Thank you for choosing Knox as your home; on behalf of the Knox Community, welcome. The move from home to a care home is a major life change. The Knox team commits to supporting new resident’s transitions to this new place. You will see around Knox the “10 Point Promise to Welcome New Residents”. This makes very explicit the things residents have told us are important. If you feel there is more we can do to support you in settling in, please tell us.
As an Eden Alternative home, we encourage residents to engage in the life of Knox. This includes key decision making such as staff recruitment, volunteering in the community and a variety of resident-driven committees. We welcome your involvement in these important roles.
Our community is dedicated to providing a home where residents have opportunities to grow and continue with things that have meaning for them; where they can maintain links with the community and enhance their wellbeing and independence.
We actively encourage involvement of family and friends and strive to provide the best support and care we can.
Knox also warmly welcomes resident and family pets to join the many pets already living here.
It is important we learn more about you and that you tell us about your goals, preferences and those things that are important to you. Your Care Team will then work with you to develop this plan.
Our Community Partnerships, Leisure and Lifestyle and Volunteering Teams are all here to make certain residents have opportunities to learn new things, explore passions such as art, music and more and have access to companionship. They will also meet with you to find out the things you are interested in.
Welcome home to Knox. We look forward to meeting you.
here for each other
HISTORY OF KNOX
Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital is a Charitable Trust with over 110 years of service to the Auckland Community. Our founder Elizabeth Knox, wife of successful farmer and philanthropist Charles Knox, left a bequest on her death in 1908 for the “purpose of building, endowing and maintaining a hospital or home for poor people suffering from incurable diseases.”
The Knox Home Trust Board was formed in 1911 with the early task of constructing the Home located on a portion of the Knox farm in Tamaki, Auckland – in the vicinity of Morrin Road, St Johns.
On completion of the building in 1914, patients were transferred from Auckland Hospital. As time went by, the Home increased services to a wider range of patients. In 1939 the Minister of Health granted the Home recognition as a hospital accepting wounded or sick soldiers returning from World War II.
Through the 1950’s improvements were made to the facilities until the late 1960’s when the decision to relocate to a more central location was made. By 1974 the new Home was opened on the current Ranfurly Road site in Epsom. A programme of extensive rebuilding, development and renovation has been underway since 2010.
Today Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital is home to both subsidised and fee-paying residents with care extended across the age spectrum from young people to elders.
We are now a fully-registered Eden Alternative home and achieved Master Gardener status in 2016. We focus on creating a true human habitat, a place where there’s loving companionship, meaningful activity and high quality care. We’re proud to be continuing the valuable work that Elizabeth Knox started.
YOUR GUIDE TO KNOX
We are privileged to have you join us and making Knox your new home.
The guide is arranged in sections of related information. The Index on page 26 will guide you to your desired section.
We often use the phrase Care Team in this guide; your Care Team refers to the staff members - Registered Nurses (RNs) and Care Partners (CPs) - based within your home of residence. If you have any questions that are not answered in this guide, ask your Care Team.
COMING HOME
Care Administrator
Our Care Administrator is the primary contact for enquiries about making Knox your home. After you have moved in, your key contact will be the Registered Nurse in your home.
Clothing
Please ensure all your clothing is clearly identifiable by your name in full on a label or written in permanent marker. Please let the Care Administrator or Care Team know if you would like to arrange to have your clothing marked with a permanent marker.
Knox provides a commercial laundry service for residents’ laundry. We also encourage residents to use the domestic laundries within Knox.
For any lost clothing, please see the Care Team.
Electric blankets, hot water bottles and wheat bags
For safety reasons, electric blankets and hot water bottles are not used at Knox. For use of wheat bags or other heat packs please see the Care Team and/or Physiotherapist.
Equipment
Equipment may be supplied to you while living at Knox. This remains the property of Knox. However should you or your family wish to purchase your own equipment the Leisure and Lifestyle and Physiotherapy Teams may be able to advise on suitability.
Knox reserves the right to review the continued suitability of equipment and, if necessary, you or your family may be required to arrange for the removal of equipment assessed as unsuitable.
