Newsletter December 2009

02 I S S U E

D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 9

Newsletter

A great deal has been happening at Knox since our first newsletter several months ago and at last we can say the weather is improv-ing with the tentative arrival of summer. We had wonderful night at the Residents’ Ball and have received great comments from those who attended. It was lovely to have such a cross section of ages partying to-gether and the enthusiasm of family, friends, staff and board members ensure this has be-come an annual event we all look forward to. Volunteers from the Laura Ferguson Trust have done a great job in the grounds and a further group also visits to play board games and cards with residents – it is rumored that there is a healthy level of competition emerg-ing among the “card sharks”!!! The opening of the Residents’ garden was also a mile-stone and is a wonderful haven, in full bloom and a credit to the Residents’ gar-dening group. Over the past few months our redevelopment project has gathered momentum, this is the phase when despite a great deal of effort – there is not much to be seen. It is hoped that we will submit our application for Resource Consent prior to Christmas with drainage plans and details of the “footprint” of the planned new block to replace Kauri being a high priority. For the past six months I have had weekly Residents meetings – these are informal, very well attended and have been an opportunity to launch our Eden journey and to discuss the redevelopment plans with Residents. This has enabled the feed-back from Residents and team members to be incorporated at this very early stage. Within the next few weeks I will have drawings with sufficient detail that we can broaden these discussions around the detailed planning of the redevelopment.

In general terms the first stage of the redevel-opment will include: Refurbishment of the central part of the building – reception, lounge, dining room and construction of a new porte cochere Construction of a new building in place of Kauri with 58 single rooms Refurbishment of Karaka to create all single rooms with en-suites and new lounge. In November we submitted an application in the Auckland District Health Board’s (ADHB) “Primary and Community Health Innovation Award”. Our entry was linked to both accreditation and our Eden journey ……“ Accreditation and Edenizing ….commencing our journey with Residents to grow a human habitat within a quality framework”. We were delighted to hear we had been se-lected as a finalist and were then runners-up. This was recognition of the many superb qual-ity projects we have under-way, these reflect the commitment of Residents and Team mem-bers to continuous improvement and are great examples of creativity and the Eden principles. Our Resident Committee is meeting regularly and projects coming from that team include; changes to way we welcome new members of the Knox community, input on the redevelop-ment, events planning but to name just a few. 2009 has been a year of milestones and con-sistent strengthening of our commitment to pro-viding an interesting, spontaneous, caring, warm and creative place for those who choose Knox as their home. We know that 2010 will be marked by exciting changes with redevelop-ment commencing and alongside this we will also be continuing our Eden journey. I wish to extend warm thanks to residents, fam-ily, staff, volunteers, supporters and board for the wonderful energy you all bring to Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital. I wish you all a healthy, happy and memorable Christmas and New Year. Warm regards

Jill

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

Summer 2009

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

2009 Elizabeth Knox Home & Hospital Ball Where in the World am I From?

On Friday November 6th we held our annual Knox Ball. This year our theme was a celebration of the wonderful cultural diversity evident in our Knox commu-nity. This was well attended by residents, families, friends and staff and a great time was had by all.

“Wow—the Ball of the Year. What a night it was, November 6th. I’m sure the residents, staff and helpers will not forget it. I know that both my wife and myself won’t as like everyone there, we all en-joyed ourselves. The food was supreme and there was plenty of it and the same goes for refresh-ments. On behalf of resi-dents, relations and friends who attended I wish to take this opportunity of thanking all who were re-sponsible for decorating the dining room and orga-nizing the whole event. Jill (the CEO) and her staff were tremendous.“ Douglas (Doug) Hodge

“Ball was very well organized and was also very enjoyable. It was very good to see so many people attend a great evening.” Dave and Devika, Kaiapoi

“The night exceeded our expectations. Everyone who attended (residents and visi-tors) had a wonderful time. It was great to hear retold stories, over the next few weeks and to know we shared in a truly exciting evening.” Sue and Geoff Ehrlich, Orewa

Our Board Members Mr Warwick Peacock— Chairman Dr Alistair MacCormick Mr Andrew Smith Mrs Christine Hart Mr Geoff Wales Dr Ross McCormick Mr Malcolm Crotty Dr Bruce Foggo Our board meets on a monthly basis.

