton - Ashburton Taxis

  • Timaru - Geraldine Community Minibus Trust, Timaru Taxis, Driving Miss Daisy

  • Waimate - Waimate Community Vehicle Trust

 

Some operators not only provide transport but can also be booked to support you at appointments and events. We understand that the drivers from Total Care Mobility and Driving Miss Daisy can offer this companionship support.


Applications can be made through Aspire Canterbury ($34 per annum) or talk with one of our nurses to apply through Aged Concern (one off $30 fee). Your GP or one of our nurses can sign the application form.  

 

For more info, see: 

Online Grocery Shopping

You might find that it is worth taking the time to get familiar with ordering groceries online so that they are delivered to your home or made ready for pickup at the supermarket. It saves a lot of energy and may help you to manage the rest of your week. 

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For more information about the services and costs of online shopping see the up-to-date information from the stores:

Hāpai Access Card

This card is for the disabled community and it's aim is to provide the cardholder with empathetic customer service from businesses, cafes and attractions involved with the programme. 

 

Your card will indicate what barriers you may face when engaging with the community. For example, it may indicate that you cannot stand in a queue, so when you show your card they will invite you to the front. The card also provides discounts in some retail and council settings.

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The Hāpai Access Card costs $45+GST for 3 years. They also sell a branded lanyard with a strong plastic display wallet for your card for $5 + GST and shipping.

 

You can self-refer for the card and will need to provide evidence of your needs. Our Registered Nurse Service can also complete an application for you.

Waka Ora Health Shuttle

The Waka Ora Health Shuttle is a koha (donation) based community service, delivered by volunteers, that transports people to health and wellbeing related appointments, and then brings them home again. The service is coordinated by Hato Hone St John. 

 

Pick up is generally from your home (or a nearby meeting point), although the service offered varies by area. 

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In our region, the Health Shuttle operates in Aoraki, Ashburton, Christchurch, Kawatiri, Morth Canterbury and West Coast. To find out more, visit Hato Hone St John.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard

The sunflower is a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities. Wearing a sunflower lanyard lets airport staff know that you may need a little extra help or understanding when travelling. Other businesses, such as ASB, recognise the lanyard.

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Please bear in mind that a sunflower lanyard will not get you through queues faster or provide a personal escort or wheelchair through airports. Talk to your airline about special assistance or the use of a wheelchair while at the airport.

 

The Sunflower Lanyard Facilities at Christchurch Airport include lower sensory bathrooms, information desks, a quiet pod, and a quiet seating area. 

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We normally have supplies of the Sunflower Lanyards provided by Christchurch Airport or you can order directly from them. 

MedicAlert bracelet

If you have a health condition that may result in emergency care, you may wish to consider purchasing a bracelet from the MedicAlert Foundation. The bracelet is engraved with your personal medical ID and your highest risk information to assist first responders. Responders can then use the ID to access additional information about you through the 24/7 emergency hotline service. 

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