When you join the Knox community your need for equipment that has already been supplied by external support agencies will be reassessed by the onsite Leisure and Lifestyle and Physiotherapy Teams. This is to ensure suitability for you and the Knox environment. Unnecessary or unsuitable equipment will be returned to Accessable. This will be coordinated by these teams.
Holidays
If you are considering a holiday it is important to consider that Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Health only funds short periods of leave from Knox. For lengthy periods of absence, there is a risk that funding may be stopped. Knox cannot guarantee that we can hold any vacant room which is not paid for.
Furnishings and Personal Property
Knox is fully furnished. You are welcome to bring small personal items to create a feeling of home – a favourite small chair and/or occasional table. No rugs are permitted. It is essential there is safe and unrestricted access with no items that present a hazard.
Large items of furniture pose significant risks and inhibit the Care Team from being able to safely undertake care in small spaces, so are unsuitable for your room at Knox. Sofas, high bookcases, electrical appliances are all unsuitable.
All rooms have a TV provided. Fridges, microwaves, toasters, and kettles are provided in the fully equipped kitchens located around Knox for your use. Fire regulations require that these are confined to designated kitchens only.
You are also reminded that with all personal property, you remain responsible for their insurance. This includes optical glasses, hearing aids, dentures, computers, tablets, mobile phones and jewellery amongst all of your personal property.
Insurance
Although we endeavour to take every care, we cannot take responsibility for your personal property which you need to insure yourself. This can be achieved by accessing Contents Insurance through your preferred insurance provider.
Lost Property
Knox does not take responsibility for any lost property. Unnamed items of clothing are kept in the laundry. To locate lost clothing, please ask the Care Team to check with the Laundry. Unclaimed clothing is donated to charity on a regular basis.
Knox provides a safe that we encourage you to place precious items in. If keeping valuables in your room, please ensure these are safely stored as we are not responsible for any loss of personal property.
Resident Rights
Knox respects the individual rights of everyone who comes to live at Knox. The Health and Disability Commission Code of Rights establishes the rights of consumers, and the obligations and duties of providers to comply with the Code which is a regulation under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act.
More information regarding your rights can be provided by the Receptionist or the Care Administrator.
Residents Living in the Knox Community
Residents’ responsibilities include advising staff of any issues they are aware of that may compromise Knox’s ability to:
- Provide appropriate care
- Make accurate and responsible care decisions
- Maintain a safe and healthy care facility
Therefore, please:
- Be open with the Care Team about health, current medications and treatments, previous illnesses and treatments, and family history of illness when asked
- Feel free to ask for clarification or further explanation of anything you don’t understand
- Be respectful to staff working in the facility, treating others as you would wish to be treated. Swearing at staff and any other abusive behaviour is unacceptable
- Respect the privacy of other residents and keep in confidence any information gained about them
- Respect other residents observations of religious, cultural and ethnic practices and treat other residents with respect and courtesy
- Sexual or racial harassment and abuse is never acceptable
- Show consideration to other residents being mindful of noise levels, lighting and conduct of visitors
- Advise a member of the team if you wish to raise any concerns
- Advise the staff when leaving the Home to avoid unnecessary worry and ask that you complete the Signing Out sheet in Main Reception and Puriri, Harakeke and Kawakawa Homes when going out.
Review of Service
The Knox team are keen to hear about residents and families experiences of Knox. This can be done in a variety of ways:
- By speaking directly to the Care Team or other team members
- Through the regular and intermittent ‘Issues Survey’
- At one of our weekly Koreros informal meeting or regular resident and family meetings (dates and times will be included in our newsletters and displayed throughout Knox).
- A Compliments and Concerns Form is available at Reception.
Room Movements
While we endeavour to minimise moving residents between bedrooms, in the case of changing care needs we reserve the right to move residents as required. This will be discussed with you.
Smoking
Knox is a smoke and vape-free environment. This includes staff and visitors. All team members and visitors are required to leave Knox premises to smoke.
Visiting Hours
Visiting times are published on the Knox website and do change if conditions change. Knox is locked to external access outside of visiting times. In the event the door is locked, use the intercom at the main entrance door to verify your identity with staff.
