Trust you are all well?

We had a very busy Summer this year with planting a cottage garden which looked fabulous and colourful.

Our sight-seeing trips around the bays complete with ice-cream stops along the way were enjoyed by everyone (we were doing this several times a week making use of the fine days).

The warm and sunny weather lasting long into Autumn was a bonus BUT the onset of winter has been a bit abrupt to say the least (while the newsletter is being written the radio has just announced it is SNOWING in Karori!) brrrrrr

The menus have been updated slightly to take into account the change in temperature. Our home cooked meals with plenty of choices bring many positive comments from Residents and their Family members so we don't want to make any drastic changes. Our Cooks Susan and Rowan bake really yummy stuff for Afternoon Tea (you should see their Muffins and Scones WOW!).

Rebecca and Brendan are our Activity Officer's. They develop an interesting programme with the help of the Residents, this ensures what they plan is what the Residents want! Some of the favourite things are

Bingo

Exercises

Crosswords and Word-find Quizz

In-door Bowls

In-door Golf

Happy Hour is pretty popular as well

Five of our Staff recently graduated with their qualification National Certificate in Elderly Care. We celebrated this with a lavish afternoon tea followed by the presentation of Badges and Certificates.

In early July we are going to have another mid winter party with a United Nations theme Idol concert so planning is already underway with that.

Take care and KEEP WARM!

- Residents and Staff

Boy o Boy wasn't it a decent winter? Talk about Southerly Storms they just seemed to go on and on for ever.

Our view from the Seaview Lounge as you know looks out over Cook Strait, this view proved a great source of entertainment during the Southerly Storms watching the poor inter-island ferries attempting to cross the strait in 3mtr swells, we even saw one ferry having to turn back due to the large swell, we later found out the swells were over 7mtrs that day.

We have fortunately escaped any influenza this year (so far and I'm writing this with fingers crossed). The advertisements run by the Ministry of Health on Influenza advising the public the way it is spread has certainly assisted with stopping any influenza coming into the building as well our 'entertaining' posters at the entrance way.

Our Irwell Idol competition went well as did our Mid-winter Christmas, both Residents and Staff joined in with some wonderful skits, judging them was extremely difficult, a lot of effort had been put in, practicing, costumes etc. But there had to be a winner and that was Margaret who sung a 'rendition' of “How much is that Doggy in the Window” accompanied by the Dog called “Kev”.

We also had Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, Flo-jo the poet, 'Bountiful Beryl', The Irwell Bell ringers quartet, Momma-Mia Teresa, plus so many more who were “Absolutely Fabulous”!!!

There are some really great photos of the day which you really need to come and look at.

Our knitting group are going really well with lovely bits and bobs being knitted. If you have any wool you no longer need we are only too willing to take it off your hands although for the Neo-nates it needs to be 100% wool (no acrylic allowed).

Take care until next time

Regards

Residents, Staff and Management

As you are all aware of the H1N1 Influenza Virus is particularly contageous, as is the seasonal influenza, common cold, stomach bugs. Please remember not to visit if you are unwell, it is also important to remember not to visit if you have been in close contact with someone who has been unwell in the past 48 hours. It not only the Residents we need to protect but the Staff as well, if Staff become unwell then staffing levels become significantly stretched.

Thank you for remembering to sanitize your hands when entering the Rest Home, remember to do the same when leaving.

If you do become unwell particularly with influenza within 6 days of visiting please let us know.

To lift our Spirits we are holding an “Irwell Idol” concert with a Midwinter Christmas theme. This will be held on the 31st July with a 2pm start. We would love you to come and enjoy the fun. We of course expect you to participate as well (although we won't force you to do so).

The concert will involve both Residents and Staff and will be followed with an afternoon tea.

The Residents are beginning to knit some items for the neo nats at Wellington Maternity Hospital Special Care Unit. The items need to be in 100% pure wool, it you have any balls or even ½ balls you no longer need the Residents would be grateful for them.

We hope you will be able to come to our concert.

Regards from us all

Hello to you

Hope you enjoyed our reasonable Summer with plenty of sun-bathing, B.B.Q's and holiday memories to keep you going through winter, which I feel could be a long and cold one.

We have a new and very exciting Activity Programme up and running which the Residents are enjoying. Visits from the SPCA, local Music Artists, lots of Crafts, Celebrating different Nationalities of the World (Irwell has Residents from 11 different Countries and 8 Staff from different Countries) definitely making us a 'Mini United Nations'. Later in the Month we are going to have all staff dress in their National Costumes which I'm sure will be a colourful experience for us. (Keep an eye on the Activity Programme, remember you are always welcome to join in).We hope you are enjoying looking at the photos on the walls in the corridors, the Residents look really great, we will continue to display photos when special events are held. Copies of the photos can be arranged, just write down your name and photos wanted and give to one of the staff.

