Kimihia Home & Hospital

service wing was opened, allowing residents to come in at rest home level and, as their medical condition or their needs change, they’re able to stay because that wing is certified for hospital level care. Morgan notes, “Those are much bigger rooms that were built so husbands and wives could come into care together. We’re aware that in our community it’s the emphasis of the government to keep people at home a lot longer, and sometimes it’s the carer that needs the care before the cared for person. Our intention was to have couples come in so that the cared for could be looked after, as well as the carer. In our experience, we’ve found it’s the primary carer who has actually passed away or needed much earlier help because it’s just so taxing on them.” The Kimihia hospital provides care right through to end of life, with two dedicated palliative care rooms. The funding for that was assisted by a very strong previous board member. Before she passed away, she needed the care provided in the palliative care unit, so it was a bittersweet turn in her end years that she actually made use of the facility after it was established. Studio apartments are another option at Kimihia. Eleven tasteful modern units are available with separate bedroom, ensuite, lounge, dining and kitchenette overlooking local farmland. Not surprisingly, there is a wait list for those because people want an environment where they receive care but also have the independence of living in their own apartment. “We’re really proud of those units,” says Morgan. “And we also have 18 rented units in Kimihia Village. Everybody there lives completely independently but they do come over for special occasions and when we have Village meetings. They’re still involved with the facility in some capacity and a few of them volunteer to visit with hospital residents or assist with meals. So while they’re separate out there in their own little world they can still access the services we provide on this side, such as Meals on Wheels. In the event they have their own medical issues, K IMIHI A HOME & HOSP I TAL they have sought convalescence care at our facility. And occasionally, villagers come over for our day respite program. We hugely support the transition of people from the village into our rest home when their needs change and they’re really encouraged to be part of the makeup of the facility.” One of the main differences between Kimihia Village and others in the area is that the units are rented out. There are no Occupation Right Agreements on them. As a result, there is a substantial wait list. In essence, Kimihia is its own community within the Huntly community. There are presently about 75 staff members, with an average age of 45 and seven employees over 65. “We just had one who celebrated 25 years of employment at our facility,” says Morgan. “Nobody leaves, once you work here you’re part of the family. Our caregiving staff doesn’t tend to turn over very quickly. They know how things run and they have a vested interest because it’s part of the community. Our communication style between management and staff is as formal as it needs to be but our foremost priority has always been our residents. The decisions I make are with that in mind – that’s my leadership style and I think our staff is of the same mindset that while we get paid to look after our older people, we wouldn’t have a job without our older people. So we make good decisions based on their needs and the intention is always to make sure they are safe and comfortable.” Several expansion projects have pride of place on the future wish list, but being a community- owned and operated facility, access to financial resources is limited. Building-wise there haven’t been a lot of developments but the “archaic” computer systems have been upgraded with new technology that enables both administration and clinical staff to work more efficiently. Kimihia is hugely reliant on support from a local group called the Friends of Kimihia who applied for funding for some “very cool” high- tech equipment. For example, a Nordic wellness Ecomist Waikato 1030A Heaphy Terrace, Fairfield, Hamilton, 3214 07 855 9385 Insect Control Odour Control Fragrancing Hygiene www.ecomist.co.nz