Please note that when surveyed, residents asked that Dining Rooms remain visitor-free at meal times and we ask that any visits at meal times are within the resident’s room or area away from the dining rooms.
If a resident friend or relative is seriously ill, please consult with their Care Team about appropriate visiting hours and length of stay. In the event of serious illness, we have provisions for relatives to stay overnight. Please discuss this with the Care Team if you would like to know more.
Please never visit if you or a member of your household are unwell.
Visitor Parking
Parking for visitors is available in the main carpark accessible from Ranfurly Road. On-street parking is normally available, should the carpark be full. We request that visitors refrain from parking in front of the Knox main entrance at the front of the building or in any area not designated as a parking area. Emergency vehicle access and emergency egress must be maintained at all times and unattended vehicles cannot be left at the front entrance.
Visiting Pets
At Knox we welcome resident pets and visitor pets. Please be aware that Knox can be intimidating for visiting pets due to the number of wheelchairs, resident Knox pets and general activity. We therefore request that all
COMING HOME
visiting dogs are kept on a leash at all times. This minimises undue stress to both Knox and visiting pets. All visiting pets must also be fully vaccinated and be up-to-date with flea and tick treatments.
We have a designated doggy garden located to the left of the main dining room with doggy bags and water bowls provided.
Visitor Refreshments
Visitors are invited to help themselves to hot and cold drinks at any of the lounge kitchen facilities or in the Olive or Palm Cafés. If you need assistance finding the nearest kitchen, please ask a member of the Knox team.
Visitor Toilets
Visitor toilets can be found:
• next to Main Reception
• by the Tawa Home Lounge
• Nikau Home - by the ground floor entrance and on both floors
• Puriri Home on both floors
• Puka Home at the rear of the building behind the Care Bases
• Totara Home - on both floors.
more café culture or less
Knox Olive Café:
Cafés
The self-help Olive and Palm Cafés can be found on ‘The Street’ which is located between the Main Reception Lounge and the Nikau Home ramp. Residents, visitors and guests are welcome to refreshments in the cafés at any time and ask that you self care.
Call Bells
Call bells are featured in all bedrooms and bathrooms. These are linked to a computer system which records the time the bell was rung and time answered. Knox Team use pagers and mobile phones to receive these calls. Shared living spaces have call bells for assistance and there are also emergency bells in dining rooms, lounges and corridors. The team will be happy to show you how to use these.
Knox has a silent call system. Only emergency calls are audible.
Fire Safety
Knox has a fully-equipped fire detection system including smoke detectors, alarms, sprinkler system and smoke curtains. If an alarm activates, residents and visitors should remain where they are. Staff will inform you of any further actions that you may need to take. Please make yourselves familiar with exits around Knox. We conduct regular fire drills and ask that you help us by participating in these as directed by staff. Smoking or vaping is not permitted in or around any Knox buildings.
In Puriri and Totara Homes lounge/kitchen areas, smoke curtains recessed into the ceiling will activate in the presence of smoke. Areas beneath these smoke curtains must remain clear of people and furniture at all times.
Residents are asked to inform staff when they leave the facility, in case of an emergency.
Fridges
Fridges for residents use are situated in the communal kitchen areas around Knox. Please use these spaces respectfully and ensure that all food is labelled with your name and the date it
was placed there. Food outside the Use By date will be disposed of.
Fridges are not permitted in resident rooms.
Hairdresser
A hairdresser is available at the Knox Salon. Day and time information is available from Reception. Appointments can be made directly with the hairdresser.
Interpreter Services
We have a multicultural staff and volunteer team who are happy to support interpreting requirements. If an external interpreter is required, you may be charged for this. Please discuss specific needs with your Care Team.
Independent, external interpreting services can be sourced through the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Laundry
We have a number of domestic laundry facilities that enable you to do your own personal laundry should you wish. If you would like assistance with these facilities, please discuss with your Care Team.
Please ensure all clothing is clearly and permanently labelled prior to admission.
Family or friends are welcome to take home personal washing. In particular, items that require special care (e.g. woollens, delicates) should not go to the Knox Laundry.
