Quarterly Updatenews from Vincentian Home and

HospitalSummer 2019

Back yard Happy Hour

February and March were still quite lovely weather wise, with higher temperatures and not too much rain. Daylight saving ended on 7 April and everything took a turn for the worse. The weather was cold, there was lots of rain and flooding in some places – must be because we all turned back our clocks!. Our poor chicken was a wet bedraggled mess waiting at the back door to be let into the conservatory - wishful thinking on her part. On the days that were lovely and warm the residents made the most of any outings that were on offer. Certainly Wellington was not living up to its windy Wellington reputation with pods of orcas and dolphins in the harbour entertaining people as they walked along the waterfront.

TRIBUTES It has been an emotionally difficult start to the year for staff, residents and families with the passing away of a number of our longer term residents.

Vivienne had lived at Vincentian since 2008 and was our second longest stay resident. She was well loved by her family and by all the staff – always polite and ready to compliment you on what you were wearing and just as quick to tell you if she didn’t approve of what you had on. She had a smile and a prayer for everyone and will be missed by all.

Tony had been with us for six years. Certainly a character and very set in his ways, never one not to speak his mind

Richard had been with us for three years, a quiet distinguished, intelligent gentleman, always pleasant and polite with a wry sense of humour.

Beatrice known as Queen B to her family transferred here in 2017 and was quite the regal lady.

Charlie had been with us since 2017and was so happy to be here and was always helpful and courteous to everyone.

Alan came to us almost a year ago. He was an ex policeman, very tall and always happy to wave and chat.

In our thoughts:

VIVIENNE TONY RICHARD BEATRICE

CHARLIE ALAN

QUALITY CARE SERVICESThe focus for the first six months of this year will be preparation for our Certification Audit.

The Health and Disability Services (Safety) Act 2001 requires that all aged residential care facilities are Certified by the Ministry of Health. Part of this Certification process requires that aged care services are audited by a Designated Auditing Agency.

Health and Disability Auditing New Zealand Limited (HDANZ) is the Designated Auditing Agency that has been chosen to complete an audit of the services provided by Vincentian to our residents. This audit is scheduled to occur on 15th and 16th July this year

The key aims of the audit are to:1. Promote the safe provision of health and disability services;2. Have consistent and reasonable standards in place;3. Encourage providers of health and disability services to

continuously improve the quality of the services provided.

The audit team members who will be present for the two days are:1. Steve Baker-Sherman who is an experienced auditor of health and disability services with previous business management experience.

2. Robyn Hooper who is a Registered Nurse with experience in auditing health and disability

If any residents or family members are interested in talking to the auditors regarding the care services at Vincentian then please feel free to approach either of them throughout the two days. All communication will ensure individual confidentiality is retained.

Following the audit a report will be provided that details aspects of the services provided by Vincentian that meet the required standard as well as any areas where it is felt improvements are needed.

ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES As so often happens the Wellington summer extended through the months of February and March, meaning plenty of time to enjoy being outside.

February was a lovely warm month to have a picnic in our Palm Grove neighbour, Bruce’s back garden. Plenty of staff and volunteers assisted to get 20 residents to the garden under the laden pear tree on a glorious day. We also managed a visit to the duck pond at the Botanical Gardens where the ducks and pigeons loved the bread we took from the kitchen and the gardens were a riot of colour. Later that month a drive to the waterfront and a walk around Chaffer’s Marina was enjoyed by a group of residents.

March was a wonderfully warm month and we spent time in the back garden, had all our Happy Hours outside, and had good Outings. St Patricks Day was unfortunately overshadowed by the Christchurch Terror attacks. We observed the 2 minute silence and TV coverage of the prayers on the one week Anniversary.

Outings to Bunnings and the Warehouse meant residents had plenty of opportunity to spend some money especially with miniature bright potted cyclamen for $2.88 at Bunnings! Plenty were bought and are looking great in residents’ rooms. After discussing the skateboard championships in the Newspaper we went to see the Bowl where the Championships were held at Waitangi Park then we went across the road to New World to do some shopping amongst the maze of choices.

As the weather deteriorated in April we had fewer outings. We did however have some interesting visitors: Tiffany on the Harp who played beautiful music enjoyed by both classical and popular music lovers: Ahmed from Morocco, who spoke on Argan oil, many wives, Kings, camels and Pirates and answered many questions for an hour and a half with still more time needed!

Laurie, one of our regular volunteers, showed photos of his recent tramp up the Incline and then a Film on the noted Fell rail engine used on the Incline for going up hills. Kyra helped the residents to make Easter Buns while Cathy took a break over Easter and we played the Movie ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ after the disastrous fire suffered there and that evoked lots of discussion.

We did manage two outings, one to Petone wharf where we walked to the end of the wharf and right on cue to our delight one of the fisherman reeled in a large kahawai. We also explored some of New Zealand’s rocks, native bush, waterfalls, caves, glow worms and souvenir shop all found at Te Papa!

STAFFING

The biggest news of March was probably my announcement that as of the last week of July I will be reducing my hours to three days. I am doing this in order to spend quality time with Paul, my partner, our beautiful border collie dog Skye, and Paul’s grandchildren while they are still young. We are very fortunate to have had Lisa Rogers agree to take up the position of Deputy Manager to work the two days a week that I am not here. Lisa will work on a Monday and a Tuesday and I shall work on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Lisa is an extremely experienced Registered Nurse with a background in both aged care management and quality co-ordination and I feel lucky to be working alongside her. Lisa will start her orientation 6 th May and will be ready to take over from myself when I take a month’s holiday in June. Paul and I are off for a winter adventure visiting the Outer Hebrides islands where their summer temperatures average a high of 13 degrees!I will no doubt bring back loads of photos for sharing with residents and family members who may be interested.

It was a sad day when I received notice of resignation from Dianne, our evening Registered Nurse, that her last day of work for us is the 24th April. Dianne has taken up a position at Malvina Major which is much closer to her home. Although we will all miss her terribly we wish her all the best in her new position. In her place Lijit Joy has joined us. Lijit trained in India and holds a Master of Science in Nursing and has experience in New Zealand as a caregiver. We shall enjoy seeing Lijit grow and learn as an aged care nurse.

SPIRITUALWith Fr Dennis away in March, another young Priest from St Gerard’s has been saying Mass. He returned from the Philippines in April and was able to take Easter Mass on Tuesday. We now have him regularly again for fortnightly Mass.

Richard and Victor continue to take a well-supported Anglican upstairs church service and many enjoy the opportunity to be prayed for. Sr Rachel continues to be a great visitor and spends time with individual residents each week.

FIBRE INSTALLATIONWe are pleased to announce that for any resident who desires it an internet fibre connection is now available to individual rooms. Anyone who is

interested in purchasing a fibre package should get in contact with Spark to discuss the options available.

AFTERNOON TEA INVITATION

2PM MONDAY 27TH MAY IN DOWNSTAIRS LOUNGE

COME AND MEET OUR NEW DEPUTY MANAGER LISA

ROGERSLisa will introduce herself to everyone, give you a little of her background and

be open to answering any questions you may have.