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07 September 2011
Our Board Members Mr Warwick Peacock— Chairman Dr Alistair MacCormick Mr Andrew Smith Mrs Christine Hart Dr Ross McCormick Dr Bruce Foggo Mr Bal Mathison Our board meets on a monthly basis.
IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
BUILDING OPENING END OF OCTOBER
KNOX BALL FRIDAY 11 NOVEMBER
CHILDRENS XMAS PARTY SATURDAY 3 DECEMBER
Newsletter With the Rugby World Cup in full swing and Spring just around the corner we can look forward to more of the “buzz” that is so evident in Auckland over the past few weeks. At Knox we have adopted all the world cup teams with each home having four teams colours decorating their walls and the opening day of the RWC saw fierce competition as everyone entered into the fun, dressing in the national colours of their team. The redevelopment project has now been in full swing since late in 2010 when the kitchen, dining room and latterly physiotherapy and OT areas have all been re-furbished. The completion of the porte cochere, administration, reception, lounge and atrium areas area and once the driveway is completed this will bring an end to the first stage. It is expected that the opening of the new areas will occur late in October. The refurbishment of Karaka commenced this week and as this is staged it will take until May 2012 to complete. We have achieved a Resource Consent for the new dementia homes but currently our priority is achievement of a Resource Consent for the 2 storey building elsewhere on the EKHH site as it was not possible to achieve a Resource Consent for this in the location we had planned. We are in grave need of the additional hospital – level rooms and this is now of greatest urgency. In July the annual Eden Alternative Quality Awards were judged. These awards provide an opportunity for team members to put forward projects they have established to integrate the Eden Philosophy into the daily life of Knox. Every project put forward reflected the commitment of the Knox team to addressing the plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom. 1st Equal – Kowhai 1st Equal – Rimu 2nd - Totara 3rd - Kauri / Karaka 4th – Night Duty Team Many thanks for the efforts of these teams – it was humbling to see the scope of the projects and the opportunities for these to be adopted across EKHH. Several months ago EKHH entered the Auckland Central Chamber of Commerce Business Awards and it has been a great thrill to hear that we are finalists in the “Workplace Safety” category. This is superb recognition of the importance the whole team places on ensuring the environment is safe residents, families and visitors, staff and contractors are critical in this, with a few more challenges during the building work.
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119
www.knox.co.nz
IS S UE
We welcome and appreciate the close involvement of family and friends of Residents in the daily life of Knox and you are always welcome at the weekly Resident meetings held at 10:15am Wednesdays – currently held in the OT Room. We also know how busy people’s lives are, so we are pleased to invite you to another of the evening meetings for Residents, family and friends. We have scheduled a meeting on Tuesday 11 October at 5:30pm – 6:30pm in the OT Department. This is an opportunity for us to get together and discuss the Redevelopment Project, the Eden Alternative and have a general catch-up. Spring is nature’s way of saying “lets party”!! – Robin Williams Best wishes
Jill
Mailing Address: Our mailing address is either 10 Ranfurly Road, Epsom, 1023 Or P O Box 74060, Greenlane, 1546 It is best to send parcels to our street address as our courier only collects mail which fits into the P O Box.
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-centered community commits to creating a human habitat where life revolves around close and continuing contact with plants, animals, and children. 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-centered community creates opportunity to give as well as receive care. This is the antidote to helplessness. 5. An Elder-centered 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-centered community honours it Elders by de-emphasizing top-down bureaucratic authority, seeking instead to place the maximum possible decisionmaking authority into the hands of the Elders or into the hands of those closest to them. 9. Creating an Elder-centered community is a never-ending process. Human growth must never be separated from human life. Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there can be no substitute. 10. The core concept of the Eden Alternative™ is simple: we must teach ourselves to see existing and new care environments as habitats for human beings that promote health and wellbeing rather than facilities for the frail and elderly. The Eden Alternative™ shows us how companion animals, children and plants help in providing an opportunity for a meaningful contribution and care, and how the Eden Alternative™ works at preventing and eliminating the aged care plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom For more information on the Eden Alternative, please visit www.edenalt.org
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119
www.knox.co.nz
The renovations commenced in December 2010 are progressing according to plan, despite some very wet weather, with the anticipated opening of our new lounge and administration areas on target in late October.
