Newsletter : October 2008

Security

Peacehaven is a semi-secure area and as you will know, the front gates automatically open and close when you drive in and out. Can you please help us and watch for any residents that may “tailgate” out the front gates before they completely close. This can happen at any time of the day but is more likely to happen in the late afternoon. So if you see somebody leaving please let staff know so they can mount a rescue mission.

In the same vein, if the automatic door to the building is closed it may have been shut on purpose so that wanderers are safe inside the building. Please DO NOT FORCE this automatic door open or closed as it confuses the computer and we have to call the technician in to repair it. Instead press the button to the left of the automatic door and wait for staff to open it for you. They can talk to you from their phone.

Transferring Residents safely into a car

Many families like to take residents out in the car for outings. Socially this is a great idea and helps the resident to feel more at home if they are not cut off from family and friends.

However the transfer from wheelchair to car is risky. Consequently I have arranged for our physiotherapist Mr. Dean Klink, NZRP, BSc, MNZSP to run a training session at Peacehaven on Saturday the 15th of November at 10-11am for family members that could be involved in getting residents in and out of chairs, wheelchairs and cars. It will also cover lifting of wheelchairs into the boot of the car.

Please come to learn the critical points to keep the resident and yourself safe. Any number of family members will be welcome as I am sure you will all remember something different from the session and you can share information.

Please take advantage of Dean’s expertise and support this safety initiative. See you on Saturday the 15th at 10am.

Family Party

On the 20th of November we will be having our Family Christmas Party so we are all looking forward to that. Mark it in your diary.

Special Tuesday

On Tuesday the 4th of November we will be featuring the Melbourne Cup and even running a sweepstake for the residents. We will be watching for a first passed the post NZ horse to win.

Also on Tuesday afternoon there will be a visit from the Electoral office who will set up a polling booth so that residents who want to have a vote in the general election can do so in the comfort of their own home. This is not a first passed the post event. If they vote here on Tuesday, please do not take your family member to a polling booth on Election Day otherwise they could be in trouble for double voting.

Comings and goings

September had a Spring Blossom theme. A group of residents went to the Winter Gardens to see the colourful display.

On the 2nd September 6 residents went to a concert at Mt Albert and then had lunch before returning home.

On the 17th of September our sport team went to Edmonton Meadows and we won that round of the Round Robin. Arthur Clarkson, Val, Marion, Joan, Lynn, Mavis and Marjorie shared the honours.

On the 24th of September we won the Round Robin again. We did have the home ground advantage.

Bill Brian, pianist, came and payed for an hour on the 24th. He is an amazing pianist giving us all the old favourites.

Diwali

As part of our ongoing staff training Ann and the staff have been studying culture and what it means to different people. This is to comply with the Health and Disabilities standards concerning cultural safety. With this in mind, the staff decided to come on Saturday in their national costume and share Diwali with us. A group of dancers enterained the residents and Pandit Santa Prasad explained the significance of the Diwali Festival of Lights to us. It was a special afternoon.