Families and Friends Update

02/03/2021

Dear Whanau and Friends

We have had several queries following the most recent update advising you that a negative Rapid Antigen Test is required for all visitors to enter the facility. We can now confirm that this applies to all facilities, Kumeu Village, Ladybug and Kingfisher House.

• RAT kits are available for the public to purchase from pharmacies (such as the Chemist Warehouse) and other retail outlets. Please see the following link: https://www.health.govt.nz/.../rapid-antigen-testing...

• RAT testing needs to be completed in your car 15 minutes before your visiting time. If you test negative, please bring in the kit, show the front desk team and discard the kit in the bin provided.

As mentioned, we are currently in discussion with the DHB about this requirement and we will update you should there be any change.

We are doing everything we possibly can to keep our residents (your loved ones) and our staff safe.

Thank you for your understanding and co-operation in advance.

On behalf of the Management Team.

Families and Friends Update

23/01/2022

Dear Families and Friends

We are sure you will be wondering what the change to ‘Red’ under the Governments Traffic Light system means in terms of visiting your loved ones. The good news is that nothing significant has changed, guidance for Aged Residential Care facilities state that all visits need to be by appointment, you need to show evidence of your vaccination status or a negative test within 72 hours of your visit, wear a mask and preferably the visit should be outside (Pergola area at Kumeu Village), if this is not possible then please stay in the residents room. Please do not spend time in communal areas inside, if you need assistance, please ring the bell in the room to alert staff. All visitors must scan in for contact tracing purposes at the main reception area (families with loved ones in Kumeu Village) - and complete a temperature and symptom check on arrival.

Resident outings and short stays with family/ whanau can occur and visits should be limited to places with vaccination certificate requirements or outdoor areas and follow all public health measures.

Children may visit residents outside only.

Booster shots:

Booster shots were provided to most eligible residents on 20 January (Kumeu Village) with the remainder scheduled for 26 January and 9 February. Ladybug residents received their booster shots 19 January.

While in a general sense the situation is less than ideal, on a positive note nothing significant has changed regarding visits or taking your loved ones out.

Another Birthday Celebration

02.12.21

Would like to wish our beautiful Helen a big Happy Birthday lots of love from your ladybug family x

Friends and Families UPDATE

06/12/21

Dear Families and Friends

Following last Fridays updated guidance from the Ministry of Health, there have been a few questions which will hopefully be able to clarify for you in this email. A reminder that all visits need to be by appointment with our front desk team.

How many visitors can residents have at any time? - Two per resident

How long can I visit for? - A maximum of one hour

What are the visiting hours? - Weekdays 9 - 4.30pm and Weekends 9 – 3.30p

Where should the visits take place? - In the resident’s room, or outside in the Kumeu Village Pergola area / outside areas at Ladybug and Kingfisher House

Do I need to wear a mask? - Regardless of vaccination status, all visitors need to wear masks

What proof do I need to bring that I am vaccinated? – Your Vaccine Pass and proof of ID – drivers’ license or Passport

Under ‘Severe’ children are not able to visit (including visiting outside) – what age groups does this include? – under 12 years old

Will families be sent a copy of the Residents Vaccine Pass? – The MOH are still working through how this process will work – we will update you once they have finalised and communicated with us

Can I take my loved one home for Christmas? – Yes. If you choose to take your loved ones home, please do all possible to make sure it is a safe environment, such as having an outdoor celebration and wearing masks

I want to take my loved one out or home for lunch, how long can I spend with them? – We have not been given time frames for outings and visits home, again we ask simply that you do all possible to keep residents safe and protected. If you take your loved one out, the guidance states you should only visit places with vaccination certification requirements or outdoor areas, and follow contact tracing, mask wearing and all public health measures.

Update to Families and Friends

Posted 01.12.21

**Information from DHB and MOH**

With the start of the Traffic Light system, we had several enquiries regarding whether we will be relaxing our visiting rules. We are waiting for an update from the Ministry of Health, and we have been told to expect further information on Friday 3 December. Until then, our visiting requirements remain unchanged. We will update you as soon as we receive any new information.

**Christmas Party and Christmas Lunch for Residents**

This year we will celebrate Christmas with parties at each facility on 18 December (Kumeu Village and Ladybug) and 19 December (Kingfisher House). Due to ongoing Covid restrictions put in place to protect the health and safety of your loved ones, this will be a closed event however we will be posting plenty of photos of your loved ones.

