Raising the standard of care and accessibility – first Changing Places in the South Island!

Celebrating Changing Places New Zealand

Imagine having to cut every outing short because there’s nowhere safe to care for your loved one. For many families in Aotearoa, that’s the reality.

At Geneva Healthcare, we believe everyone deserves to live with dignity, independence, and connection to their community. That’s why we’re proud to support the work of Changing Places New Zealand and its founder, Jenn Hooper.

On 17 April, Jenn will open the 11th Changing Places facility in Aotearoa – and the first in the South Island. This milestone is more than just a new location. It represents progress, advocacy, and a meaningful shift in how we design spaces for people with complex needs.

What are Changing Places?
Changing Places are more than standard accessible bathrooms. They are purpose-built spaces for people with profound disabilities and those who support them.

These facilities include:

• Height-adjustable, adult-sized changing tables
• Ceiling or wall-mounted hoists
• Spacious layouts for multiple caregivers
• Privacy screens and accessible showering facilities

Every element is designed to support safety, dignity, and comfort.

Why they matter
For many families, the lack of appropriate facilities means difficult choices, limiting outings or relying on unsafe alternatives. Changing Places are helping to change that.

They enable people to:

• Spend more time in their communities
• Travel with confidence
• Participate in everyday activities many of us take for granted

In short, they make everyday life more accessible.

A story that inspires change
Jenn Hooper founded Changing Places New Zealand in 2017, inspired by her daughter Charley, who lives with profound disabilities following a birth injury.

What began as a deeply personal journey has grown into a nationwide movement, raising awareness, lifting standards, and creating lasting impact for thousands of New Zealanders and their families.

Jenn’s work is grounded in lived experience. Every facility reflects a commitment to doing better, not just “good enough.”

Our connection
At Geneva Healthcare, we work closely with Jenn and the families she supports, many navigating lifelong injuries funded through ACC.

We see first-hand the challenges they face, and the difference thoughtful, inclusive design can make.

Like Changing Places, our mission is to support people to:

• Live independently
• Stay connected to their communities
• Thrive in everyday life

Celebrating a milestone
With 10 facilities already operating across New Zealand, this 11th opening marks an exciting step forward, especially as the first in the South Island.

It’s a reminder that meaningful change is possible when passion meets purpose.

Looking to the future
There is still more work to do. But milestones like this show what can be achieved when communities, advocates, and organisations come together.

We’re proud to stand alongside Changing Places New Zealand in building a more inclusive Aotearoa.

Great work, Jen Hooper! Learn more about Changing Places New Zealand here.