Our goal for this year is for Care Staff to complete their National Certificate in care of the Older Person (those staff who have not already done so). Staff are very keen to achieve this qualification and are putting a lot of time and effort into their studies but the benefit to us all will be worth it. Once they have finished their studies there will be a Graduation ceremony in the Wellington Town Hall where Certificates and Badges will be handed out by Wellington Mayor.

We have two issues of concern that needs to be brought to your attention:

Security:

The main doors are locked at 5.30pm and door 'alarmed' this is for the safety and security of Residents and Staff. Despite notices on the doors asking Visitors to get a Staff member to lock the door after them this is not happening or Visitors are letting the Residents lock the doors after they go! This is really not safe. When you are ready to leave ring the bell on the front counter and wait for a staff member to come – thanks

Infection Control:

Once again it is the 'flu' season with plenty of coughs, colds, tummy upsets 'doing the rounds' we ask you to stay away from the Rest Home if you are unwell or you have been near someone who has been unwell in the past 48 hours. In the entry foyer there is a stand with hand-gel on, you need to use this before entering the Home and when leaving, good hand hygiene reduces the spread of infection.

Surveys:

We need to continue to provide a good level of care to your relative and to ensure this happens we need feedback from families/friends. For this reason attached to this newsletter is a Satisfaction Survey. We hope you can take the time to fill this in and either return via post, fax or put into the basket on the reception counter.

It is very good for us to receive feedback on our service.

Thank you, take care, stay warm and safe –

kind regards from Staff and Management

Well we cannot say the Winter was mild can we?

We survived, keeping snug and warm smugly thinking to ourselves when visitors arrived “Glad its them and not Us out there”.

We have kept the Residents busy with their daily activities, exercises, games and ending the day with a happy hour to warm the "cockles of ones heart".

The Staff who were doing their National Certificate attended the graduation ceremony to receive their badges and certificates. It was a special moment for a lot of them, and their families were very proud of them.

We are excited with the growth of the new plants and native trees that we planted way back in January 2007, they have grown so much.

This time of year is a busy time getting the grounds prepared for summer.

The Residents have been busy with their raised gardens, they are looking really lovely and colourful.

We look forward to the regular visits from the young children and babies, The Residents in particular enjoy having the younger generation visit.

The intense rivalry between outside groups and Irwell is still happening, especially with regards to the Bowls games. Irwell does very well and wins a lot of the games (we have some extremely talented players). Still not sure whether the groups from outside come for the bowls or to sample our Cook's delicious cakes that they bake for afternoon tea.

Thanks to those of you for the feed back you give, we all really appreciate getting it.

Christmas is fast approaching again, we have already begun organising for the festivities, making sure decorations are is good working condition. Staff are practicing for their performances. You will be advised closer to the time of dates etc.

There is room for long term or respite care (but very limited) so please book early.

Take care, kind regards

Residents, Staff, Heather & John

Irwell Rest Home

Caring for the Elderly in a Family Environment

The only problem with Summer ending and Autumn being here is the gardens are beginning to grow once again.

The Residents gardens are looking just fabulous, thanks to Joyce, Ron and team the colours are just fantastic, its really lovely sitting in the Dining Room and TV lounge looking out on the gardens they have created – well done to them!

Mike's been busy with the craft group once again (with help of other Staff), producing lovely paintings, knitting, crochet, needle work. The residents who participate look forward to this activity.

Bowls is still one of the most favoured activities at the Rest Home, we have regular visitors coming and participating in a game or two. We hope to ensure this involvement with other Rest Homes and Day Centres continues.

Our Staff have finished their National Cert now and awaiting their graduation parade, being held at the Michael Fowler Centre in July. We have another group of 7 staff beginning their National Cert.

Just a note of 'Housekeeping':

When you are leaving the Rest Home after 6.00pm you need to get a Staff member to lock the door after you – this is extremely important for the safety and security of Residents and Staff, we thank you for your cooperation in this.

Also...

If you, your family or you have been around someone who is ill especially with a Gastro enteritis or Influenza infection please stay away from the Rest Home for a minimum of 3 days. Feel free to phone and check with staff any concerns with regards to this request. The whole aim is to reduce the risk of Residents and Staff getting unwell.

Take care now and remember to add that extra blanket to your bed !!

Kindest regards

Residents, Staff, Heather and John

Hello how are you

I'm sure you are feeling wind-blown like we all are with October being one of the windiest we have had for many years. One good thing about the wind it sure does blow the old winter cob-webs away!

We were fortunate to be kept busy with our daily Activities and keep Nice and Warm with the sun streaming in on sunny Days so we didn't notice the bad weather too much.