On Christmas day residents will enjoy a special Christmas lunch, this will also be closed and again we will ensure we capture some special moments in photos. We will welcome visitors between 9am and 11am and between 3pm and 5pm. Please ensure to book your visit before December 15 by either phoning reception or email: info@kumeuvillage.co.nz

**Residents leaving the facility to attend Christmas Functions**

We unfortunately are not able to allow residents to leave to attend Christmas Functions, this is in line with the current Ministry of Health requirements. We appreciate it is difficult to be apart from loved ones at this time of year, rest assured we will do everything possible to ensure your Elders celebrate Christmas in a wonderful way with some special moments captured for you to enjoy and share.

**Manicures**

As mentioned previously, Fiona from Go Nails is available at Kumeu Village, Ladybug and Kingfisher House to provide manicures for ladies and men. All nail equipment is either fully sterilised between use or disposed of. The cost is $40, which includes nails shaped and filed, cuticle care, and hand and lower arm massage to the elbow. Bookings can be arranged by emailing:

kristine@kumeuvillage.co.nz for Ladybug and Kingfisher House and georgia@kumeuvillage.co.nz for Kumeu Village.

**Level Up Fitness – Ladybug**

We are pleased to be able to resume Level-Up Fitness at Ladybug next week, this will be held outside.

With the anticipation of Auckland soon about to open, we are sure your Christmas plans will be well underway. We wish you and your families all the best for a special celebration to mark the end of a challenging year.

The Eden Alternative Way

Posted: 08.08.21

The 10 Eden Alternative® Principles we follow when caring for your loved one.

The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of suffering among our Elders.
An Elder-centered community commits to creating a human habitat where life revolves around close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living.
Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. Elders deserve easy access to human and animal companionship.
An Elder-centred community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness.
An Elder-centred community imbues daily life with variety and spontaneity by creating an environment in which unexpected and unpredictable interactions and happenings can take place. This is the antidote to boredom.
Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.
Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master.
An Elder-centred community honours its Elders by de-emphasising top-down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decision-making authority into the hands of the Elders or into the hands of those closest to them.
9. Creating an Elder-centred community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life.
10. Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there can be no substitute.

Happy Diwali!

Posted 13/11/20

Happy Diwali to all of our friends celebrating, and thank you to our wonderful team members who shared their beautiful dances, songs, food and culture with us. It is one of our favourite times of the year!

Working with Geneva Healthcare - Akenese and Miriam

Posted 07/10/20

Check out this awesome video that the team at Geneva Healthcare created showcasing two of our fabulous staff members, Akenese and Miriam, on their employment journey with us and working while being deaf (it hasn't stopped them in the slightest!).

We are so grateful that Claire and the Geneva team helped us to find these two superstars! (click on the image below and it will take you to the video on Facebook).

Recognising International Elder Day

Posted 05/10/20

Recognising International Elder Day on October 1st with our elders and staff wearing stars and white flowers. An enjoyable day had by all, celebrating our wonderful elders.

Covid-19 Alert Level 3 Announcement

Posted 12/08/20

In response to the announcement that Auckland will be entering alert level 3 today, Kumeu Village and The Ladybug will be closed to all visitors effective immediately, until the lockdown is lifted.

We have no reason to believe that we have been exposed to Covid-19, staff have continued to follow strict hygiene policies and testing if they are sick and we thank you to all our visitors who have been signing in and not visiting if they are sick or in contact with any returned travellers.

If you would like to get in contact with us, please email us info@kumeuvillage.co.nz.

Families and friends of residents can still access our private facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/136601517768877/

Please keep safe and calm everyone, practice good hygiene, and we will get through this together, again!

Love from the team at Kumeu Village!

Project "Knockout Lockdown"

Posted 27/03/20

We have seen our friends over at Sherbrooke Community Centre and other homes around the world sharing signs like these so our superstar DT Kristine Estillore thought we should give it a go too!

Project 'KNOCKOUT LOCKDOWN'

Love from the Kumeu Village Elders <3

Check the following link for more pics x

We have created a private Facebook group for families and friends to join to share updates and photos/videos https://www.facebook.com/groups/136601517768877/

Posted: 24.03.20

Due to the alert levels 3/4 that came into place at midday yesterday, we remain closed to all visitors.

All families/EPOAs have been contacted about our measures going forward.

Our Kumeu Village Families Facebook group is going strong for family and friends of Residents.

We are also still available to help our Elders in the community with food and supplies. Please get in touch if you know anyone who needs help!

Stay safe and connected everyone <3

https://www.facebook.com/groups/136601517768877/

Our Residents are Safe!

Posted: 20.03.20

We are here to help too!

Our residents are safe and well and so we want to reach out to the community to offer our help.

If you know any elders in the community who are struggling with meals or getting to the shops, even to pick up a lotto ticket, please let us know. Our admin team are happy to pick things up or drop things off or deliver some food from our Kitchen.

Please send us a private message or call on 09 412 9112.

