RQ - Ryman Quarterly Winter 18

RQ

Ryman Quarterly for Ryman People Winter 18 | Issue 3

Melanie Asuncion From caregiver to clinical manager

Free gloves Work on tablets and phone screens!

Winter wellness Tips and recipes

Kevin's legacy Paying tribute to retiring co-founder

A word from Gordy W

elcome to your first winter edition of Ryman Quarterly!

It doesn’t feel like three months since our last edition, but thinking back on all that has happened, I can see why the time has flown!

One of the most significant events during this time was saying farewell to Kevin Hickman, as he retired from the Ryman board 34 years after he co-founded the company. This was a special opportunity to celebrate Kevin’s legacy – why and how we do what we do – and what we have built on collectively. It is our Ryman family history.

I was honoured to thank Kevin on behalf of us all, and future Rymanians, for giving us this legacy, which we honour with our relentless commitment to deliver what is ‘good enough for Mum’ every day. This is what makes us different, and what has enabled us to build strong relationships based on trust.

Trust is the cornerstone of what we do. We are entrusted every day to design and build safe, high quality buildings – homes for our loved ones. And anyone who has a loved one in care knows how much trust they feel they are putting in strangers to look after someone dear to them at a vulnerable point in their lives.

I was therefore particularly delighted to get a call a few weeks ago from a very excited member of the team to say that we’d won the Readers’ Digest Most Trusted Brand Award in the aged care and retirement village sector.

I can’t think of a better award to win.

This is an award that we have won three times before, and it is a tribute to the work all of you do with our residents and their families. It is also a tribute to Kevin’s legacy, and how we have all built on that together.

Where there’s trust, kindness is never far away, and once again we’ve shown how big-hearted the Ryman family is.

Our charity partner Alzheimers NZ were overwhelmed when we presented them with our donation cheque of $390,000. A further $25,000 was raised by our Melbourne team for Dementia Australia. Together this is a Ryman total fundraising record of $415,000.

I cannot thank you enough for your fundraising endeavours. Every sausage sizzle, knitted item, and baked goodie counts. It is such a privilege to be part of this tremendous collective effort.

Our charity partners for the coming year will be the Stroke Foundations in New Zealand and Australia. This will include sponsoring a ‘stroke van’ that will be touring around New Zealand offering free blood pressure checks to 150,000 people.

Of the people who suffer strokes each year, 25% are aged under 65 – this is not just an older person’s disease. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for strokes, and it usually has no symptoms! You can reduce your risk of stroke by finding out if you have high blood pressure. So, when the ‘stroke van’ visits your village or site, I’d like each of you to pop in and get a free blood pressure check.

It will only take a minute, and it could – quite literally – save your life!

Take care and stay warm,

Gordon MacLeod Chief Executive

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Co-founder Kevin Hickman retires after 34 years.

In this Issue Features

For you

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8

From caregiver to clinical manager

19 A day in the life of...

A Ryman sales advisor

Midwinter Christmas Secret Santa and potluck recipe

Building a career as a foreign-trained nurse

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20

23 Anniversaries Celebrating Ryman team members

18 Ryman reviews Book, movie & Netix reviews

Apprentice numbers ramped up

25 Take a break!

Puzzles for prizes

Ryman partnership to build up construction team

14

26 Ryman Moves Challenge winners

In every issue

6

12 facts you didn't know about...

Andrew Mitchell

Ryman updates

10 Health & Wellbeing

17

Winter wellness tips and recipes

14 Ryman Australia's new home Relocating our Melbourne ofďŹ ce

12 Movers and shakers

16 What is your h&s?...

Australia's construction team are a close-knit group

Hunting & saxophone?

Health & safety update

15 Kevin's legacy

19

Paying tribute to retiring co-founder

24 Notice board Catch up on the latest news

17 Record donation for the battle against dementia

15

12

$415,000 raised for frontline support and research

20 Ryman Annual Awards This year's winners

22 Ryman's royal surprise Julia Wallace showcases their own special wedding

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From caregiver to clinical manager Building a career as a foreign-trained nurse

M

elanie Asuncion is proof that there are no limits for foreign trained nurses in New Zealand.

She has gone from caregiver on a temporary work visa to clinical manager at Essie Summers Retirement Village, by working hard and taking the opportunities that came along the way.

But Melanie says it is always good to have a plan B. Melanie worked as a registered pharmacist in the Philippines, but a spell spent nursing her sick mother made her realise her calling wasn’t in the dispensary.

“I nursed mum full-time for six months when she was really ill with cancer. I realised that patient contact was important and that, although it sounds like a cliché, nursing was a calling for me.’’

After qualifying, she wanted to live and work in the United States.

However, a downturn meant that job opportunities over there dried up.

