Oceania Healthcare

Reimagining Aged Care

Providing exceptional care with a caring and innovative approach

Oceania has established itself as a pioneer in New Zealand’s aged care and retirement living sector. With a mission to reimagine the retirement living experience for seniors, the company has been committed to delivering exceptional care, innovating resident services, and fostering a sustainable future. Oceania’s Chief Operating Officer, Anita Hawthorne, and General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Sandra Daniel, share their insights into the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and innovative approaches that are setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Strategic direction

“Oceania was formed from an aggregation of businesses under Macquarie in 2005. We went through a listing on the New Zealand Stock Exchange in 2017, which was a significant milestone. Since then, we have been shaping our vision and strategy,” Hawthorne explains. “We are now in our five-year strategy’s second year. Our vision is to reimagine aged care and retirement living in New Zealand, driven by resident centricity.”

Oceania’s strategy is anchored on four pillars: offer, resident experience, people capability, and growth. The company has invested significantly in developing new properties and optimizing existing ones to meet residents’ evolving needs. “We are committed to delivering a better experience for our residents, not just now but in the future,” Hawthorne emphasizes.

Technology is a key player in enhancing the resident experience at Oceania, and the ‘Together App’ represents this. Serving as an interactive platform, the pilot app allows residents to book services, view menus, and schedule events. The technological integration reflects Oceania’s forward-thinking approach to providing its residents with a seamless and modern living experience, sparking excitement for the future.

Building people capacity

The aged care sector faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with workforce constraints due to border closures. Hawthorne highlights the resilience of Oceania’s workforce and the company’s efforts to invest in its development. “We’ve launched programs like Future Fluent to equip our teams with the skills needed for future business operations,” she notes. “Engagement scores have improved significantly, reflecting our commitment to our people.”

Daniel adds, “Leadership has been key to attracting and retaining talent. By bringing in professionals from outside the industry, we introduce fresh perspectives and elevate the professionalism within the organization.”

Oceania has established itself as a pioneer in New Zealand’s aged care and retirement living sector. With a mission to reimagine the retirement living experience for seniors, the company has been committed to delivering exceptional care, innovating resident services, and fostering a sustainable future. Oceania’s Chief Operating Officer, Anita Hawthorne, and General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Sandra Daniel, share their insights into the organization’s mission, strategic priorities, and innovative approaches that are setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Strategic direction

“Oceania was formed from an aggregation of businesses under Macquarie in 2005. We went through a listing on the New Zealand Stock Exchange in 2017, which was a significant milestone. Since then, we have been shaping our vision and strategy,” Hawthorne explains. “We are now in our five-year strategy’s second year. Our vision is to reimagine aged care and retirement living in New Zealand, driven by resident centricity.”

Oceania’s strategy is anchored on four pillars: offer, resident experience, people capability, and growth. The company has invested significantly in developing new properties and optimizing existing ones to meet residents’ evolving needs. “We are committed to delivering a better experience for our residents, not just now but in the future,” Hawthorne emphasizes.

Technology is a key player in enhancing the resident experience at Oceania, and the ‘Together App’ represents this. Serving as an interactive platform, the pilot app allows residents to book services, view menus, and schedule events. The technological integration reflects Oceania’s forward-thinking approach to providing its residents with a seamless and modern living experience, sparking excitement for the future.

Building people capacity

The aged care sector faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly with workforce constraints due to border closures. Hawthorne highlights the resilience of Oceania’s workforce and the company’s efforts to invest in its development. “We’ve launched programs like Future Fluent to equip our teams with the skills needed for future business operations,” she notes. “Engagement scores have improved significantly, reflecting our commitment to our people.”

Daniel adds, “Leadership has been key to attracting and retaining talent. By bringing in professionals from outside the industry, we introduce fresh perspectives and elevate the professionalism within the organization.”

Mental health and wellbeing

Oceania remains committed to innovation and enhancing resident experience, with a continued focus on its Five Ways to Wellbeing framework. By integrating activities and programs that foster connection, physical activity, mindfulness, lifelong learning, and generosity, Oceania ensures residents lead fulfilling and balanced lives. One such initiative is the “Step Together” program, which encourages residents to walk for mental health and raise funds for the Mental Health Foundation.

“Our residents walked ten times the geographical distance of Oceania’s New Zealand sites during the Step Together initiative,” Hawthorne says. “They were incredibly engaged and motivated, and we raised $20,000 for the Mental Health Foundation. It was a powerful demonstration of community spirit.”

Demystifying aged care

Daniel highlights the importance of demystifying the aged care sector. “Many people have outdated perceptions of aged care. We aim to have open, honest conversations to reduce fear and anxiety,” she says. “People don’t realize the benefits of aged care until they experience the improved quality of life it offers.”

Hawthorne adds, “When residents come into our care, we often see improvements in their health and wellbeing. Some benefits are better nutrition, reduced loneliness, and improved medication management.”

Oceania is committed to changing the narrative around aged care. By providing transparent information and fostering open dialogue, the company aims to break down the stigma and misconceptions associated with aged care. The proactive approach helps families make informed decisions and ensures residents receive the best care and support.

Dementia care

Dementia care is a critical area of focus for Oceania. The company has adopted the Montessori approach to create supportive and engaging environments for residents with dementia. The approach emphasizes maintaining residents’ independence and enabling them to continue with familiar routines and activities.

“We believe in creating homelike environments within dementia units,” Daniel explains. “Residents should feel at home and be able to engage in tasks they have always done. This helps maintain their dignity and improves their quality of life.”

Oceania’s dementia care units are designed to promote a sense of community and belonging. Each unit is divided into smaller, homelike sections where residents can interact with each other and employees in a familiar setting. The design helps reduce anxiety and confusion, providing residents with a calming and supportive environment.

Future directions

In its commitment to adopting lifelong learning and personal development, Oceania encourages residents to engage in educational programs, workshops, and activities that stimulate their minds and promote a sense of achievement. The dedication to lifelong learning forms a pivotal aspect of Oceania’s resident experience strategy.

Positioned to sustain its journey of growth and transformation, Oceania remains dedicated to delivering exceptional care and enriching experiences for New Zealand’s ageing population. Through its focus on sustainability, and resident-centered care, Oceania continues to lead the industry, setting a standard that inspires others in the field.

AT A GLANCE

Oceania

What: A New Zealand-based provider of aged care and retirement living services that offers boutique residences and specialized care options, including rest home, hospital, and dementia care.

Where: 39 locations across New Zealand

Website: https://oceaniahealthcare.co.nz/

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