Sending love to our Elders in the community

COVID-19 UPDATE!

Posted 18/03/20

In response to the devastating global Covid-19 pandemic, we have decided to close our home to all visitors until further notice.

All essential visits and outings will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

We apologize for the distress this may cause, but we feel this is the most responsible decision to keep our Elders and staff safe.

Please be assured our residents will continue receiving the best care and support.

We have created a private Facebook group for families and friends to join to share updates and photos/videos https://www.facebook.com/groups/136601517768877/

Please stay safe and keep well everyone, and follow the Ministry of Health and World Health Organisation guidelines to keep this virus from affecting us and our most vulnerable.

From the Team at Kumeu Village x

Five Year Anniversary!

Posted 09/03/20

Today marks 5 years since Kumeu Village welcomed our first Residents, staff and families, many of whom are still with us and we got to celebrate with today!

We had a beautiful afternoon tea organised by our Life Enhancement Team, the most incredible cake made by our very own Esther, music by Anthony and candles blown out by our Residents who have been with us since day one.

We then celebrated by taking our staff who started in our first month out for a dinner filled with fun, laughter and some tears about those who we are missing today. Especially our dear Jeannie.

We want to thank the wonderful Residents of Kumeu Village for trusting us to care for them over the past 5 years. Their families for allowing us to care for them, and the community for their unwavering support of our family owned and run home. We also think of and cherish the memories of those who are no longer with us, but who we were lucky enough to get to know and love.

We are looking forward to the next 5 years and continuing our mission to offer the best place for our Elders to call home ❤️

Kitchen Assistant(s) Wanted!

Posted 28/01/20

We are looking for a full time or 2 part-time Kitchen Assistant(s) and two Cooks to join our Kitchen team!

Shifts available for Kitchen Assistants:

Monday 1:30pm - 8:30pm
Wednesday 1:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday 1:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday 1:30pm - 8:30pm
Saturday 5am - 2pm
Sunday 1:30pm - 8:30pm

(you must be able to work at least one weekend day)

Shifts Available for Cooks:

Mixture of weekdays/weekends
either 9am - 5.30pm or 5am - 2pm.

(you must be able to work at least one weekend day)

If you are interested and would like to know more, please email dayna@kumeuvillage.co.nz with your CV and which role/hours you are interested in.

Please note that we can only contact applications who email the above address, so do not apply through Facebook!

507 State Highway 16, Kumeu, New Zealand 0892

Gardener Wanted!

Posted 31/01/20

We are looking for a full-time gardener to take care of our grounds at Kumeu Village and our new home in Coatesville, due to open April 2020.

We are looking for a someone who is creative and can work independently as well as get along with our team. A sound horticulture knowledge is preferred and someone who is personable, honest and reliable, as you will be working alongside the elderly too.

The main parts of the job will be mowing lawns, creation and maintenance of vege gardens, spraying, weeding, basic landscaping, repairs and maintenance of garden areas, water blasting, watering, etc.

All equipment is supplied and you must have reliable transport please. Immediate start.

If you are interested, please email dayna@kumeuvillage.co.nz for more information.

Happy International Women's Day!

Posted 08/03/2019

Today we celebrate our smart, strong and wonderful mothers, sisters, daughters, wives, secretaries, nurses, chefs, landscape gardeners, carers, horticulturists, midwives, shop assistants, retail buyers, farmers, hairdressers, accounts executives, chemical mowers, dental assistants, housewives, butchers, business owners, painters, confectionaries, authors, teachers, seamstresses, burrow operators, animal rescuers and all of the hard working women of Kumeu Village and beyond.

The Vineyard Villa is NOW OPEN

It is with great pleasure we announce, The Vineyard Villa is now open. A big thank you to everyone that both helped and attended the recent opening day, it was a huge success!

'Nestled in the heart of Kumeu wine country, overlooking Kumeu River Winery and surrounded by picturesque grounds, Kumeu Village is a rest home with a difference.

The Vineyard Villa is set on two acres of grounds nestled with a backdrop of beautiful vineyards, a farm yard, outdoor dining, entertaining area and much more.'

A New Model of Dementia Care

The Luxury Rest Home Hospital Dementia Care Wellness Centre and Vineyard Villa is a luxury 15 bedroom unique home designed and built for Elders living with dementia, run using Eden Alternative principles, together with the latest interventions in clinical and dementia-specific care. Read More ...

We would love to have you join us for the opening of the Vineyard Villa!

On Friday 29th June, we will be opening the doors of our villa and would love for you to join us for refreshments, including a range of delightful foods for you to sample, especially made by our wonderful cooks, and ribbon cutting ceremony by our Residents (time to be announced).