Then she heard about the nursing opportunities in New Zealand, although it meant that she would have to start again as a caregiver and pass another round of exams.

“New Zealand was my plan B but it was probably fate that I should come here. It was the best choice I have made.”

But she was in for a nasty shock after landing in Christchurch in September 2010.

Canterbury was struck by a violent earthquake, a forerunner of a series of seismic events. The aftermath taught her a lot about kindness, patience and resilience.

“It was my first Saturday in Christchurch and I thought ‘uh oh, have I done the right thing?’”

But she stuck with Christchurch, a place she now calls home.

Melanie worked as a caregiver and then completed a competency course at CPIT, and a course at Princess Margaret Hospital.

She joined the Essie Summers team in 2012 as a nurse. Village Manager Rosemary Deane soon realised her recruit had great potential and before long Melanie was running the resthome.

Meanwhile Essie Summers had gone through a rebuild after the quakes, which meant that a new position was created for a clinical manager.

Melanie got the job and sees herself as a clinical leader of people.

“Leadership is about coaching and empowering people. It is about setting an example.’’

She says her background as a caregiver has helped her to be a role model to staff and she is happy to roll up her sleeves and lead by example.

And why does she like nursing older people?

“I like it when you can make residents happy and comfortable.

“Their smiles mean a lot.’’

With many foreign-trained nurses in our Ryman family, there is the opportunity for many to follow in the footsteps of Melanie, and beyond!

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Melanie with Essie Summers resident Rita Stephenson.

Staff ProďŹ le

I like it when you can make residents happy and comfortable.

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12 Facts

1 Andrew was born and raised in Christchurch.

2

you didn’t know about...

3

Andrew Mitchell

Andrew has three children; Sophie (8), Toby (6) and Annabelle (4).

Chief Development Officer Andrew leads the development, concept design, and visual design teams. Together these teams manage the development process from site identification through to planning approval.

5 He lived in Melbourne for a year and the UK for six years before returning to New Zealand in 2007. He then started working for Ryman.

Andrew has three brothers.

He is the third son, which made him very competitive, mostly out of survival.

7 Andrew started a building apprenticeship but ended up going to Lincoln University to study property.

In his spare time Andrew thinks about property, making his car louder and watching UFC.

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At four years old, Andrew played for Christchurch Rugby Club. He still supports his local side, along with the Crusaders and All Blacks.

He went on to a milk run at 10 and started a lawnmowing business on the side for more pay.

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6

8

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He has been married to Phoebe for 10 years, but they’ve been together for 20 years. He wooed her at a pub on Valentine’s Day.

His first job was at age eight, delivering prescriptions for Dodds Pharmacy in Christchurch on his bike.

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He enjoys taking on challenges.

He is simply addicted to negotiating deals and securing planning permissions.

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12 When he was 11, Andrew tried to buy his first property by requesting a Lotteries Commission Grant.

Unfortunately, he was turned down.

James Clarijs and Rory Tai are currently working at Bert Sutcliffe.

Apprentice numbers ramped up R

yman Healthcare has teamed up with a national training provider to lift the number of apprentices in its construction arm.

Recruitment Manager Matt Wright said the rate of Ryman’s growth drove the need to get quality tradies on the books now, so that there would be good leaders to call upon in the future.

“While we’ve had apprentices for years, we’ve been talking a lot recently about a ‘grow our own’ philosophy,” he said.

“And as the demand for good people is only going to increase we thought it was time to ramp it up a bit and make it a bit more structured.

“Ultimately, the goal is to get more high potential people through the programme and eventually into senior roles.”

Ryman has formed a partnership with Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), the benefits of which include BCITO’s

national network of reps who can be on-site on a weekly basis.

There are three main sources of candidates: Ryman’s own pool of labourers, labour hire companies, and other BCITO students.

“Basically, if a project manager or senior manager on-site sees a bit of potential, someone who does a good job, works hard and shows a bit of ambition, then we’re keen to put them through a proper programme and give them a chance to progress.”

Matt said apprenticeships typically last about four years, but could take more time or less.

“The success of the scheme comes down to the attitude and drive of the apprentice and the team supporting their development; the qualified tradies, leading hand and foreman on-site who take responsibility for their training.”

Rory Tai and James Clarijs are both apprentices at Bert Sutcliffe having come to the site through an agency.

They both said they felt ‘stoked’ to be approached about joining an apprentice programme.

“I was rapt,” says Rory, 23, who has now worked at the site for three years, honing his carpentry skills under Constantine Ciobanu.

“I have done all the rangehoods, the parapets, the decks and pergolas, basically all the special parts that need to be built and can’t be pre-ordered.”

When Constantine shifted to the Devonport site, Rory took over the special projects role.

“They have been trying to push me to more senior roles to be leading hand by the end of this job. It’s good, it gives me that bit of responsibility.”