Before
May
July 2011
August2011
Inside Lounge and Front Entrance July 2011
Inside Lounge and Front Entrance September 2011
Current
Demolition commenced on 1 March 2011
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119
www.knox.co.nz
Physio & OT have completed their face lifts and are back in full swing
Supporting Knox into the Future For over 100 years Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital has provided care and support for those in need. This was made possible through the generous bequest of Elizabeth Knox. One way you can help us to continue to provide these services and to secure the future of Knox is to consider making provision for a donation or bequest. If you would like to leave a gift to Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital in your will we suggest you consult a lawyer, the Public Trust or a Trustee company. Your legacy would be greatly appreciated and would assist in securing the long term future of Knox. If you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact Jill Woodward, CEO.
VOLUNTEERS A big thank you to all of our volunteers who support our residents by donating their time to them. Their contribution to our services is invaluable to our residents and staff We are always keen to expand our great volunteer team and would welcome your support. Can you spare a few hours per week? Do you have a special something you are good at that you could share with our residents. Perhaps you like to cook and could come in and help a few of our residents to make pikelets, muffins or scones or maybe you could assist in cooking a dish from your own culture. Have you traveled anywhere interesting? A talk about your adventures with or without pictures would be of great interest to our residents. Maybe you belong to a club of some kind that you could talk about or demonstrate what you do at the club. These are just a few ideas of where you could provide volunteer assistance to us. If you have any ideas at all and are interested in sparing a few hours for us please phone: 09 520 8446, we would love to hear from you. We are open to all of your ideas. Bev de Vink Volunteer Coordinator
Tabbouli - Delicious Middle Eastern Salad Ingredients 1/3 cup burghul, fine cracked wheat 1 Cup water 2 bunches fresh parsley, finely chopped handful fresh mint, finely sliced (optional) 4 medium tomatoes, chopped into small cubes 2 green onions, thinly sliced (with green stems) 4 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil juice of 1 Lemon salt (to taste) Directions Put the burghul in a large bowl and pour in the water. Cover with a dish and let stand for about 20 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess water. In a mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, onions, parsley, mint and salt. Toss the salad well. Add the burghul; moisten with the Lemon Juice and olive oil. Fold everything together to incorporate the ingredients. The flavour will improve if the Tabbouli sits for an hour or more. Best served cold. Recipe provided by Janan Goryl, PA to the CEO
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz
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Rugby World Cup fever invaded Knox Home on Friday 9 September. Staff drew the names of teams from each Pool for their homes to support and went all out decorating Knox in those team colours. A competition was held for the best decorated home and best dressed staff member. An independent task force deliberated long and hard as to who came out on top in a very close fought competition. Kowhai were the winners on the best decorated home award and Lagi Laban of Rimu was judged best dressed, coming to work dressed as Ma’a Nonu. Congratulations go to all staff teams who got behind this event and made the place look outstanding. Positive comments were received from visitors and residents alike.
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz
Awards for the winners in our Eden Initiative were given at the annual Knox Mid Winter dinner held at Waipuna Lodge. This was attended by staff and board members who made the award presentations.
Dialing a Resident’s Room Did you know you can bypass our switchboard if you know the room number of the resident you wish to contact? Dial 09 520 8444 then enter the extension number which is a four digit number. beginning with a 7. So if the room number has 3 digits add a “7” in front eg room 123 becomes extn no 7123. If the room number has only 2 digits add “70” in front eg room 12 becomes extn no 7012.
