CARINGSTAY
About
Learn more about CaringStay, our Travel Companions, our supporters and our hosts, and the help we offer across Aotearoa.
We’re there to lend a hand, to hold a hand, and to make your days a little easier.
At Caring Stay, we’re a team of ordinary, decent Kiwis, with a common goal: to give back, to show support, to help. Our approach is simple—we’re here to lend a friendly hand and offer a space that feels supportive and welcoming. Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or for a loved one, we’re glad to have you with us.
About Lizzie
Lizzie Scott was born in Oamaru in 1963, and educated at Waitaki Girls’ High School and Otago University.
The founder of CaringStay, she has experienced the need for resilience first hand.
After earning degrees in French and Commerce, Lizzie embarked on a career in the corporate world with IBM in Wellington. However, her life took an unexpected turn when, at 26, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). This obviously changed everything, and led her to want help others.
In 2020, after 30 years' working abroad, she returned to New Zealand as her father was terminally ill. She saw a gap in the healthcare system—a lack of support for disabled and older people, living alone. This led to the birth of CaringStay.
Today, she is dedicated to helping others regain their strength and confidence through recovery care that's personal.
The Development of CaringStay
CaringStay began with a clear mission: to offer a supportive place for individuals leaving hospital who weren’t quite ready to return home. We matched them with hosts—often retired people with a spare room—who could provide comfort and non-medical care. This service remains at the heart of what we do and continues to grow.
Over time, we received frequent requests to expand our support into people’s own homes. This led to the second phase of our evolution: CaringStay to You. Across the country, we go to where the assistance is needed, helping with tasks to relieve family carers, and supporting those recovering from surgery. We also assist with everyday activities like walking the dog, running errands, child care, or simply offering companionship.
More recently, we’ve responded to requests from individuals needing support while travelling, including Medical Transfers, for people attending medical appointments. Hence our newest offering: Travel Companions, providing trustworthy assistance and companionship on the go.
Our services continue to evolve based on the needs of the community. We exploring new ways to provide care, and we invite you to stay tuned as we grow to meet these needs. We remain committed to making support accessible, compassionate, and tailored to wherever it’s needed most.
Contact us
Tell us what you need: a Travel Companion, accommodation with a host, or someone coming to you