James, 20, said he felt good about doing the apprenticeship.

“I’m glad I’ve got the opportunity.

Having somebody to help you understand what you’re doing and why is really important,” he said.

If you or someone you know would like more information about Ryman construction apprenticeships please contact recruitment manager Matt Wright on 021 429 356 or email Matt.Wright@rymanhealthcare.com

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Midwinter Secret Santa

Lynx Body Spray + Shower Gel Black Wash Bag Set $5 - The Warehouse

Mock Suede Cap $5 - Kmart

Statement Tassel Earrings $5 - Kmart

Long Sleeve Flannel Pyjama Set $10.50 - Kmart

Batman iPhone 7 Case $5 - The Warehouse

Gym Towel $4 - Kmart

The Busy Life Cookbook $8 - Kmart

Active Intent Neoprene Dumbbell 3kg $12 - The Warehouse

Bowl covers $10 - Rinse and repeat

www.thewarehouse.co.nz

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www.kmart.co.nz

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www.rinse-repeat.com

Christmas Midwinter Potluck

Mocha Macarons 8 egg whites 140g caster sugar 430g icing sugar 240g ground almonds 30g cocoa Pinch of salt

Mocha Ganache filling 300g dark chocolate 250ml cream 2 shots coffee Dark chocolate to dip

1. Sift together icing sugar, ground almonds, cocoa and salt.

2. Whip egg whites and caster sugar until they form soft peaks and are thick and glossy.

3. Fold 1/3 of the whipped egg whites into the dry ingredients and mix well so it’s a thick paste.

4. Gently fold in the remaining egg whites until well combined and you have a smooth glossy mixture which you can now pipe.

5. Using 1.5cm piping tip, pipe mixture onto a lined baking tray to your desired size.

6. Let them stand uncovered for at least an hour or until a skin forms so they are no longer sticky when touched.

7. Bake at 140°C for 15-20 minutes or until you can just lift one off the tray without it sticking (they should have a crisp shell but a soft chewy centre).

Filling 1. Melt all ingredients together slowly in the microwave until smooth and glossy.

2. Let sit for two hours, stirring occasionally until it cools and thickens to a piping consistency.

3. Once filling is ready pipe or spoon onto the shells and sandwich together. Then I like to dip half the macaron in melted chocolate and serve standing up.

Abbey Winskill Cook's Assistant

H

i, my name is Abbey Winskill and I’m the Cook’s Assistant at Charles Upham Retirement Village.

My love of food began at a young age watching my Nana baking and decorating beautiful Christmas cakes.

After I left the University of Lincoln,

I cooked for a hunting outfitter in Colorado, US. This was a remote location with a basic kitchen and I loved it so much, I went back twice.

I am now happily working at Ryman and I've found a love for pastry.

Last year, I attended the Australian

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Patisserie Academy for a course on Italian macarons and soufflés. This year I'm heading back for another course, this time on pastries and doughs!

So, here is my recipe for the chocolate dipped mocha macarons — it is a village favourite. Happy baking!

Health & Wellbeing

Winter Wellness During the colder months of the year, our wellness can take a bit of a knock. Here are some handy hints on how to keep yourself and your loved ones in good health this winter.

Wash Hands Be sure to wash your hands frequently to curb the spread of germs and unwanted bacteria. This will help to keep you and others healthy!

Hydrate With the cold, dry air you want to be sure you are keeping your body and skin hydrated. Increase your water intake and remember to moisturise!

Boost your Immunity It is important to give your immune system a boost during the colder months. Citrus fruit, garlic, ginger, turmeric, broccoli, spinach, capsicum and golden kiwifruit are all great immunity boosters! You may want to consider taking Vitamin C or supplements that suit you to make sure you’re getting your daily dose of nutrients.

Open Windows Although it may be cold outside, open some windows to allow fresh air flow through your home when possible. This can help decrease the chances of mould as well as keeping fresh air in your lungs.

Mind Your Coughs & Sneezes If you come down with a cold, be sure to cough/sneeze into your elbow or a napkin if you have one handy. Avoid coughing/sneezing into your hands as those germs will spread to every place you touch!

Heat Carefully Be sure to read the safety labels on all heating devices. If you are using space heaters keep them away from clothes or other items that could catch fire.

While we welcome the warmth, we

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need to make sure we are heating our homes safely.

Drive Cautiously With the chance of frost or ice, make sure you are preparing to take extra time on your drive so you can drive carefully. It’s a good idea to check the forecast well in advance of leaving the house so you can prepare accordingly.

Bundle Up It’s better to over-dress than underdress. Don’t forget your gloves, hat, and scarf when trekking out in the cold and perhaps turn your car on to get heated for a few minutes before you plan to leave. We hope you enjoy your gift with this edition of RQ that will help you to keep warm – a pair of Ryman gloves!

