November/December 2019 I Vol. 1 I No. 02 www.agedplus.co.nz $10.95
LET NATURE DO THE WORK
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EDITOR’SNOTE
THELIBRARY
The Age Well Project
Annabel Streets,Susan Saunders
KEEPING THE IMAGE CLEAN While the age of professionalism in our industry is certainly with us, shaking off bad memories of days gone by still remains a problem.
And that particularly applies to sections of the media who are quick to play up the rare bad example of care, or lack of it, in older style facilities. Those extended houses that were once the heart of the aged care business are now in the minority as investment pours into modern facilities but the odd stories that bear the “shame” headlines in the Sundays still persist and cast a shadow over our industry. There is little doubt that the occasional rogue underpaid worker in older facilities has vented on unresponsive elderly guests but this can be put down to poor pay, lack of training and conditions that are no longer acceptable. The facilities in today’s villages and care units are a far cry from even a few years ago and we should be proud of what the modern industry has achieved – and how we have met the increasingly sophisticated demands of guests and their caring families. There is
little doubt that there is still progress to be made in the way of staff training, in staffing levels, competencies and most importantly a government attitude towards the needs in this area. But it is slowly changing and today’s retirement villages are leaving the way. What the industry needs is a more positive approach by the media without highlighting, for sensationalism’s sake, the occasional folly that certainly doesn’t reflect the professionalism that now exists. The work that is being done in the aged care field is becoming more positive by the day and reflects well on our modern society and needs to be appreciated.
Sarah Mitchell Editor sarah@reviewmags.com
What does it take to have a healthy and joyful old age? Researchers say it’s not too late to make changes at 50 to get the ‘retirement years’ we want. But what should we change and how do we do it? Told with empathy and humour, in THE AGEWELL PROJECT Annabel and Susan share the 50 key lessons they learned, the meals they cooked and the experts’ tips they uncovered to make the second half of your life the best half of your life - happy, healthy and disease-free.
The Anarchy: The Rise Aand Fall Of The East India Company William Darymple
The Anarchy tells the remarkable story of how one of the worlds most magnificent empires disintegrated and came to be replaced by a dangerously unregulated private company, based thousands of miles overseas and answerable only to its shareholders. In his most ambitious and riveting book to date, William Dalrymple tells the story of the East India Company as it has never been told before, unfolding a timely cautionary tale of the first global corporate power.
The Body: A Guide For Occupants Bill Bryson
THENUMBERS
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By 2056, the number of people 95-plus-years-old is expected to be over 42,400—a 631 percent increase from 2016.
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The average family in New Zealand has less than two children.
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By 2068, half of the population is expected to be older than 46 years old.
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Auckland’s estimated total of people aged 65-plus is expected to be 350,000 by 2033.
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Thames-Coromandel district has the oldest median age in New Zealand of 53.6 years. Hamilton has the youngest median age of 32.2 years.
CHAIRMAN: Peter Mitchell PUBLISHER: Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com GENERAL MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell, kieran@reviewmags.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Sarah Mitchell, sarah@reviewmags.com MANAGING EDITOR: Caitlan Mitchell, caitlan@reviewmags.com ADVERTISING SALES: Caroline Boe, caroline@reviewmags.com SENIOR DESIGNER: Raymund Sarmiento, raymund@reviewmags.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Ciaran Carroll, kez@reviewmags.com WRITERS: Chris Glavovic, chris@reviewmags.com Ed Scott, ed@reviewmags.com Neelam Ranchhod, neelam@reviewmags.com
AGEDPLUS is published under license to Review Publishing Co Ltd. Please direct all enquiries and correspondence to Review Publishing Co Ltd. The opinions and material published in this edition of AGEDPLUS are not necessarily those of the publishers unless specifically stated. All material in this publication is copyright and may only be reproduced with the consent of the publisher. Copyright 2019
ISSN 2624-4624 ISSN 2624-4632
Suite 9, Level 3, 20 Augustus Tce, Parnell, Auckland, PO Box 37140 Parnell, Auckland. Tel +64 3040142 Fax +64 3772794
Bill Bryson once again proves himself to be an incomparable companion as he guides us through the human body--how it functions, its remarkable ability to heal itself, and (unfortunately) the ways it can fail. Full of extraordinary facts (your body made a million red blood cells since you started reading this) and irresistible Bryson-esque anecdotes, The Body will lead you to a deeper understanding of the miracle that is life in general and you in particular.
