Cairnfield House Rest Home & Hospital

SUPPLY • INSTALL • SERVICE www.gasworksandplumbing.co.nz Cnr. Poto Street and Porowini Ave PO Box 10193, Te Mai, Whangarei 0800 400 192 RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL | MAINTENANCE CA I RNF I ELD HOUSE REST HOME & HOSP I TAL do some fun things, as well, so it’s not all dealing with serious issues. That’s where my activities coordinators really help because they involve the staff in the fun. So even if they’re feeling tired or down they can have a change of scene and laughter within the daily job. Laughter is absolutely the most important thing to a person’s mental health and we’re very proud to have that as part of the special care we give to the residents, to the staff, to everyone.” and we used to have cats but we had issues with overfeeding, so now families are welcome to bring in their dogs. The SPCA also comes and brings their animals. Every day we’re likely to have someone’s animals coming through. And they don’t just bring it to the family member, they walk through and let other people pet them. A few years ago, one family member came in with a giant white rat on her shoulder. Needless to say, I screamed and ran for my life. She only did it the once. But it’s amazing what can happen here. The other day someone came with a puppy and a kitten, both on leashes. It’s wonderful, and I welcome anyone to just come to have a look and meet us.” Cubro is a long-time supplier of the facility’s medical equipment – wheelchairs, beds, etc. They make regular visits, even though they’re not in town. Many smaller companies in the local area are also recognized as valuable suppliers. When it comes to priorities for the next few years, Middleton notes, “Our Director always has something new planned! But keeping ourselves as the best, and staying full, those are the goals we have every day. Our motto is “Quality and Loving Care is Assured” and that’s what we will continue to do.” Because of the aging in place strategy, keeping people at home longer, they are a lot older and more frail when they come into care. “Even in the rest home environment, very few are coming through for rest home care,” says Middleton. “The facilities being built now start out as retirement villages with extra rooms attached to them. And then they add hospitals and dementia. But there are trends for mental health issues, too. The future in that regard will be challenging. Including looking after the mental health spirit in our own team. I hope they feel they can come to us. We support them through education, training, trying to make sure they have an awareness and understanding. “We are dealing with more palliative care than ever. Even though we are a hospital and it’s what we do, a lot of it is so emotionally draining. To combat that, we have regular staff meetings where we can share our feelings. And we try to PREFERRED VENDORS n Armourguard Security www.armourguard.co.nz Protecting New Zealanders for 80 years As New Zealand’s most experienced security services provider, we have been safeguarding people and property for more than 80 years. From small beginnings in 1939, Armourguard Security now operates around the clock in every part of the country. Having a team of more than 2000 security professionals ensures we can be counted on to meet any type of security need quickly – even in extreme, emergency or short-notice situations. Working with many different public and private sector organisations across a wide range of sectors means nobody knows security like we do. This deep security knowledge and insight means we can take care of it all – professionally and to a high standard - freeing you up to get on with business. From public to private organisations, large to small, ongoing security support to one off jobs. What’s more, security needs can change over time. That’s why we offer fit-for- purpose security solutions designed to help your organisation succeed. As New Zealand’s only nationwide provider of guards, patrols and cash and high value goods security services, our offering is second to none. This enables us to tailor the perfect security solution for your short- and long-term security needs. n Gas Works & Plumbing Ltd www.gasworksandplumbing.co.nz