Ropata Lodge Care Community

ROPATA LODGE CARE COMMUNI TY most of our caregivers have been here a long time. Because we’re so small, everyone has to be a sort of jack-of-all-trades. I don’t just stay in my office – I’m activities officer, I’m cook, all that, you’ve just got to do it. And no one minds that, they go out of their job scope quite a bit. For me, it’s not just a job. It’s not about the money. It’s a passion I have for the residents and that goes for the staff, too.” Dealing with every family is unique. They demand different things and want more. Dodds admits she’s become used to that. “It’s not just nursing the residents, you also have to take care of the families that come in, and powers of attorney, the ones that are close to them that you see all the time. You’ve really got to build the relationship up with them too. That was a challenge in the beginning for me but now it’s not.” On tap for 2020, Ropata will be switching from manual chart documenting to an electronic program. Dodds explains, “Instead of hand-signing a chart for each resident it will all be done on the computer. Some of the girls are nervous about that but it’s quite easy. We’re looking to integrate that, definitely for next year. It takes less time for the medication rounds – you don’t get errors and it’s better for the Doctor having to do scripts and things after hours. The running of it will be much more efficient than what we’re doing now.” Marketing isn’t a major focus for Ropata. With people staying in their home longer, residents coming into care now are often in their 90s with a lot of medical problems going on and they don’t stay as long as they used to. Last year, the Lodge did a bit of radio advertising and they got a lot of phone calls from people saying, “We heard your ad on the radio and thought we’d ring up and get some info.” And they also joined Facebook last year, which has worked really well. Dodds shares, “I want to give a big shout-out to our Administrator, Wendy Henry, she takes care of our Facebook page and does an excellent job. And another big shout out to our Human Resources person, Melanie Davies because she works very close to the staff and makes sure I’m on the right track with them. Our builder, Nathan, is also fantastic. We have a few leaks and he knows the building really well, but it’s not just coming in to do the work, he likes huge so the family can be with them.” Some of the units have little balconies and there are a couple of one-bedroom units. Each unit comes with a kitchenette, outfitted with a fridge and a microwave. They all have ensuites, so people can still they have their dignity and feel independent. Ropata Lodge doesn’t have any real competition because all the other facilities in the area are bigger and have hospital level care attached. Or swing beds that go rest home or hospital level. “We’re kind of small and boutiquey,” says Dodds. “People come in the door and tell us “the corporates are beautiful but it’s just not home, it’s too big.” That’s the feedback we get and it’s nice to hear. We don’t have a high turnaround in staff, Think Clean Family owned and operated Arrow Hygiene was born in 2008 to meet the need for quality cleaning products with express service. That mission and a strong commitment to listening to customers’ needs has been the backbone of our success. Today we offer the largest range of cleaning products and take pride in our unparalleled service to commercial business sectors including hotels, offices, schools and shopping centres, with shipping available throughout New Zealand. The talented team at Arrow Hygiene can provide the perfect solution for your cleaning needs, having access to products from all major brands and a strong attention to detail. Our customers are treated like family; whether we’re facilitating the cleaning process by providing mops, cloths and vacuums, or looking out for your safety with matting, we’re a one-stop shop for all your cleaning needs. We can also supply you with paper products, hardware, handcare, even tea room supplies to complement your newly spotless office. Our cleaning products are environmentally friendly, keeping in step with the clean, green nature of New Zealand. If you wish to make a purchase you can do so quickly and easily online, and our reliable shipping division will have it to you in two working days. Think clean, think Arrow Hygiene and experience our great Kiwi service. ...... For more information, please visit our website www.arrowhygiene.co.nz