Prime Of Life P.D. Bekendam
Ben thinks the retirement home where he works should be called “Heaven Can Wait a Little Longer While I Golf” instead of Heritage Gardens. But who asked him? He’s just the janitor, after all. Of course, his inept boss, the cantankerous residents, and even his attractive podiatrist friend don’t know one important thing about him: he was recently a cardiothoracic surgeon, not a broom-pushing custodian. An award-winning novel, Prime of Life delivers an entertaining and satisfying read.
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NEWS
FAILING TO RESPOND
Residents were left vulnerable when a Gold Coast nursing home shut suddenly and had to be evacuated. The July incident’s report, released this week, detailed that federal aged care regulators failed to respond to warning signs that emerged long before the debacle unfolded. Following the evacuation from Earle Haven, eight of the 69 residents were hospitalised, three of whom have since passed away. The report said that the regulators disregarded People Care’s past of non-compliance. Despite increasing complaints surrounding the quality of care at Earle Haven, the regulators still failed to take heed of the warning signs. The report also said they ignored the financial situation and personal animosity apparent in People Care, and its subcontractor, Help Street. Prior to the evacuation, Help Street told People Care that they had one day to pay AU$3.9
million or 50 percent of what Help Street believed it was owed. When People Care didn’t pay, Help Street called removalists, and the residents were left homeless. “We owe it to the residents and families caught up in this tragedy to do all that we can to prevent situations like Earle Haven occurring again,” said Richard Colbeck, Federal Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians. People Care have since received significant sanctions, including the discontinuation of residential aged care facilities and home care packages.
IN DIRE NEED Almost 200 aged care providers in Australia are at serious risk of going broke. Housing more than 50,000 residents, an extra AU$1.3 billion is estimated in Federal Government funding by Christmas in order for these places to remain afloat. Publicly available financial reports of aged care homes were analysed for the years 2017 and 2018, resulting in the conclusion that more than half of aged care operators were running at a financial loss. Leading Aged Services Australia’s chief executive Sean Rooney said that the system needs review. “We can’t keep putting money into the system if the system is broken.”
A Rise In Retirement
Recovery of the Auckland property market has encouraged an increase in the share prices of retirement village operators. Summerset Group, Ryman and Metlifecare all increased their share prices after a supposed turn around in the property market. Summerset Group led the way, up 4.1 percent, hitting a 13-month high. Additionally, Ryman jumped up 3.2 percent for a 14-month high, with Metlifecare increasing 2.4 percent resulting in an eight-month high.
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A CALL FOR REVIEW A study has found that the aged care sector in New Zealand is not coping with the rates of obesity. The Ministry of Health is being encouraged to adapt its capacity to deal with the increasing number of obese residents. The research, conducted by Victoria University of Wellington found that 24 percent of adults over 75 years old are identified as obese. It also found that New Zealand’s heaviest weight group were those between 65 and 74 years of age. One of the lead researchers, Dr Caz Hales, said that more residents are living with obesity or extreme obesity than there are living underweight. Hales noted that while many aged care facilities may be willing to accommodate obese residents, there is a general lack of infrastructure implemented in the homes to physically accommodate them. New Zealand’s number of people that fall into the extreme obesity category is also expected to almost double by 2024. There are currently around 550 people in the aged care sector who fall into this category, a number expected to exceed 1000 within five years. Conclusions drawn from the research indicate that the problem is inherent in New Zealand’s food culture before the residents are reaching the care of an aged care facility. Simon Wallace, New Zealand Aged Care Association chief executive, said, “We know New Zealand’s obesity rates are increasing, so it is also important that there is preventative action at a national level to help reverse the trend through support and education from an early age.”
Compassionate Comfort A volunteer programme that provided more than 400 hours for residents at an aged care facility in their final days has won the New Zealand Aged Care Association/EBOS Healthcare Excellence in Care Awards for 2019. The volunteer programme, operated by the Sisters of Mercy at the not-for-profit Mercy Parklands provides dying residents with compassionate care. ‘No One Dies Alone’ is set up to provide support and comfort for those that may have otherwise passed away alone. “With No One Dies Alone residents, staff
and volunteers are all part of life’s end journey,” said Simon Wallace, NZACA chief executive. “It is an exemplar of the work our sector does in not only providing care but truly caring for our most vulnerable older people.” The awards recognise outstanding care facilities, and the individuals associated. “These awards are designed to showcase not just excellence, but the genuine commitment and dedication of our aged residential care providers in this extremely important role for New Zealand society.”