“Fantastic evening, thanks to the organizers for a good time.” Ron and Laure Stoller, Mt Eden

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

“To Management and Staff of Elizabeth Knox Home. I attended the recent ball as a guest of my mother, Ruth Smith, and want to say thank you for being welcome to participate in this special occasion. You are all to be congratu-lated for the excellence of the overall organization, music, food and bever-ages, room decorations and glorious floral decora-tions. Most heartwarming was the interaction of the staff with residents and guests. This ensured that everyone was able to join in the fun. My sincere thanks for be-ing welcome to come to the ball. It was a night to re-member.” Yours sincerely Luenda Rogers

“A very pleasant eve-ning with wonderful hospitality and it was special to be able to have a dance with my Mum. Well done and thank you”

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

Students: We were pleased to welcome two AUT students to our department for five weeks work experience. Su Fong Liu and Ashlee Gordon worked well with our Team for what we trust was an enjoyable stay. Many of our residents were sorry to see them go. We held Devonshire Teas in the Karaka Dining Room on 14th October and 18th November. This is an occasion where we invite any family members to come and join their relatives in the hospital area for a pleasant afternoon tea. Keep an eye on our weekly activity programme for dates. The next Devon-shire Tea is scheduled for 13th January at 1.30 pm. In October we held the formal reopening of the Residents’ garden. The gar-den has been in place for a number of years but required an extensive make over. The work was completed by an external contractor who assisted with the new planting of some of the beds. Residents added their touch and the raised beds are now alive with vibrant colour. Please take the time to sit in the garden and enjoy its atmosphere. On 30th October a group of interested residents were taken by the OT staff to the handcraft exhibition held at Highbury House on the North Shore. Evi-dently an enjoyable outing. Unnamed Clothing was displayed in OT on Saturday 21st and Tuesday 24th November. No a lot was claimed this time but we will have another display in the New Year of more clothes. Please ensure all your clothing is named be-fore sending it to the Laundry. Some of our younger residents are having their annual Christmas BBQ in Totara on 8th December. Warren will be entertaining and OT staff cooking!! Only the cooking mind you, not all the preparation which will be done in the kitchen by Chris and his team! During the month of December we will be having many entertainers perform-ing so please be sure to watch the daily programme for dates and times. OT will be closed on the Statutory days during the Xmas and New Year pe-riod but open on the other days. To celebrate the end of this year and the beginning of a New Year we will be having a Happy Hour 3.00—4.00 pm, 31st December (New Year’s Eve). All Welcome. Cub Visit: On Monday evening 30th November, the St George’s Cub Pack visited our residents. 38 small boys, their leaders and parents stayed with us for over an hour and small gifts, made by the boys, were given to the residents. It was such a successful time and we hope they come again. Christmas Concert: Our annual visit from the junior classes of Our Lady at the Sacred Heart School in Epsom was on Friday 4th December. The children performed their Nativity Concert which was delightful. This consisted of dressing up, wonderful reading and singing. All the resi-dents and staff enjoyed the children visiting; it’s so lovely to be part of their Christmas and we look forward to them coming each year.

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Christmas Day Lunch You are welcome to join your relative for lunch at 12.30 pm on Christmas Day. There is a small $10.00 charge per person and bookings and pay-ments can be made at re-ception no later than 23 December.

Xmas Lunch Menu

Honey Glazed Ham

Roasted Turkey Breast with

Cranberry Stuffing

Golden Baked Potato Roast Kumara

Glazed Baby Carrots Steamed Broccoli with

Cheese Sauce

Choice of Dessert

Fresh Fruit Salad

Mini Pavlova & Cream

Hot Plum Pudding & Brandy Custard

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

Looking to create an extra Christmassy atmos-phere in your home this year? George’s Christmas Trees in association with Elizabeth Knox are sell-ing fresh Christmas trees 7 days a week from the reserve next to Elizabeth Knox on Ranfurly Road. Come along and meet George the Christmas pug.

Any questions call 027-632-4392

Monday to Friday 8.00 am—7.00 pm

Weekends 8.00 am—5.00 pm

5-7ft tree $30-$50

9ft+ tree $70

EFTPOS available Tree removal service available

Hi, my name is Su Fong Lin, a 2nd year of AUT Occupational Therapy (OT) student. I en-joyed my work experience in the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital (EKH). I spent five weeks in the OT department and I met a lovely OT team including three assistants and my supervisor, Kaye Buchanan (the Occupational Therapist). When I was in the EKH, I experienced that the EKH was a pleasant place to be because everyone cared about each other. I acknowledged that the OT staff were as supportive as they could to help the residents when requested. They worked with individuals and small groups assessing their specific needs and tried to keep them engaged in meaningful occu-pations, for example, board games, musical entertainment and outings. I remembered one time we took a small group of residents for an art exhibition. I saw the three OT assistants provided their professional care towards the residents. Their genuine passion about the job inspired me so much, which was a positive influence towards my future career as an OT. In the EKH, I have learned that an occupational therapist is to enable people to engage in their daily occupations, no matter how big or small. That was a real experience for me, which I wouldn’t be able to learn from the university. I believe that what I have seen and acknowledge in the EKH would facilitate my future learning. In addition, most of the resi-dents were very supportive as well. When another student and I helped assist some OT activities, they showed their interest and co-operation which we both really appreciated. Overall, I had an amazing time in the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital. I’d like to say thanks to my supervisor Kaye for providing me with this opportunity to experience the es-sence of EKH. I thank the other staff who looked after me and catered for my needs when I required. The OT team is beautiful and lovely and they are my role models. I believe that I will keep in touch with them and I will never forget them.”