The OT Department was pleased to have 19 year old Caroline Koehler from Germany working as a volunteer for a few weeks recently. Caroline has returned to Germany where she is hoping to start Medical School this October to become a doctor, and saw the work here as a good opportunity to gain some experience. Caroline says “I’ve been helping out about twice a week since July now and I really enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the good relationship between the residents as well as the staff. It never seems to get boring here with a good variety of weekly activities, not forgetting the cats and dogs, horses, noisy birds or little kids running and dancing around. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to learn new things every day and getting to know you all.”
This morning (8/9/2011) we went for a nice bus trip to St Joan’s Hospital in Waipuna. It was very enjoyable and I loved the bus trip—it was very nice. At St Joans we played Balloon Football (All Blacks against Tonga) and All Blacks won by one point! We also sang and enjoyed the fun after morning tea.
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz
Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital has been selected as a finalist for the Westpac Auckland Central Business Awards category.: “Excellence in Workplace Safety”. The winners will be announced on 10 November.
Coffee is available from the machine in the Karaka Dining Room for visitors at a small charge.
Janan Goryl – PA to CEO I am married to David and have been working at Knox Home for more than 15 years. I enjoy cycling and quite often cycle to and from work through Cornwall Park, I also enjoy walking, travelling, gardening & swimming at the beach. Ann Pette—Senior Accounts Clerk When I am not at work I like to spend time with my family. Jon and I have 3 adult sons and 2 grandchildren. My other interests include needlework and walking for pleasure. I have worked at Knox for 11 years and it has passed very quickly.
Hi my name is Audrey Peters, I have worked at Elizabeth Knox as Admission Administrator for 10 years and have enjoyed each one of them. I have two children and 3 grandsons, the youngest 6 months the eldest 6 years .
Lina George—Accounts Payable. I am married with two children, a boy of 16 years and a 14 year old daughter. I have been at Knox since 2002. I enjoy playing tennis, cooking and travelling.
Genine Pascoe—Receptionist I am a relative newcomer to Knox, having moved to Auckland two years ago from Tauranga for my husband’s job. We have five grown daughters and four grandchildren, most of whom live in Australia. That is where my husband and I like to spend our holidays. I enjoy watching movies, reading and pottering in the garden when I have spare time. Linda Paul—Receptionist Hi everyone, my name is Linda and I work part-time at the reception desk. I enjoy my work and interacting with the residents. I live in Blockhouse Bay and have two gorgeous teenage kids, Mathew who will be 17 this year and Ashley, who is 14. I am looking forward to Summer and spending time at the beach, swimming, reading and eating the odd icecream!
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119 www.knox.co.nz
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Did you know that you have a Resident’s Committee? Our website is constantly being improved, extended and updated. To learn more about us, the services we provide, view up coming events and activities, view photo’s of recent events or check current job vacancies go to:
Any concerns, ideas, complaints or favourable comments etc, please feel free to speak to any committee member. We have a meeting every six weeks with the management where these subjects are raised. The following are your committee members. Michael Mansfield
Christine Bissett
Gerald Holloway
www.knox.co.nz Edith Lynch
Neil Jack
Trevor Futter
Attitudes The longer I live, the more I realise the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company—a church—a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change the past, we cannot change the fact that people will act a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you … we are in charge of our attitudes.
2nd –Admin A scavenger hunt 3rd Kowhai 1st Kauri was held to mark Health & Safety Week. Staff had a lot of fun putting together their boxes and a celebration morning tea was held at the end of the Judging the entries for Health & Safety Award 26/8/11 week.
By: Proud to be long term Resident at Knox – Trevor Futter The entries were in a way that is deep and natural thinking as portrayed in the exhibition of the entries. I understand how difficult it was to determine the winners, in fact they were all winners, which was portrayed in the prizes they’ve received and being a Resident I am proud to think all the staff are natural thinkers in the construction of their entries. The enjoyment of the staff creating the entries was reflected in the attitude.