LIFE’S NOT A DRAG A Perth aged care facility has introduced drag show performances to brighten the days of its residents. Residents at Maurice Zeffert, an aged care facility in Dianella, northern Perth, were subject to quite the spectacle when the drag queens— initially just three, and now nine—put on a show tailored to their generations musical taste. The organiser of the event, Suzie Klemens, said that the queens are great at interacting with the residents and break down any awkwardness through their performances. She said that everyone deserved to have fun, regardless of their age.
STAFF COMPLAIN OF STANDARDS According to Grey Power Manawatu president Lew Findlay, rest home care standards have been called into question by staff worryingly frequently. Findlay said that half of the complaints laid in the MidCentral health district this year have been from staff, as opposed to patients, or their families. He noted that many patients rely entirely on the care of staff members, and do not have family around them to speak up if something is wrong. From the complaints that were received by family members, there was a consensus that there was a lack of activities for residents, inadequate healthcare standards, insufficient risk management and a lack of communication. Grey Power is continuing to push to have a Governmentappointed advocate for the aged care sector, despite these suggestions falling on deaf ears previously.
OFFERING BETTER CHANCES A change in New Zealand’s immigration policies means that immigrant workers in the aged care sector have a better chance of securing permanent residencies. A new version of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZCO) means that changes were made to show how certain jobs are classified in terms of ‘skill level’. The skill level affects applicants’ chances of acquiring residency, meaning that certain applicants have struggled to obtain residency based on their vocation. Simon Wallace, New Zealand Aged Care Association chief executive, said that the changes were something the aged care sector had been encouraging for a while. “Our caregivers are doing a lot more care in the area of specialist dementia care, and ANZCO just hasn’t moved with the times to reflect the changing skill levels of our caregivers,” said Wallace. “It’s a role that’s not only providing physical support to an older person, but it’s emotional support.” New Zealand’s call for aged care workers is continually increasing, considering the country's ageing population. “It gives the employee more certainty, and it gives the employer more certainty.”
A Life At Sea Retirement is being reimagined. A life at sea, even in one’s later years, can still provide a sense of adventure, with the added comforts of home. British designers are creating Seascape—the world’s first dedicated retirement ship. Aboard the ship is 206 apartments, sold on 50-year leases, with an expected launch date of 2021. Seascape is the first planned ship of ten and will sail the world three times over five years. Apartments on the ship will cost anywhere from NZ$2 million for a 60sqm home, to almost NZ$5 million for
a 135sqm home on the top deck. However lofty the prices are, guests will have access to numerous luxurious amenities. These include an on-board marina where they can moor their yacht or two-person submarine; a dive centre and a whale-watching observatory, and Skymast, a tethered drone that offers a 5G mobile network. If that isn’t enough, there will be areas for pets, swimming pools, restaurants, spas, gyms, a library, a supermarket, cinemas and a fully functioning hospital and operating theatre. There is also a floatplane that can act as an air ambulance. November / DECEMBER 2019
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VILLAGEPROFILE
GRACE JOEL RETIREMENT CENTRE
Grace Joel Retirement Village is situated in one of Auckland’s most desirable neighbourhoods, St Heliers. The village is nearby some of Auckland’s best beaches and scenic walks, with many great shopping options available. A cinema, golf course, and numerous restaurants and cafés provide plenty of options for socialising and relaxing outside the village. “As the first Ryman Healthcare village to open in Auckland, Grace Joel is unusual in the fact that it was once the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital rather than a purpose-built retirement village,” explained village manager Murray Parkes. “It still retains some of the high ceilings and wide corridors from the original building, which gives the village a unique sense of history and character.” Grace Joel’s three-tiered accommodation offerings provide care options suitable for a wide range of residents. Independent living apartments and townhouses provide residents the best of both worlds – the freedom to come and go as they please, as well as the security and companionship of the village community. Designed specifically with the over-70s in mind, these homes are spacious and well thought out, and come fully equipped with call-assist alarms that are monitored 24 hours a day by on-site staff. Residents need not worry about maintenance, as lawn mowing, window cleaning, and exterior maintenance are all included. Assisted living offers “independence with
