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Newsletter archive:
September 2010
Spring Celebration
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With corridors decked out in pink balloons, pink blossoms and residents decked out in pink apparel– it was evident that the spring spirit was truly in the air.
The day’s festivities were kicked off with entertainment provided by Jim Sparrey over morning tea. He distributed pink and red cowboy hats to the audience.
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Residents entered the dining room to see that the tables had been moved into a ‘U’ shape and were set with pink floral menus and placemats; pink napkins, marshmallows and a sprig of aromatic lavender.
Ola recited a poem on spring that she wrote, before giving thanks for the meal. Soon after plates of roast chicken with walnut and apricot stuffing, roast potatoes, yams, carrots and minted peas arrived at each table. The residents enjoyed conversing with different tablemates. Dessert was pink wafers, strawberry ice cream, and even pink fruit salad topped off with rich chocolate sauce.
Two fairies (Frances and Margaret) and a bumble bee (Lydia) perched themselves at the door to hand each a resident a “Pinky” bar as they retired to the lounge for the afternoon.
Thanks to everyone who helped put together this perfectly pink party.
‘Spark of Life’ with Jane Verity
Last month a group of six staff attended a one day workshop to hear and learn about the “Spark of Life”.
Jane Verity, the founder of Dementia Care Australia, shared her thoughts and feelings, ideas and techniques around the 5 universal needs that we all have: 1. To feel needed and useful. 2. To have the opportunity to care. 3. To love and be loved. 4. To have self esteem boosted. 5. To have the power to choose.
Through growing a compassionate culture with love, enthusiasm, appreciation and optimism we can create and influence day to day situations using the best ways to support the people and loved ones we care for, especially those with dementia, to thrive socially and emotionally.
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The three core principles for the Spark of Life- we need to shift our focus; share our heart and shine our light.
First Aid Course
As part of our staff training requirements staff must hold a current first aid certificate. On the 10th of September we had Irene Jackson from A1 First Aid in to train eleven of our staff members.
We transformed the library into a classroom with a projector screen and tables. Irene kept everyone engaged throughout the nearly six-hour training with her interesting, involving and humorous presentation style.
Attendees learnt the essential principles of First Aid: “SOS, ABC” and the five “B”s: “Breathing Beating Bleeding Burns Bones”; the order in which to treat injuries.
The staff were instructed in CPR and had to try to resuscitate “Brad”, the test dummy.
Community Connection Awards
On Tuesday the 14th of September Ann and Alan made their presentation to the delegates of the NZ Aged Care Association. The presentation was in the Community Connections Award to recognise efforts to cater for residents’ needs and preferences and included a feeling of community within the facility reaching out to the surrounding community in order to connect residents with family and friends.
We were one of four finalists.
It is very encouraging to listen to all the wonderful work that staff all around New Zealand are undertaking to enhance the lives of residents. We were pleased to be in such positive territory.
Unfortunately we were not selected to win the Award: that went to a facility that had organised an “Antiques Roadshow” that had involved most of their local community to such an extent that it may become an annual feature in their town.
We were especially proud to be selected as a finalist and delighted to know that it was a staff initiative for the original Vauxhall Day and the subsequent decision to enter Peacehaven in the Awards.
A big thanks to all the residents, families, Vauxhall drivers and staff who all became involved to make it such a memorable time for everyone.
Herbs for the taking
Our chef Carol has potted up some of her fresh herb plants for family and friends to take home and transplant. We have lemon balm, multiplying spring onions, thyme, oregano, rosemary and mint. First in first served so please help yourselves. They are located at the front door |
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Dates for your Diary
We are going to have our Family Christmas Party on Thursday the 25th of November from 4:30 to 6:30. A finger food tea will be provided. We’re not going to have a resident play this year so we need items from families (songs, poems, skits etc)! Please ring Rebekah or email officemanager@peacehaven.co.nz so she can add you to our program.
Our Residents Christmas Dinner will be on the 16th of December.
We have this early as many families include their residents in family celebrations on the 25th.
RSA Visit
- Eleven residents enjoyed a meal at the Glen Eden RSA in honour of Fathers Day. They got to choose from a menu of roast beef and vegetables, spicy pork sausages and fish and chips. |
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Tai Chi
We have had Joe Zhou, a local Tai Chi instructor taking sessions in the Kinross Lounge. The residents have been commenting that they feel very relaxed and limbered up afterwards.
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