Hearty winter warmers Winter vegetable stew 4 servings | Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 3 ½ hours ¼ cup olive oil 2 medium onions, diced 1 ¼ teaspoons ground ginger 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick ½ teaspoon ground coriander ¼ teaspoon ground cumin ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper 3 large potatoes, diced 4 to 5 medium carrots, peeled and diced 4 medium parsnips, peeled and diced 3 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced 2 medium kumara, peeled and diced 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 4 cups spinach, trimmed, washed and shredded 1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar Salt to taste Freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until simmering. Add the onions and a pinch of salt and cook over medium heat until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the ginger, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, cayenne, and a pinch of pepper and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

3. Add the squash, kumara and chickpeas and stir to combine.

Cover and continue to cook on high until a knife easily pierces the vegetables, about 2 hours more, stirring after 1 hour. Add the spinach and gently mix (do not overmix). Let it sit until wilted.

Gently stir in the vinegar, taste, and season with salt, pepper, and vinegar as needed.

2. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker, add the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and broth, and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 1 ½ hours.

Chicken casserole 4 servings | Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 4-7 hours A knob of butter ½ tbsp olive oil 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 ½ tbsp flour 650g boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets, diced 3 garlic cloves, crushed

400g potatoes, diced 2 sticks celery, diced 2 carrots, diced 250g mushrooms, quartered 500ml chicken stock 2 tsp Dijon mustard 2 bay leaves

1. Heat the butter and oil in a large frying pan, cook the onion for 8-10 minutes until softened and starting to caramelise. Meanwhile put the flour and a little salt and pepper in a bowl and toss the chicken in it. Add the garlic and chicken to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes more until the chicken is starting to brown.

2. Transfer to your slow cooker, along with the rest of the ingredients. Give it a good stir.

Cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours. Remove the bay leaves and serve with steamed vegetables or crusty bread rolls.

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Slow cooker goodies

Team Profile

Movers and shakers Australia's construction team is a close-knit group

W

hen you walk onto the building site of a Ryman Healthcare retirement village the first thing that strikes you – apart from the sheer scale of the endeavour – is the number of different moving parts.

There are different people working on their own discreet tasks, but it requires a Herculean team effort for everything to come together cohesively. And that was made clear at our Nellie Melba site in Melbourne.

With just weeks until the first residents move into the retirement village, the construction team is in full swing as they approach the finish line.

“There are so many different components to a job this size, and everyone needs to be aware of where their piece of the puzzle fits,” says Regional Construction Manager Martyn Osborn.

“And even more important than getting the job done right, is getting the job done safely. Everyone needs to know not

just what their role is, but how it relates to the rest of the team, so we’re all rowing in the same direction.”

At the heart of every effective team is good communication, and the Nellie Melba construction crew is no different.

Led by Project Manager Travis Cocks, the construction team relies on having a clear plan that everyone is aware of.

“We’ve got to be constantly talking to each other about how different parts of the job are progressing, where any challenges might be, and make sure the different phases of the build are flowing as well as possible,” Travis says.

That requires teamwork.

“We’ve got a great bunch who are all working not just for themselves, but for each other. At the end of the day we all want the same outcome: a great place for residents to live that’s built safely and on time.”

While teamwork underpins their success, the Nellie Melba

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The Australian construction team prides itself on having good communication – the cornerstone of good teamwork.

construction team wouldn’t be anywhere near as effective without one key ingredient: strong leadership.

And even more Travis has provided important than that, culminating in his getting the job done nomination as one of three finalists in the ‘Leader of right, is getting the the Year’ category at this job done safely. year’s Ryman Awards.

It’s a credit to him, but he’s the first to admit he’d be nowhere without the dedication and professionalism of the team members he leads.

“It’s always nice to be recognised, but it’s really a reflection of what the whole crew has worked hard to achieve.”

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Project Manager Travis Cocks is proud of his team’s work.

Ryman Australia Update

Ryman Australia's new home T

The new home of Ryman Australia is located in the central city and is the perfect place for the Australian team to grow.

hings at the Ryman Melbourne office are really getting a move on, quite literally.

It has just been announced that Ryman’s Melbourne headquarters at suburban Brandon Park will be relocating to the central city.

The office will be moving to St Kilda Rd, on the southern edge of Melbourne’s CBD. The new central location is close to public transport links, eateries and other amenities, and will have a new public café opening in the building. It is undergoing a fresh, new fit-out and, with more desks and meeting rooms, provides plenty of room for growth. A move date will be announced once a timeframe to complete the fit-out is confirmed.

The news comes just weeks after Ryman announced plans to build its eighth village in Victoria, at a site purchased in the north Melbourne suburb of Aberfeldie.