Please feel free to come any time between 10.30am and 6.30pm. We will be so happy to show you around and explain the new model of care that we will be offering in the Villa for Elders living with Dementia.

If you have any questions in the meantime, or are unable to make it to the opening but would like to schedule another time to look at the Villa, please contact Belinda on 021 412 242 or Dayna on 021 185 0143.

The Vineyard Villa is set to open officially for Residents to move in on July 2nd.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Location: 507 State Highway 16, Kumeu (Parking by main building or on road)

*Kid and Pet Friendly

Sneak peek of Vineyard Villa progress below!

When Belinda and Dayna visited the Ageing Asia Innovation Conference they found the most amazing piece of gym equipment - the SciFit Lateral Stability Trainer.

It is specially designed for Elders and those recovering from injury to strengthen stabilization muscles and build confidence, and can be used as part of our falls prevention programme.

Some of our Residents have been working with Georgia to incorporate the Trainer into their fitness programme and are already feeling so much better on their feet!

On Saturday the 16th of December we will be throwing our annual Christmas Party for our Staff and Residents and their families.

Starting from 11.30am onwards, we will be having a Christmas Roast with all the trimmings and dessert. Please BYO drinks.

The incredible Tina Cross will be performing from 12pm - 2pm.

Residents are welcome to bring two guests each at no cost, and a third guest at a cost of $15. Due to numbers, unfortunately we can only accomodate this number of guests per Resident.

Please RSVP to Georgia at Reception on 412 9112 or to georgia@kumeuvillage.co.nz by Friday 8th December.

Seating is limited, be in quick so you don't miss out!

Another project that we have been working on at Kumeu Village is the construction of an exquisite new Pergola that will take up the space in the Rest Home/Hospital Courtyard.

The design of the Pergola has been inspired by the Grounds of Alexandria in Sydney. It will be a big, covered, accessible space for Residents, Staff, Families and Friends to use all year-round. As well as a space for functions and parties (which we love to have around here!).

We are planning for the Pergola to be completed before our Annual Christmas Party this year so that it can be enjoyed by all.

We have seen how much joy animals and pets give to our Residents and so wanted to make sure that everyone had the opportunity to have companionship with a furry friend.

Although we have many 'real' animals living with and visiting our Residents, we had been hearing more about robotic animals being used as a therapy pets, especially for Residents living with dementia when they may be anxious or upset.

The Ginger cat that we have introduced into our home responds to touch, meows, purrs, lifts its paw and rolls on its back. Our Residents are loving this new addition, the main response being "this is great, you don't need to feed it"!

Click here to read an article by the New York Times about the introduction of these cats to a home in the US.

We are excited to keep seeing our new friend put a smile on our Residents' faces. Karen is already smitten!

Residents Coffee Shop Trolley

Matariki Day Celebrations

Japanese Diversional Therapist Group Visit

Number 3. of the Eden Alternative Principles that we follow!

Robomower

The Eden Alternative Way

Happy 6th Birthday to Us ..

Smiles and Sunshine!

Merry Xmas from our staff!

Happy Diwali!

Working with Geneva Healthcare - Akenese and Miriam

Recognising International Elder Day

Covid-19 Alert Level 3 Announcement

The Ladybug is now Open!

Happy Mothers Day!

Lady Bug Certification Audit Completed!

Thanks for the treats Margaret!

Posted 08/05/20

Happy 90th Birthday Ilma! We love you!

Posted 01/08/18

We are now selling new local florist The Lovely Blooms' bouquets of beautiful fresh flowers from our café.

There will be different blooms each week and they will range in size/price from $25-$40.

The Vineyard Villa is NOW OPEN

It is with great pleasure we announce, The Vineyard Villa is now open. A big thank you to everyone that both helped and attended the recent opening day, it was a huge success!

'Nestled in the heart of Kumeu wine country, overlooking Kumeu River Winery and surrounded by picturesque grounds, Kumeu Village is a rest home with a difference.

The Vineyard Villa is set on two acres of grounds nestled with a backdrop of beautiful vineyards, a farm yard, outdoor dining, entertaining area and much more.'

The Luxury Rest Home Hospital Dementia Care Wellness Centre and Vineyard Villa is a luxury 15 bedroom unique home designed and built for Elders living with dementia, run using Eden Alternative principles, together with the latest interventions in clinical and dementia-specific care. Read More ...

Vineyard Villa Official Opening

Our Animals are TV Stars!

Kumeu Village Presents at the Eden Alternative Conference

Our SciFit Trainer has arrived!

The Pergola is Open!

Tina Cross will be performing at this year's Christmas Party!

A Beautiful New Area is Taking Shape!

Mid-Winter Christmas

New addition to our Animal Therapy Program