All bed and bathroom linen is washed by Knox in our own laundry.
Library
There are various library spaces throughout Knox for resident’s use. Our Leisure and Lifestyle Team are continually sourcing books to ensure a selection is available. If you wish to contribute books to Knox please see the Leisure and Lifestyle Team.
Epsom Library is the closest public library, located at 195 Manukau Road, Epsom.
Mail
Mail is distributed Monday to Friday to the appropriate home Care Team. Letters for posting should be given to Reception by 1:30pm. Stamps are also available for purchase at Reception.
Meals
While we aim to be flexible with meals, an indication of meal times are as follows:
Breakfast from 7:00am
Lunch from 12:00pm
Dinner from 5:00pm
If you are out or wish to have your meal outside of these times, please tell your Care Team. Kitchens in each home are lightly stocked with easily prepared foods for you to prepare for yourself or with the help of the Care Team.
Families and loved ones are also welcome to prepare food and are encouraged to use the kitchens. Please ensure that these spaces are left clean and tidy after use.
Receptionist
Our Receptionist is available Monday to Friday, and weekends as required. The Reception team is the first point of contact for many queries about Knox. If you have any general enquiries, Personal Funds queries, or are uncertain about who to speak with, please see our Receptionist.
Shop
A small shop stocking basic items can be found next to the Olive Café. This shop is run by our Volunteers and the opening hours can be found by the shop door or on the Activity Diary.
Residents with sufficient credit are able to charge these items to their Knox Personal Funds Account (see Financial Information on page 25).
RANFURLYROAD
MARKET ROAD
SITE MAP
Care Partners
Care Partners support you for your personal care. They are always available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Complimentary Therapy
This is welcomed at Knox provided this is discussed with the resident’s healthcare team.
Dentist
A dentist visits Knox regularly offering a range of standard treatments. Should you require more involved treatment, residents must make their own arrangements, at their own cost. Should you wish to book an appointment with the visiting dentist, please see your Care Team.
Diet
A dietitian-approved menu provides a wellbalanced range of meals. If, for medical reasons, you have special dietary requirements please ensure that you advise your Care Team. Menus are displayed throughout the homes.
Doctors
Soon after moving in to Knox you will be visited by one of our Doctors. Our team will coordinate meetings and consultations when appropriate.
Short-term Residents who may stay with us for Respite (Private or DHB authorised) or Carer Support may be liable for the cost of a Doctor visit and any non-subsidised medication if this is needed.
Nursing
Knox provides 24-hour Registered Nurse cover with staffing levels over and above Ministry of Health regulations.
Our qualified Registered Nurses help you to remain healthy. Please speak to them about any of your health issues.
HEALTH CARE
Our Care Team is led by our Care Leader who is supported by Clinical Operations Managers and After Hours Site Managers.
Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapist works with the Physiotherapy and Care Team to assess residents’ wheelchair and seating needs and to advise on measures to promote independence.
Opticians
Residents must make their own arrangements for visiting an optician. There are several opticians locally. Please see your Care Team if you would like more information about local services.
Physiotherapy
Our Physiotherapy Team operates Monday to Friday in the gymnasium and supports residents to engage in appropriate physical activity that will enhance your wellbeing and quality of life. They work closely with residents and family to support the achievement of the resident’s personal goals.
Podiatry
A podiatry service is available at a reasonable cost and can be organised through your Care Team. There is no charge for diabetic residents or residents who have a recognised medical condition requiring ongoing podiatry care.
Prescription Charges
For long term subsidised residents most prescription charges are covered by funding, however certain medications (i.e. non-prescribed items or items not on the New Zealand Government Pharmaceutical Schedule) may incur a charge. Short term and private-paying residents generally pay for all pharmaceuticals. If you are unsure about specific medications please discuss this with your Care Team.
more leisure or less
Knox Lifestyle & Leisure Coordinators: More opportunities for a better life here ... or less if you prefer.
LIFESTYLE
Children
An Eden Alternative home commits to creating a human habitat where life revolves around continuing contact with people of all ages. Visiting children from families, friends, schools and community groups significantly enhance Knox life through intergenerational activities.