Chief development officer Andrew Mitchell said Aberfeldie was an excellent established suburb and the site was perfect for a Ryman village.

“The site is just 9km from Melbourne’s CBD and it is close to a supermarket and retail precinct,” he said.

With the first residents due to move into Ryman’s Nellie Melba retirement village in Brandon Park soon, the second half of 2018 is shaping up to be even busier than the first.

RQ Give us your feedback &

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Tell us what you enjoyed in this issue, what other articles would you like to see in RQ, or any other feedback you have Send your feedback to rq@rymanhealthcare.com and go in the draw to win 1 of 3 $50 Prezzy cards

Winners

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Last issue's winners were Helen Foley - Charles Fleming, Joanne Goode - Ngaio Marsh, Jean Matias - Grace Joel

Leaving a legacy Ryman pays tribute to retiring co-founder

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n May 2018, our co-founder Kevin Hickman announced he was standing down from the board of Ryman after 34 years of service.

There is no doubt that Ryman would not be what it is today without Kevin’s vision and leadership. Kevin was honoured at our annual conference this year, with speeches from Board Chairman Dr David Kerr, Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod and Kevin’s close friend Mene Mene, along with a moving video tribute from those who have worked with Kevin over the years.

Kevin’s Ryman journey began back in 1983, when as a former policeman turned private detective he was asked to investigate a resthome fire in Christchurch, and he did not like what he saw.

“There were four people to a room with shared toilets down the corridor.

The people running the resthome were nice and did a good job in as much as they were expected to. But to me, it was crazy. The standards were so poor. But that’s how resthomes were in those days.”

What bothered Kevin was the lack of privacy and dignity for residents.

He started thinking about what the standards should be like; “I thought, what would I want for Mum? I’d want a single room with an ensuite, for a start.”

Kevin teamed up with John Ryder, and they got the idea to improve the way older people lived and how they were cared for – it was a business they could believe in.

The pair soon found a block of 14 two-bedroom flats on River Road in Christchurch, that they would convert into their first resthome, and Ryman – formed by combining Ryder and Hickman – was born.

However, it was only when they bought a motel complex on Woodcote Ave that Ryman truly started. Woodcote village included a resthome and independent living and became the prototype Ryman village.

Kevin and John believed in reinvesting to grow the company.

Profits were reinvested to lay the foundations for future earnings so that the value of the investment was always compounding.

Ryman listed on the stock exchange in 1999, raising $25 million. It brought new capital to invest in future growth.

Kevin and John were rewarded for 15 years of hard work and risk-taking.

Even though Kevin is retiring from the board he and his family will remain Ryman shareholders.

Kevin said he left the company in good heart.

“After 34 years, I’ve decided the time is right to stand down, but I leave

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knowing that Ryman is in great hands under Gordy’s leadership.”

“A company is nothing without people. I’d like to thank the many thousands of residents and their families as well as loyal shareholders who have put their trust in us, along with the great team at Ryman who have made the company a success. “ At the conference Kevin was honoured with a standing ovation and Gordy touched on what makes a great leader.

“Great leaders make you feel good, they make you think you’re capable of more and they push you to achieve more. They’re humble and seek recognition above themselves and they’ve always got your back, and that’s you Kev,” he said.

“We know you’ve always got our back as a company and we’re here because of you and we promise to look after this beautiful company you have created for us.”

Health & Safety Update

What is your h&s? …

Hunting & saxophone?

W

e are all committed to making Ryman a great place to work and to provide the best care for our cherished residents. We also each have commitments, passions and hobbies outside of work. Take a moment to think about the things in your life that bring you joy – spending time with your family and friends, getting out in nature, cooking or baking, driving your motorbike, gardening or taking your kids to the beach.

Ryman celebrates this fantastic diversity. We recognise the biggest goal of health and safety management is to ensure that we are safe from harm at work, so that we can all live life to the fullest. Now imagine that in your normal work day we In the past 12 take a shortcut and there months, we is an accident, causing an injury to you, a co-worker, averaged an injury or a resident. This could be to Ryman staff minor or major and could impact their home-life for a every 5.8 hours. short time, or maybe for many years ahead. What do you miss out on? What becomes difficult or impossible? Who does this affect?

In the past 12 months, we averaged an injury to Ryman staff every 5.8 hours. Work injuries impact a wide range of people in so many different ways — they can affect family, social circles, workmates and impact on our commitments and goals. We may think it won’t happen to us but it can just take a moment, or a poor decision for things to change.

Stop! Think! about safety for everyone.

If we have a chance to avoid an injury or accident through better planning, preparation, communication and awareness, we absolutely must do this out of respect and kindness for each other. We all deserve to be going home safe every day. Take a chance today to talk to your teammates about what they love outside of work and teammat about the importance of always protecting yourself talk abou others. and othe Fo feedback or questions, please contact For healthandsafety@rymanhealthcare.com h

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Record donation for the battle against dementia R

yman residents and staff have raised a record $415,000 for dementia research and support on both sides of the Tasman.

