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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.
Energy Saving Devices
When living with an energy limiting illness, using devices and aids that make everyday tasks easier can make a real difference. Think about the tasks that you can't do without getting sicker, or that you avoid doing, and check out if there is equipment or an aid to make this easier.
Some examples of devices and aids that people tell us have made a difference:
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Sensory aids such as earplugs, tinted glasses.
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Find manpower! e.g. someone to mow your lawn or do basic housework once a month.
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.
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:
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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
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Timaru - Geraldine Community Minibus Trust, Timaru Taxis, Driving Miss Daisy
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Waimate - Waimate Community Vehicle Trust
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:
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Total Mobility on Metro buses in Christchurch and Timaru.
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.
For more information about the services and costs of online shopping see the up-to-date information from the stores:
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Woolworths - Pickup or Delivery
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Pak'nSave - Pickup only
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New World - Click and Collect or Delivery
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Fresh Choice - Pickup or Delivery at selected 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.
The Hāpai Access Card costs $30 for 3 years. People can self-refer for the card and need to provide evidence of needs. Our Registered Nurse Service can also complete an application for you.
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.
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.