During September we begun having weekly art classes using water colours as the primary media. Work being produced at these classes is just fantastic! We have it displayed around the corridors so everyone can see the work being achieved by Residents who thought they could not paint at all.

Also in September we had a Spring Festival. The Seaview Lounge was decorated to resemble a spring garden, flowers, butterflies, bumblebees etc. There were a lot of games, music, quizzes and to end up with, a delicious Devonshire Tea plus other 'delightful delectables ' to eat.

We celebrated Melbourne Cup day with a Fashion Parade, horse games and related quizzes then watched the race while sipping on a wine and having some nibbles. It didn't really matter who won, the atmosphere was enough for us to enjoy.

As mentioned in the previous Newsletter several of our Staff were doing training for their National Certificate in Care of the Older person – well they have all completed their studies and passed with 'flying colours' and are eagerly awaiting the graduation ceremony in the Town Hall. There is another group who begun their certificate in August, they are being encouraged and given support by the first group who have just graduated.

We are getting prepared for Christmas, which is fast approaching, decorations being organised, Christmas lights being checked and bulbs replaced – GREAT FUN.

Just to remind you we do provide Respite Care, Convalescing Care and Long-term care. You will need to book soon if you need Respite Care over the Christmas and New Year season.

Take care, keep safe and happy.

Kindest regards

Residents, Staff, Heather and John

Irwell Rest Home

Caring for the Elderly in a Family Environment

Hello how are you all?

The summer that we waited so patiently for has been and gone, but it was one that was worth waiting for wasn't

During the lovely weather we were able to get the gardens re-planted with native plants – 530 of them to be precise!!!! It has certainly been worth the effort, they are now starting to grow and looking really good with all the different coloured foliage and different textures and leaf shapes.

I was not impressed with Spike though, he decided to help with the gardening by digging a 'few holes'. Unfortunately it was where I had already planted some desert grasses, it was very hard telling him off because he looked so pleased with himself!

We celebrated Easter with our Easter Bonnet parade, most of the residents and staff got involved, there were some really amazing creations. This was followed by Mothers Day celebrations, with many bouquets of flowers being delivered.

Mikes been busy with the craft group once again, producing lovely paintings, doing knitting, crochet, needle work. The residents who participate look forward to this activity. The gardening group has got the raised gardens well stocked with a multitude of flowers/plants, the courtyard is looking 'blooming' lovely.

There is becoming intense rivalry with indoor bowls between Irwell and visiting teams from the Chelsea and Marsden Day Care Groups. Mike and the 'supporters' from the other team really get into the competitive spirit while these games are on. The games finish, the winning team gets congratulated, everyone becomes friends again and finish the afternoon off with a splendid afternoon tea of the homemade cakes from Eva and Susan (our Cooks).

We have several of our care staff who began their National Certificate in Care of the Older Person late last year. They are getting on well with their studies, we hope to have another group started in the next month. This is a NZAQ course, recognised throughout New Zealand. The staff who are currently going through the course are finding the knowledge they are getting is very beneficial to them.

Its lovely seeing the residents family members and it good being able to spend time having a chat, we appreciate all the feedback you give, a special thanks to those of you who assisted the Certification Auditors recently.

Please remember to book your Respite Care as soon as you can to ensure a place for your relative.

Take care now and remember to add that extra blanket to your bed !!

Kindest regards

Residents, Staff, Heather and John

Caring for the Elderly in a Family Environment

Hello...... How are you?

We are 'mostly' well and did survive winter (it was a good one wasn't it)?

Christmas is looming, a time for fun and excitement, baking cakes, decorations, family gatherings and big feasts. We have had a lot of fun making and hanging decorations (hopefully you have seen them). We have been very fortunate this Christmas Season and enjoyed visits from the Island Bay Brownies club and Houghton Valley Primary School. The children sang songs, Christmas Carols, played instruments and gave small gifts to the residents, this was very much appreciated by the residents, some of who sang along to the music.

Getting ideas from everyone on what we should eat on Christmas day is interesting. One suggestion was “forget the main just move straight into dessert” this proved very popular with some residents (and staff).

We are all looking forward to our Christmas Party afternoon tea. Residents and Staff are practicing their entertainment items they are going to share with everyone – it should be a very enjoyable afternoon.

(families attending are expected to add to the entertainment as well).

Planting our new gardens has begun. We have consulted with a Nurseryman (Fred) who has a wealth of knowledge about planting in our area. Fred gave a list of the plants that would do well here, native hebes and trees, desert grasses, etc. we have chosen a lot of these plants ensuring there is plenty of varying colours. Residents who are keen gardeners have been helping so it has been a real team effort. Already the ones that have been planted are growing very well.