Residents and staff at Ryman’s 32 villages raised $207,500 which Ryman Healthcare matched dollar for dollar to take the total to $415,000.

Alzheimers New Zealand received a cheque for $390,000 and a second cheque for $25,000 goes to Dementia Australia from funds raised at Weary Dunlop in Melbourne.

The Alzheimers New Zealand charity cheque was handed over in June at a packed village centre at Charles Upham Retirement Village in Rangiora.

Alzheimers NZ Chair, Dr Ngaire Dixon, said it was the single largest charity fundraising donation her organisation had ever received.

“It is a huge sum that will have a major impact on our ability to support New Zealanders living with dementia,” Dr Dixon said.

“We are so very grateful to Ryman Healthcare and to the many residents and staff of the Ryman villages around the country whose fundraising efforts have set an incredible record for us.”

Dr Dixon said Alzheimers NZ would use the money to fund front-line support services around New Zealand for the 60,000+ people living with dementia and their care partners.

Some of the funds are also earmarked for research.

Gordon MacLeod said it was a pleasure to be able to help.

“The money’s been raised at hundreds of events around our villages and is the most we’ve ever raised for a charity partner. I think it reflects the widespread impact Alzheimer's and dementia have on so many lives.’’

Also attending was Jean Sandel Retirement Village resident, Eddie Betts. Eddie is an Alzheimer's campaigner. He lost his wife to the disease, and he travelled from New Plymouth to thank everyone involved in the fundraising.

“We’ve provided dementia care for the past 20 years and so it is an area that’s close to our hearts.

We’re delighted to see the money go towards support as well as research.

We know Alzheimers NZ will make good use of it,’’ said Dr Dixon.

Gordon said residents and staff had

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knitted, baked, made toys and held sausage sizzles to raise funds.

Ryman will also be donating $25,000 from its fundraising efforts at its Melbourne village to Dementia Australia, taking the total raised this year to $415,000.

In addition, Ryman has agreed to sponsor Alzheimers NZ’s national conference this year. The Tackling Dementia conference will attract 600 delegates and overseas speakers.

Gordon announced that our charity partner for the coming year will be the Stroke Foundation in New Zealand and Australia.

“Each year we consult with our residents and staff about who they would like to support. Stroke is the third biggest killer in New Zealand and affects more than 475,000 Australians, so we’re delighted to lend a hand. We’re looking forward to a great partnership with the foundations on both sides of the Tasman.’’

Ryman has donated more than $3.2 million under its charity partnership programme since 1999.

Ryman Reviews

Book Review The Hundred Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

by Jonas Jonasson

W

ould you rather attend your own 100th birthday party? Or climb out the window and go on an adventure?

Allan Karlsson chooses the latter option.

There begins a great romp.

He is joined by drug dealers and other misfits. He comes into possession of not only a large suitcase full of cash but also an elephant, as he and his fellow travellers are chased by police.

Allan tells stories of his earlier life to those he is with. It turns out he has participated in significant 20th Century events such as the creation of the Atomic Bomb.

A highly unlikely, amusing, well-written and fun novel.

Reviewed by Rachel Williams, Princess Alexandra

Movie Review Isle of Dogs

I

sle of Dogs is the latest creation from Writer/director Wes Anderson. Set in the fantasy city of Megasaki, Japan, where villainous, cat loving leaders conspire to rid the city of all dogs after an outbreak of ‘dog flu’. The young Atari (voiced by Koyu Rankin) sets out to reunite with his best canine friend Spots, who has been banished to ‘Trash Island’ along with an eclectic bunch of other wonderful mutts.

Directed by Wes Anderson In true Wes Anderson fashion, this stop motion film uses quirky, off-beat storytelling and strong visuals. Anderson uses his regular line-up of actors (including Bill Murray, Jeff Goldblum, Bob Balaban and Edward Norton, along with Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson and Live Schreiber) to show us the love and determination any of us would go to, to be with our best friend.

Reviewed by Josh Kelleher, Ryman Christchurch

Netflix Review The Long Way Round: London to New York

A

documentary style series about the reality of two good friends travelling on motorbike from London to New York via Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia and other countries. This works on many levels, if you enjoy motorbikes, if you enjoy travel or if you like Ewan McGregor then you will have fun watching this. It is very real and shows problems getting visas, accommodation

and taking the “road less travelled”. You can feel the friendships being tested as well as the times they pull together to overcome obstacles. A very appropriate series to watch for international month! You feel as if you are part of the team travelling through some rough terrain.

