Helping people live well
Halle Steinsdottir and Petra Leusink are starting up a new business to help people live independently for longer.
A desire to support people in their daily lives has prompted two Taupō women to set up a service for elderly clients who are living independently but may benefit from regular check-ins.
Petra Leusink and Halla Steinsdottir share a background in healthcare and want to ensure every client is seen, heard, supported, and empowered to live well.
Halla is a Registered Nurse with over 18 years’ experience in hospitals, health centres, mental health, prisons, and healthcare management – both in New Zealand and Iceland.
After spending the last two years overseas, she was happy to be back in Taupō, which she now calls home.
Petra holds qualifications as a laboratory and anaesthetic technician, with experience in various hospital wards in the Netherlands.
Since 2010, she has made New Zealand her home and has recently been working independently in Taupō as a healthcare advocate.
After recent experience working with a client recovering from a stroke – helping with exercises, offering motivation, and celebrating progress – they realised there could be potential to offer the service more widely.
“Whether someone needs short-term support, such as post-surgery or while family is away, or longer-term assistance, we can tailor our services to suit,” Halla says.
The pair have decided to formalise their assistance for older adults to maintain their independence at home into WeCare Taupō.
“We feel what sets us apart is the personal, hands-on care and advocacy we provide, built on years of experience,” Petra says.
“During a visit we can monitor vital signs, like blood pressure, offer medication support and diabetes care or give assistance following treatment plans from physiotherapists and other providers.”
Accompanying clients to medical appointments was another area where Halla said families often needed assistance to navigate the health system.
“So sometimes it’s acting as a support person and communicator between clients, families, and healthcare professionals, or after doctor visits, we can help clients understand what was discussed and keep family members well-informed.”
This was particularly the case for the elderly whose families were living out of town find, Petra says.
“It’s peace of mind knowing someone caring, capable, and communicative is checking in regularly with their loved ones.
“While we don’t offer nursing care, we can provide advocacy, companionship, and practical healthcare support that enhances wellbeing and promotes long-term independence.”