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a little extra help,” providing a midway point for residents who can enjoy the independence of living on their own whilst receiving help as and when it is required. Serviced apartments provide a home-cooked main meal every day, as well as morning and afternoon tea in the dining room. A kitchenette with fridge-freezer and microwave, a separate bedroom, and a private en suite ensure that residents are able to feel at home, whilst relieving them of some of the stresses of everyday life. As with the independent townhouses and apartments, a call-assist alarm means help is always available at the touch of a button. The third tier in Grace Joel Retirement Village’s offering includes its resthome and hospital care options. Tailored care options mean that whatever residents’ needs they can find the right level of care and assistance for them. Residents of resthome care suites have access to personal care and day-to-day activities specific to their needs, with assistance ranging from showering and dressing to administering medicine. The hospital care program provides for those who have significant medical needs, or require
full assistance to move around. Residents will be assisted with all their needs, from showering and dressing to monitoring any chronic health conditions. Assistance is also provided with medications, wound care, continence management, and any other health needs as required, and an on-site doctor means all residents can rest assured they are never far from medical assistance should it be necessary. “We encourage residents to engage in their own daily tasks as much as possible, such as washing their own hands and arms in the shower, or lifting their arms and legs up when dressing,” said Parkes. “We work with the resident to develop a toileting routine and introduce appropriate equipment where needed. By maintaining a safe environment for the resident to mobilise and by putting fall prevention strategies in place, we allow our residents to have the opportunity to mobilse in a safe and controlled manner.” Alongside its residential options, Grace Joel Retirement Village is fitted out with a number of amenities to enrich the lives of its residents. Ryman’s Triple A (Ageless, Active, Aware) exercise program is ACC-approved and accredited, and was introduced in 2007 to enhance and promote quality of life and wellbeing for village residents. Complimenting the program, a gym, swimming pool, and spa pool provide plenty of exercise options, whilst indoor and outdoor bowling greens, a petanque court, and a pool table allow guests to get into the competitive spirit. For more cerebral pursuits, Grace Joel’s workshop and library allow enthusiastic hobbyists to indulge in state-of-the-art facilities and pursue a diverse range of interests. From flower arranging to fashion shows, a wide variety of hobbies are catered for. Clubs designed to foster community engagement and socialisation include the Men’s Club for male residents to have some time together, Musical Moments, a music programme aimed at stimulating memories and reminiscence, and Mind Benders, filled with puzzles and quizzes to encourage mental stimulation.
“At Grace Joel, as with Ryman Healthcare generally, we always strive to respect each resident’s individual rights by involving them in an as many of their day to day decisions as possible,” explained Parkes. “We organise weekly excursions for the residents so they continue to feel connected with their community.” The village is catered for with Ryman Healthcare’s renowned Delicious menu, which offers flavoursome meals prepared onsite by village chefs. Three main courses are available each day, including a vegetarian option, and the menu is designed to combine old favourites with innovative choices – a good example being a classic roast chicken cooked in a soy and ginger glaze. The seasonal menu is always evolving as residents inform Ryman Healthcare of what
works and what needs improvement. With 120 meals served up each month, the same meal will never reappear for four weeks – unless it’s back by popular demand. Friends and family can join residents at Grace Joel for a meal at any time, simply by making a reservation. Monthly finedining events provide a chance for friends and family to come together over an extra-special meal. Alongside a cooked-to-order menu, individually frozen meals are available at all Ryman Healthcare facilities, including Grace Joel. These ready-to-eat meals are reasonably priced and designed to provide independent or serviced-apartment residents seeking convenience and great taste with a handy dining option. Residents pay a fixed weekly fee and a deferred management fee that is one of the
lowest in the retirement sector, capped at 20 percent. The fee is protected by the company’s Ryman Peace of Mind Guarantees, which also ensure that fees are stopped immediately upon residents leaving their unit, and that residents are guaranteed their money back should they change their mind within 90 days of moving in. Looking forward, Parkes is optimistic about the growth of Grace Joel’s operations. “Ryman Healthcare has purchased the neighbouring site to allow space for growth at Grace Joel and more widely, we are looking to increase our stock. We currently have 36 villages in operation around New Zealand and Australia with another 16 in various stages of design and construction – in Auckland there are nine operational villages, two of them with construction still being completed, and three more in the wings in Henderson, Hobsonville, and Kohimarama.”
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