How VCare is Supporting Lifelong Care at Changing Lives NZ
Since 1996, Changing Lives NZ has been more than just a care provider—they’ve been a family. Operating as a whānau unit, the people they support are treated as an extension of their own families, with many residents staying for life. This deep, long-term commitment to care brings unique challenges—especially when it comes to managing consistent, high-quality care across multiple locations.
So, when Changing Lives needed a solution to support this lifelong continuum of care, they turned to VCare.
The Challenge:
Paper-Based and Overwhelmed
Before implementing VCare, Changing Lives operated using a paper-based system. Updating care plans, managing files across three Canterbury-based facilities, and ensuring everyone was on the same page was proving difficult.
Resident information was scattered across various locations—some of it stored in Glen’s office—making it hard for staff to access what they needed when they needed it.
Worse still, audits were becoming increasingly cumbersome, with staff spending hours digging through old files to prove care decisions and updates.
“If you have a care plan and something changes, you can change it on paper—but it’s not instantly available to others, and they may not see it,”
Glen Counsell,
Director of Changing Lives.
The Turning Point:
Discovering VCare
Just as Glen was about to invest in building a bespoke software system, he came across Pukeko Blue, another provider using VCare for disability and mental health services.
Glen decided to move forward with VCare, knowing it could meet their unique needs and offer continued support and updates along the way.
“When I looked at it, it was having everything right there for us—it’s live. You can see what’s going on in each home from anywhere. That was a game-changer.”
Glen Counsell,
Director of Changing Lives.
The Implementation Journey
As one of the first providers in their sector to implement VCare, the journey had its learning curves. Unlike larger organisations, Changing Lives didn’t have a dedicated IT team to drive the project.
Fortunately, with the expert support of Kim Brown, a VCare specialist, the team was guided step-by-step through the process.
“With Kim’s guidance, we’re now fully utilising VCare’s capabilities, and our staff are confident and competent using the system.”
Glen Counsell,
Director of Changing Lives.
The Results: Clear, Accountable, Responsive Care
Since implementing VCare, Changing Lives has seen a major transformation.
No more grey areas. Staff now have instant access to up-to-date care plans and expectations.
Improved communication. Everyone is aligned and informed, leading to more consistent care.
Better auditing. Certification audits are now far smoother—auditors can access information quickly and clearly.
Real-time responsiveness. Changes in care can be made and seen immediately, improving health outcomes.
“Before VCare, we were productive but not responsive. Now we’re instantly responsive to change,”
Glen Counsell,
Director of Changing Lives.
A System That Truly Supports
For Glen, the biggest benefit is simple: VCare helps Changing Lives provide the standard of care they expect.
“It’s all about keeping on top of care for people. VCare allows us to do that.”
Glen Counsell,
Director of Changing Lives.
The future looks bright for Changing Lives NZ, with the continued support of VCare helping them deliver exceptional, family-centred care—now and into the future.