Newsletter archive:

Newsletter : July 2008

Orchid Display and Art Show

Olive and Marion were especially excited to be going to see the magnificent orchid displays because they had both been growers of orchids in the past. Olive had 72 at one stage and still has some in her room to bring her joy over many months as they flower.

All colours of the rainbow, all shapes and sizes kept everyone in a state of “ooh” and “ahh” as they made their way around the displays. A short break for a cuppa and they were off to see more arrangements. The perfume was a bit overpowering for some of the group so a spell outside was called for.

Security

Over time our staff form deep bonds of affection and respect for our residents and in return the residents come to see the staff as friends and valuable helpers.

Occasionally a resident will try to reward this friendship by offering to give the staff member a gift. Maybe some money but more often a family possession that is in their room.

We have a clear policy that bans staff from accepting any such items. In short the policy reads “residents are not to gift money or personal possessions to any staff member”. It goes on to say “staff are not to accept any gift from a resident and are required to inform management if my resident is giving away any of their possessions”.

The reasoning behind this policy is to stop residents giving away family heirlooms, to protect money they have in their possession and to stop staff being put in any compromising position.

Often residents report items “missing, lost or stolen” and most times the item is merely misplaced. Staff keep an eye open for missing items so please let us know if something is not where it normally is then we can all look for it.

Staff (with the exception of management) are prohibited from doing any shopping for residents. We will not to go the bank or buy a lotto ticket for residents as that could put us in a very vulnerable position. No staff member should have access to bank cards, bank numbers or a resident’s cash. Please help us by keeping these items well out of reach and not having a cash card available to residents.

Residents do not really need cash (or large amounts of cash) as we normally pay for things they need (eg lollies from the shop, haircuts etc) and then will invoice at the end of the month.

The following page is the full policy on possessions and if you have any queries please give Alan or Ann a call to discuss them. They are for the protection of everyone.

Care and Loss or Damage of Personal Possessions

Policy:

Peacehaven Resthome will endeavor to ensure that personal possessions are cared for to the best of our ability.

All care is taken but we do not accept responsibility for loss or damage of residents’ personal possessions.

Residents are not to gift money or personal possessions to any staff member.

1) It is the responsibility of the resident or the resident’s family to clearly name all clothing and other personal items.

2) While we will take reasonable care and precautions Peacehaven Resthome accepts no responsibility for items left with a resident.

3) While we accept the right of residents to have their personal possessions with them we do not advise keeping valuable jewelry or more than a few dollars in the resident’s bedroom. We have a security drawer in the office in which we can offer to store money.

4) Loss of property must be reported immediately to the staff on duty, documented on an Incident Form and followed up by the Management in the appropriate manner.

5) Removal of property by family members should be documented with the item, date of removal, and phone number and address of the person who removed it.

6) Staff are not to accept any gift from a resident and are required to inform management if any resident is giving away any of their possessions.

Hydrotherapy

We undertake various exercises and stretching. We also use floatation aids and beach balls, or just relaxing in the water.