Su Fong Lin

Residents will be erecting a “Remembrance Tree” in the Pink Lounge during December. Please feel free to add a decoration in remembrance of a loved relative or friend.

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

On 23rd of November we welcomed “Kate” to the

Elizabeth Knox animal family. Kate, like Gemma, is a grey-hound. We trust you will all

make her welcome.

Retirement in a Rest Home Gemma here, reporting from my new home at Elizabeth Knox Home & Hospital. As you can see from my pictures I've made some new friends (I’m the most attractive one in the picture on four legs not two).

I came in the car with my foster Mum to this place to visit and then she brought me back to stay. I have to say that it was a bit scary at first (and I must confess, I am not the bravest creature on the planet). I have a wonderful soft bed all to my self and although there are lots of beds in this place I much prefer my own. Lots and lots of floor space in all sorts of places inside and outside where I can stretch out.

I have a feline brother and sister, Coco and Evie. Coco thinks that he is the boss and insists on eating and drinking out of my dishes even when he really doesn’t want any-thing. I just look the other way, after all he is just a little cat. Evie stays away from me and when our paths do cross she just tries to make herself look a lot bigger but she is fooling no one!! Today my new sister Kate arrived, another greyhound like me. I just know she will love this place just like I do. I get taken for a walk most days (when I’m not feeling too lazy) and have lots of differ-ent gardens to investigate in. There are about 140 people here where I live and I am never on my own. I have one really special person but spread myself around all and anyone who will spend time stoking, brushing or feeding me. Some of the people ride around in funny machines and others have funny pushing things. I get a bit scared when two of these are coming towards me at once but as time goes by I am getting used to them. Food, food, glorious food, it just falls out of the sky here. I just have to be under a table when morning tea happens and it arrives at my feet. The main kitchen and dining room are no go zones for me but there are plenty of other places when I can score a feed. Breakfast trolleys are really good (when no one is looking) and my favorite is vegemite and toast! I have them all fooled into thinking that I am the quiet, shy retiring type but I have just started to give them all a glimpse of my true colours. Lopping around the gardens is great fun and then I usually have a great big ear rub followed by some well deserved zzzzzzz’s on my bed. Life here is very sweet and I am a very happy girl. Thank you to all for my new home I couldn’t have asked for a better one.

It’s a hard life for a cat!!

On Guard Duty

Kate & Gemma

Kate & new friend, Richard

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

Our website is constantly being improved, extended and updated. To learn more about us, the services we provide, view up coming events and activities, view photo’s of recent events or check current job vacancies go to: www.knox.co.nz

We have a small number of volunteers here led by our Volunteer Co-ordinator Bev de Vink. Their contribution to our services is invaluable to our residents and staff and we thank them all for their generosity. We are keen to expand our great volunteer team and would welcome your support. Can you spare a few hours per week? We would especially like volun-teers to help with our pets. If you love animals and can spare the time we would love to hear from you. Please phone: 09 520 8446 Bev de Vink

Volunteer Coordinator

Vending Machines (snack machines) are available for residents, families, visitors and staff. There is one lo-cated in the Main Lounge and in the Ka-raka Dining Room there is a coffee machine.

November 9th was the day all OT and Physio Staff took a Group of residents to Auckland Zoo. Luckily the weather was fine and we all had a superb day. Highlight of the day—The Tigers!! They were very close to us and active, and just that alone would have been enough to make it a brilliant day.

Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz

Supporting Knox into the Future For over 100 years Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital has provided care and sup-port for those in need. This was made possible through the generous bequest of Elizabeth Knox. One way you can help us to continue to provide these services and to secure the future of Knox is to consider making provision for a donation or bequest. If you would like to leave a gift to Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital in your will we sug-gest you consult a lawyer, the Public Trust or a Trustee company. Your legacy would be greatly appreciated and would assist in securing the long term future of Knox. If you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact Jill Woodward, CEO.

Children’s Christmas Party Happy faces, constant chatter and plenty of laughter were the order of the day at the Staff Children’s Christmas Party held at Knox on Saturday 5 December 2009. After the terrible weather the night before, the fine day saw Miniature Horses, Fair-ies, Elves, Princes, Princesses, Mrs Claus and of course Santa come together with about 70 children to ride the miniature horses, play team games, blow bubbles and eat a wonderful Christmas feast along with ice cream in a cone. The highlight of the day was of course the arrival of Santa although he had to come by foot as the sleigh was in for a service before the big night! Residents, children and staff participated in the event and it was a “real winner” - we will repeat this annually.