Reviewed by Yvonne Carter, Kiri Te Kanawa

Be a Ryman reviewer & WIN! Become a Ryman reviewer and be in to win a $50 Whitcoulls or Hoyts voucher.

Please contact Ruthea at rq@rymanhealthcare.com

18 | RQ

Ryman Roles

A day in the life of a sales advisor C

hange can be a daunting and an emotional experience, and for our residents, making the decision to move to a retirement village is often a very difficult one.

As we all know well, packing up and moving home is stressful at the best of times. Put yourself in a resident’s shoes and imagine what it's like when you’re 80 and you’ve been in the same home for decades!

The sales advisor is the first person a potential resident really gets to know and they are also responsible for selling new and resale independent and assisted living.

After meeting at the reception, the sales advisor will firstly chat over a cuppa, gaining the trust of a potential resident and their family. This is where their listening skills are important before they explain what Ryman is all about and the living options available.

The potential resident will then be taken on a village tour. This is where the teamwork comes in – everyone coordinates to make sure we put our best foot forward.

Once a decision to move in has been made, which in some cases could take years, the sales advisor will take a potential resident through the contract and the legal process.

Before they take possession, the sales advisor will make sure the townhouse or apartment is refurbished to the Ryman standard.

Not only will their new home be well presented, but there will be a welcoming platter of food ready for the resident on the day they move in. It is those kinds of experiences that make the “Ryman difference” so special.

The sales advisor will regularly pop in in the early days to assist the resident with settling in and

they will continue the relationship for the entire time the resident is at the village, even after they transition through to care.

As the resident settles, they forge a strong and trusting relationship with staff who become the resident’s second family.

But that is only the selling part of a sales advisor’s duties.

They are also responsible for events, such as presentations where they invite people to speak about a range of topics.

These events are held most often at the village and they are the perfect ground to meet new potential buyers.

This often means that potential residents know the sales advisor – sometimes for years before they move in – and they stay connected with the village until the time is right for them.

The events at the village are a team effort which sales advisors appreciate.

Sales advisors also take care of community events such as bowls tournaments, church, friendship and Probus clubs,

and can often be out and about meeting people in the community over lunch or tea.

The role requires a variety of skills, including being highly organised with the ability to be agile and flexible and be able to attend to a resident’s or potential resident’s enquiries and those of their families.

But the most important skill to have as a sales advisor is empathy.

Sales advisors need to be able to read people well and recognise the nuances of emotions in people that they often have just met. They always need to put their best foot forward in order to be the face of Ryman.

So, what is a typical day in the life of a sales advisor?

There is no such thing – and that’s the way sales advisors like it.

Lynfield Sales Advisors Angela Barraclough and Frances Quirk at the Lynfield sales office.

RQ | 19

Ryman's Chief Operations Officer Barbara Reynen-Rose (far left) presented the Evelyn Page team with their award, (L-R) outgoing Village Manager Lynn Charlton, Sales Advisor Jo Seed and Clinical Manager Raewyn McLachlan.

T

he 2018 Ryman Awards was a night of immense celebration, with the seven prizes all presented to thoroughly deserving winners.

The evening was made extra special by the opportunity to honour cofounder Kevin Hickman as he retires from the Ryman board, 34 years after the founding of the company.

Nearly 300 people attended the evening event at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel, including our award finalists and their partners, invited guests and senior Ryman leaders. At the end of the award celebrations, Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod introduced a new annual award in Kevin’s name, to be presented to the person who best exemplifies our founding values and our drive to do things that are “good enough for mum.”

This is an award that everyone will be invited to nominate people for early next year.

The first award of the night for Caregiver of the Year was won by Adnan Mahamad from Edmund Hillary Retirement Village. Liz Dilger, Deputy Operations Manager, presented Adnan with his trophy. Liz said that his colleagues described him as “kind, caring, patient, and compassionate to residents” and someone who is known for his “smiling face and bright positive personality.”

Next up, Judy Patterson, Assistant to the Manager at Yvette Williams Retirement Village, took home the award for Support Team Member of the Year. Judy received her award from Debbie McClure, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, who made special mention of Judy’s incredible 23 years with Ryman, her willingness to help, and the wonderful relationships she builds with residents and their families.

The Young Achiever of the Year award returned in 2018 to

20 | RQ

recognise team members who have accomplished extraordinary things in the early stages of their career at Ryman. Andrew Inch, Site Foreman at the Charles Upham construction site, won the award for his ability to juggle the requirements of a busy construction site with his desire to keep his residents happy. In his presentation, David Bennett, Chief Financial Officer, said Andrew had shown great drive and leadership skills, while also being a fantastic team player.

Scott Redmond, Health and Safety Officer from the Devonport construction site, won Construction Team Member of the Year award.