Eden Alternative
Knox became New Zealand’s first fullyregistered Eden Alternative home in 2014. The Eden Alternative is an international philosophy focusing on de-institutionalisation and elderdriven care. Plants, animals and children are part of daily life. There will be many opportunities for elders and their families to learn more about the Eden Alternative, and we invite you to join in any of these.
The 10 Principles of the Eden Alternative are printed on the inside back cover of this guide book and are displayed in Knox homes.
Gardens
An Eden Alternative home also commits to life revolving around plants.
For this reason gardens at Knox are a significant part of our environment. We have, over the past few years, invested in more gardens for our residents to enjoy and work or socialise in.
These raised bed gardens are residents own space to grow vegetables and flowers which can be used within Knox Home. Flowers can be picked by residents for their enjoyment. Contact the Lifestyle and Leisure Team to be involved.
Leisure and Lifestyle
We have an active Leisure and Lifestyle Team promoting a wide range of activities designed to meet individual needs and enhance wellbeing. A weekly activity diary is developed in conjunction with residents and we encourage all residents to participate in social events and opportunities as they wish. Copies of the activity diary are displayed around Knox and are also available at Reception. If you have any suggestions or questions, please see the Leisure and Lifestyle Team.
Residents Pets
Please talk with us if you have a pet that you would like to have living with you at Knox. We will agree with you an appropriate plan for their care and support. All pets living at Knox are assigned a primary care giver and a programme that ensures vaccinations, flea protection or other health care needs are attended to.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity
Knox is a multi-cultural community. Help us understand those things that are really important to you so that as a community, we can learn together.
Church Services
Knox is non-denominational and we support all forms of worship. Services, communion and fellowship meetings are held regularly at Knox by various denominations and are publicised in the Activity Diary.
St George’s Church, at 19 Ranfurly Road, holds regular services on Sundays. Volunteers from St George’s Church are available to assist those who wish to attend services.
To find out more or to express your interest, please see the Leisure and Lifestyle Team or Volunteer Coordinator.
Community Partnership and the Cultivate Programme
Our Cultivate programme develops links and relationships with a wide range of community groups and organisations so that Knox residents can be meaningfully involved in the community.
Cultivate brings together the opportunities for you to do what you want to. It may be a regular thing or a one-off arrangement but every experience makes a big difference to the lives of those participating.
Residents may want to help others, learn a new skill, take up or reinvigorate a hobby, join a special interest group, perform a kind deed, give someone a surprise or simply experience something new. Contact the Lifestyle and Leisure Coordinator.
Family Meetings
We encourage family to be involved in your care. The Care Team, with your permission, invite your family to meet with them soon after you join us at Knox and regularly thereafter. These meetings are a great opportunity to discuss care needs, goals, resolve any concerns and increase our knowledge of residents.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Korero
A weekly Korero is held every Wednesday morning to update residents on happenings around Knox and to get resident feedback. Please see the Activity Diary for time and location. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings.
Social Events and Community Opportunities
The Knox Leisure and Lifestyle Team organises a weekly Activity Diary that may include live entertainment, arts and crafts, recreational activities and various social functions. Copies of the Activity Diary are available at Reception. They also organise recreational trips and shopping outings. We endeavour to cater for individual needs whenever possible. Trips often incur a small charge. Please see the Leisure and Lifestyle Team for specific charges and to enquire about reserving your place on any trips.
Volunteers
Knox Volunteers are a vital part of our community. Volunteering takes place across all aspects of Knox from the Board of Trustees to administration and companionship for residents. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at Knox, or have any questions about volunteers, please see our Volunteer Coordinator or visit our website.
Volunteer Coordinator
Our Volunteer Coordinator is a liaison between residents, volunteers and the Care Team to ensure that our volunteering community is supporting the needs of the wider Knox community.
TECHNOLOGY AND ENTERTAINMENT
Telephones
Residents wishing to have an in room landline will be charged $30 per month.
The fee for WiFi access is $40 per month.
The total the fee for both a phone and WiFi is $70 per month.
In-room telephones can be set-up with either your old home number or we can issue you a new local number. They are easy to use, have direct dial to the room and all outbound calls within New Zealand are included but exclude 0900 calls.