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119
www.knox.co.nz
FROM OT Knit & Natter Group We formed this group in response to a request in the EKH survey. Some eager knitters turned up including first time knitter Paula, from the OT staff. One of our lovely, most patient residents is teaching me now to knit! Peg has had to fix a few mistakes—mainly holes which seem to appear after knitting while watching TV under soft lighting! Nevertheless, a garment is taking shape. The other knitters in the group are more competent to say the least and I think I can fairly say we are enjoying our new group (aren’t we Peg?). Newcomers are welcome so check your weekly programme on Fridays. Butterfly Creek As a result of the enthusiasm expressed by the residents who had already been to Butterfly Creek, we embarked on another visit. Once again it was superb and we all enjoyed seeing and hearing about everything. Always a popular place to visit. Maritime Museum Two buses of Elizabeth Knox residents were taken to the Maritime Museum with the OT/ Physio staff. It’s a marvelous place to go— informative, nostalgic, reasonable access and free!! We had a volunteer who acted as our guide the whole morning which was much appreciated. We will definitely repeat this outing. Ardmore Airport Recently a number of residents and staff paid a visit to the Warbirds Hanger and Visitor Centre at Ardmore Airport. Two of our number were RAF Bomber Command combat veterans form the Second World War and a number of others had connections with various forms of aviation within New Zealand and overseas. Just being up close to the antique aircraft on display was enough to bring back memories of first hand experience with those machines. John Tarbuck, who originally trained on a Tiger mOth and who eventually piloted the Lancaster Bill, talked of being “lucky” in that he survived a full tour of 30 missions before returning home to New Zealand. Brian Jones talked of his time with Tasman Empire Airways Limited and recognized the Britten-Norman Islander parked opposite the Warbirds hanger as a type much used for flying between the various groups of Pacific Islands. During the tour around the hanger the group was drawn outside by the loud noise of a military jet aircraft making repeated “touch and go’s” along the runway. For this writer the highlight of the aircraft parked inside the hanger was a P51 Mustang WWII fighter restored to magnificent flying condition—in fact, probably in better condition than when it had been in day to day service! Our host during the morning was Tony Harsant who guided us among the various parked aeroplanes and talked to us about how the aircraft were used in their day and how they had come to be part of the Warbirds collection. Tony’s obvious enthusiasm and willingness to listen contributed to a very enjoyable visit. RSA A point of interest, Elizabeth Knox Home has now linked up with the Onehunga RSA for those residents who indicated their willingness to receive contact. They offer an opportunity to ex servicemen and women to attend a meal at the Club on a monthly basis.
Kaye, Paula & the OT Team Elizabeth Knox 523 3119
www.knox.co.nz
Gemma
Buster
Evie
Coco
Gemma here, reporting on animal antics since our last newsletter. Most of us have hunkered down for the winter and stayed indoors snuggled up to the people types we live with. There have been a lot of new no go areas which have contained very scary looking people types (big boots on their feet and deep voices) and they make noises the likes of which I have never heard before. I hear the people types saying that it will all be open soon and won’t it be wonderful but I really don’t have a clue what they may be talking about but I think it has something to do with the no go areas and the scary looking people types. As long as we all have our warm beds and plenty of food, water and love we will be okay.
Whirly
I recently had to have a visit to the vet. I had something growing near my ear and I had to have a small operation to have it removed. Then I had to wear this thing around my head which stopped me from scratching . Oh it was terrible!! How can a dog be a dog without the scratching and the indignity of the collar, I could hear all of the cats laughing at me. Thank goodness it has all gone now and I am back to myself again.
Baggins
We are all looking forward to the warmer weather and great spots to lie in the sun. Life as always is sweet, although I hear a rumor that there may be chickens on the horizon, watch this space, it could be fun. Nippett .
Gemma
Here at Knox all pets are welcome. Pictured is our Maintenance Man, Ieti, “on patrol.
Jen
Elizabeth Knox 523 3119
www.knox.co.nz