Remember if you feel like a holiday we can take bookings for the Holiday Season.

Take care now.

Kindest Regards

Residents, Staff, Heather and John

“Caring for the Elderly in a Family Environment”

Have you got your chimneys swept, heaters out and hotties ready? –

After the bad snow storm in the South Island seems like we could be in for a cold winter.

We have just about finished the new landscaping and are pleased with the results. We just need a few more shrubs to finish.

The residents still really enjoy getting out and about in the van even in Winter, we wrap ourselves up well, hats, scarves, gloves etc. and then we set off to see what there is to see.

The knitting group are keeping busy with many colourful pieces of knitting being produced, we are hoping to finish a blanket that was started a 'wee' while ago. The art group are still turning out some wonderful and I must say colourful work. When you come to have a look around you will see it displayed with pride.

At present we have some rooms available for either short or long-term care as well as convalescing care.

At times we get inquiries from people wanting somewhere to go for a couple of weeks for a bit of companionship to help eliminate the 'winter blues'. We encourage this and have rooms available for this type of care so please feel free to phone up and reserve a place, 383 8485 or send us an email: office@irwell.co.nz

Keep warm and happy.

Kindest regards

Heather, John and Everyone at Irwell Rest Home

"Caring for the Elderly in a Family Environment"

Did you enjoy our Christmas Decorations this year?

Mike (activities officer) and his band of 'Merry Residents” had a great time decorating the rest home. One family member said “it looks better than Kirks”! Great compliments.

Hope your festivities went well, we had a lovely time here with entertainers visiting from mid December right through till Christmas Eve. Father Christmas arrived on Christmas morning – he even stayed for lunch!! (a real bonus).

On New Years day we had another celebratory lunch including wine, party poppers and lots of fun and laughter.

New Year is a time to welcome new people – we have had some new staff begin working here – they are slowly getting to know their way around.

We are very fortunate with our staff, such a caring bunch. We have already begun our education program for the year, the staff excited with the topics.

On one of the weekly excursions a pod of Dolphins was seen playing in the water around the bays – the residents were enthralled sitting in the van watching them.

In the latter part of the year the residents had a lovely afternoon tea at the Pines (Houghton Bay). It was a sunny and clear day and the South Island was very clear.

In the first quarter of the year (weather permitting) the front garden is going to be re-modeled. It should turn out lovely.

Remember you are most welcome to phone us anytime (04) 383 8485

– till next time

Kindest regards to you all.

Irwell Rest Home

"Caring for the Elderly in a Family Environment"

Did you all have a lovely Christmas (apart from the weather) ?.

We had a great time here, lots of presents, visitors, Christmas Carolers and food WOW our Cook Susan certainly put on a fine spread, (fit for a king).

It was lovely that some family members were able to join us for Christmas lunch, it made it that little bit more special.

We had a lovely day at the Home on Valentines Day - some of our more "Crafty" residents made red hearts and wrote special messages of love on them then presented one each to all staff and residents to wear for the day. They looked lovely.

We have started the round robbin bowls tournament, getting ready for the rest home games. So far we have won 1 game and lost 2 BUT we will never give up. We still have our 105 year old lady playing!.

We have had a couple of new Staff join us, its lovely to have them.

With the height of summer now upon us (albeit a little late) we have changed to our summer menu much to the delight of the residents. They really enjoy the choice of salads available.

Feel free to email me on heather@irwell.co.nz for any queries.

Till next time

Heather

Hasn't winter been awful so far? Here's hoping Summer will be better this year.

We received the result of the Certification and are happy to let you all know that we achieved the highest level possible.

All of the Staff are happy with the compliments received to them through the Satisfaction Survey sent out in June. The Cooks are happy with the compliments they received about their cooking especially their homemade baking.

Our activity programme is flourishing. Mike (Activity Officer) took a group of residents to the 'Art-splash' concert held at the Michael Fowler Centre last week. They all enjoyed the concert.

A Craft group has been started, knitting, crochet and painting being the most popular options. Judging by the laughter everyone attending seems to be enjoying themselves. We have a lot of talented residents who are keen to pass on their particular skills.

We recently had a 'show and tell' afternoon. It was very interesting listening to the residents and staff discussing their particular item of interest.

The new mini-bus is proving popular (judging by the long queues waiting by the front door each Monday and Friday afternoon) all residents who want to go on an outing do not miss out.

We are hoping to take residents on picnics to the Botanical Gardens, Days Bay etc this summer (weather permitting).

We value your input and encourage you to contact us anytime.

Bye for now and regards

Heather

We are currently in the progress of building a website for our rest home. Please feel free to browse through our content.

If you require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us!

From the team at Irwell.