To call a Resident from both inside and outside the facility, simply dial their allocated telephone number.
Reception
Dial 523 3119
Emergency calls
From in-room and public phones dial 111
Public Phones
There are several phones available for resident and family use throughout Knox. Local calls can be made free of charge.
Television
TVs can be found in all of our lounges and in each bedroom. We do not encourage the use of residents own TVs. Knox is not liable for any damage or issues if you choose to bring in your own TV. We do not encourage the use of large TVs as these can pose additional risk and all TVs must be wall mounted on the Knox bracket.
All mounted TVs and remotes are the property of Knox and are not to be removed.
Satellite TV
TVs in resident rooms have the ability to be connected to a satellite TV network. You are required to make your own arrangements for the connection, payment, and maintenance of this service. All arrangements for installation need to be overseen by a Knox team member. Please check with Reception for advice on how to proceed. TV aerials, or other installations are not permitted as these cause damage to the building.
Free basic WiFi is available for residents and visitors in public spaces. This is provided at slower speed and restricted bandwidth which is adequate for emailing and light browsing of the internet.
For a faster, reliable WiFi service with unlimited data and high bandwidth, residents can pay a monthly fee. This service is best for streaming movies and programmes from providers like Netflix, accessing cloud-based apps, making and receiving video calls from family and friends.
If residents choose the fast WiFi option, there is no fixed term. Ask for a form to sign up at Reception.
We cannot provide IT support to residents for management of their devices.
Knox Access-Equipped Van: More opportunities for a better life here ... or less if you prefer.
Disabled Parking Permits
If you have your own vehicle, you may find access to shops and public amenities would be eased by using mobility parking spaces. This requires you to display a valid Disabled Parking Permit. These can be arranged through the Leisure and Lifestyle Team.
Knox Van
Knox has a fully accessible van for group outings. We have a group of team members who have undertaken specialised driving and safety training to become registered Knox van drivers. Please note that the van is not available for use by individual residents for any purpose including transport to recreational events or medical appointments.
Medical Appointments and Escort
It is expected that family/friends accompany residents to medical appointments. If they are unable to do so, Knox may be able to arrange escort. Escort and transport charges may apply. Please discuss these needs with your Care Team.
Short Stay (non-subsidised) Residents and residents on funded programmes (e.g. Respite Care and Carer Support) will be charged the full costs associated with transport and escort costs.
Should you wish to enquire about this service, please see the Care Team.
This is subject to reasonable use.
Public Transport
Buses run frequently from nearby Manukau Road linking the City, Newmarket and Onehunga. Remuera Railway Station is also close by.
Taxis
Taxis, including mobility taxis, can be ordered through Reception or the Care Team. You will need to arrange to pay taxi drivers directly.
TRANSPORT
Total Mobility Scheme
To reduce the cost of taxi transport to appointments it is requested that all residents have an Auckland Transport ‘Total Mobility Card’ with them for use at Knox. Those who do not already have a card will be supported to have the required assessment before obtaining a card at a cost to the resident.
Accounts Receivable Administrator
Please direct enquiries regarding fees or funding to our Accounts Receivable Administrator who is responsible for managing financial aspects of your stay at Knox.
Advocacy Service
Health Advocacy Services are available at no charge to residents through the Health and Disability Commission’s Nationwide Advocacy Service 0800 555 050. Please see Reception for more information.
Bequests & Donations
As a not-for-profit provider of care with over 110 years of supporting elders and young disabled residents, Knox increasingly looks to the community to support funding of care equipment, wages and general running costs.
A Bequests and Legacies brochure is available at Reception and we welcome support of the community. Please contact the CEO or Commercial Manager if you require further information.
Board of Trustees
Members of the Knox Home Trust Board are all accomplished individuals who bring tremendous acumen, experience and expertise to the governance of Knox. The Board ensures that Knox is responsibly managed and stays true to the original vision and values of Elizabeth Knox. Further information about our Board members can be found in our annual report or on our website.
Care Administrator
Our Care Administrator is the primary contact for enquiries about making Knox your home.
ADMINISTRATION
Care Leader
Our Care Leader oversees the quality of care ensuring that the services and facilities provided by Knox are of consistently high standard. Please contact them if you have any queries or concerns regarding a quality issue.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Our CEO is responsible for providing the overall direction and management of Knox.
Electoral Roll
Please notify the Electoral Commission of your change of address for the electoral roll. A polling booth is made available at Knox for voting during General Elections.
Enduring Power of Attorney
Appointing an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPOA) is required as it allows you to determine clearly who you would like to be making decisions on your behalf, should you become unable to do so. There are two types of Power of Attorney; Personal Care and Welfare, and Property. These can be established as the same person or two different people. If you wish to appoint an EPOA please seek the advice and assistance of a lawyer or a trustee organisation.
Gifts
Gifts to individual staff members are not encouraged and staff are not permitted to accept gifts greater than $25 value. If you would like to recognise the efforts of an individual staff member a small gift could be considered appropriate. Any larger gifts or donations should be directed to the wider Knox community. Please discuss any gifts or donations you would like to make with a Clinical Mentor or the CEO.
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Knox Hair Salon: More opportunities for a better life here ... or less if you prefer.
Fees
The Accounts Team are able to assist residents with queries relating to fees, benefits and subsidies.
Private paying residents continue to receive their NZ Superannuation from Work and Income and pay fees to Knox. Private paying residents requiring long term care pay a maximum contribution set by contract with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora which ‘top up’ the difference to the Provider fee according to the terms of the contract.
Fees are deducted fortnightly by direct debit, unless otherwise arranged with the Accounts Team. During business hours we do have EFTPOS and credit card facilities on site which will attract an additional 2% processing fee.
Subsidised residents have their New Zealand Superannuation or other benefit paid by Work and Income directly to Knox, except for a personal allowance paid into their individual bank account. Knox is not able to extend credit to residents.
Personal Funds Service
A personal funds service is provided for the safe keeping of cash and some financial transactions (described below). This service is available at Reception Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, (except public holidays). Cash withdrawals are only permitted where accounts show a credit balance. We require a minimum of $200 on admission to activate a Personal Funds Account.
For ease of payment some financial transactions may be taken directly from the Personal Funds Account. These may include (but are not limited to) hairdressing, activities, podiatry and pharmacy charges, phone rentals, WiFi plan, publication subscriptions, shop purchases, clothing labels, dentists, taxi and x-ray charges where applicable. A Schedule of Charges is provided on all admission agreements and is updated as required.
A monthly Statement is generated, detailing account activity. These are sent to the individual indicated on admission (The Personal Funds
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Ledger Statement Form). Residents or next-of-kin can enquire with the Receptionist about Statement transactions.
Personal Funds accounts are to be paid in advance as credit is not extended. We suggest that the account be always maintained with $200 credit so access to services is not restricted due to inadequate funds.
Cash deposits can be directed to the Receptionist. Payment can also be made by EFTPOS, or by direct credit to the ASB Bank, account number 12 3011 0630984 00. Please quote the resident’s surname and room number as the reference.
Invoicing of Knox Home facility fees are processed separately and are therefore excluded from the Personal Funds Statement.
Residential Care Subsidy
Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora decides whether or not a resident can receive a Residential Care Subsidy. Generally they must be:
- 65 years, or aged 50-64 years and ‘close in interest’ to people aged over 65 years
- Assessed as requiring residential care by Needs Assessment and Service Coordination
- Income and asset tested by Ministry of Social Development to determine whether they can contribute to the cost of their care
For more information contact Work and Income or the Needs Assessor at the DHB.
EDEN ALTERNATIVE 10 PRINCIPLES
1. The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of suffering among our Elders.
2. An Elder-centred community commits to creating a human habitat where life revolves around close and continuing contact with people of all ages and abilities, as well as plants and animals. It is these relationships that provide the young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living.
3. Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. Elders deserve easy access to human and animal companionship.
4. An Elder-centred community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness.
5. 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.
6. Meaningless activity corrodes the human spirit. The opportunity to do things that we find meaningful is essential to human health.
7. Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master.
8. 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.