Scotty (to his mates) was recognised by presenter Tom Brownrigg, Chief Construction Officer, as a health and safety guru who shows initiative to proactively build respect and trust with his team members on site. Scott

was described by his colleagues as the “consummate professional” who is “methodical and has a great attention to detail, making him a very deserving winner.”

Sales Advisor of the Year is always a hotly contested award, with plenty of competition from sales people across New Zealand and Victoria, Australia.

Kate Morgan, from Frances Hodgkins Retirement Village, won the award for the second time; showing amazing consistency as well as a dedication to her role.

Bernadette Forsdyke, NZ Sales and Community Relations Manager, described Kate as a “quiet achiever and a loved and respected team player, who always puts others first.”

Bernadette also congratulated Kate for her 20 years of service and the amount of support she offers other villages when her occupancy rates and waiting lists are going well.

Leader of the Year award went to the deserving Joanne Wang, Clinical Manager at Weary Dunlop Retirement Village. The award was presented to Joanne by Nicole Forster, Chief People and Technology Officer, who said Joanne’s “kind, approachable and passionate” nature set an amazing example for her colleagues. Joanne’s team described her as someone who “walks the walk” and holds herself and her team to high standards in everything they do.

The final award of the evening was for Village of the Year. This award was fiercely contested once again with three outstanding villages staking their claim for the 2018 title. Evelyn Page Retirement Village was named winner, which was recognised for the excellent work of their team over many years.

Barbara Reynen-Rose, Chief Operations Officer, presented outgoing Village Manager Lynn Charlton and the Evelyn Page team with the award as testament to their hard work and dedication to their residents.

Congratulations to all our 2018 winners and finalists. You are all great examples of the Ryman Difference – our people.

Caregiver of the Year

Adnan Mahamad Edmund Hillary Retirement Village

Support Team Member of the Year

Judy Patterson Yvette Williams Retirement Village

Young Achiever of the Year

Andrew Inch Charles Upham Retirement Village

Construction Team Member of the Year

Scott Redmond Devonport Construction Site

Sales Advisor of the Year

Kate Morgan Frances Hodgkins & Yvette Williams Retirement Villages

Leader of the Year

Joanne Wang Weary Dunlop Retirement Village

Village of the Year RQ | 21

Evelyn Page Retirement Village

Ryman's royal surprise W

hile the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle captured the attention of millions of people, in the little corner of Palmerston North another couple took the spotlight.

When Ngaire Crockett (80) and Ray Gilmore (79) tied the knot in the atrium of Julia Wallace Retirement Village, they did so in front of two families.

Their family and their Ryman family.

The pair had met on a blind date, but at the time Ngaire was a bit apprehensive and hid behind a clothes rack in EziBuy, before getting up her courage to meet him.

She knew Ray was the one when she heard him singing country music.

Ngaire and Ray have been together for eight years and moved into their townhouse in 2016.

Sales Advisor Chrissy Thompson and Activities Coordinator Sheree McGlashen got wind of the fact that the couple wanted to get married.

"I looked at Sheree and she looked at me and because we've always wanted a wedding at the village we suggested they do it here," said Chrissy.

The couple agreed, and because they wanted to do it in May nothing would do but to have it as part of the royal wedding celebrations.

The evening started out with a royal wedding themed happy hour. With the residents happily chatting away, little did they know that behind the scenes something else was going on.

The family of the couple were secretly ferried into the atrium along with celebrant Murray Mills.

In the kitchen, preparations were underway to create delicious canapes and ďŹ nger food for the guests while Lynaire Cottle, Ngaire's daughter, stowed away the stunning wedding cake she made.

And ďŹ nally, the big moment came when Village Manager Christina Brenton, Chrissy and Sheree took the stage to make the announcement that Julia Wallace would host its very own wedding.

Julia Wallace residents made their way to the stunningly decorated atrium to witness what was a very emotional and heart-warming ceremony.

Afterwards, everyone gathered to congratulate the couple and to dance the evening away.

Ray took a moment to express his gratitude.

"It's hard to put words to it, but I'd like to thank everyone for coming. I would just like to say how thankful we are to Chrissy and Sheree and the Ryman staff for doing this for us."

Ngaire then told him to thank everyone.

"She hasn't been listening, she forgot to put her hearing aid in!" Ray said to the laughing crowd.

Ngaire took over and thanked the residents for their support and congratulations.

"It just shows you the sort of friendships we have made even in the short time that we've been in the village," Ngaire said.

"This is something that we will treasure and remember forever."

22 | RQ

Anniversaries Celebrating our dedicated people of ten years or more!

Twenty Yearss

Kate Morgan

Tracey Irvine

Tracey Sprott

Sales Advisor Frances Hodgkins

Senior Carer Rowena Jackson

Village Manager Rita Angus

Fiftteen Years Andrea Adams

Heidi Barkman

Jasmine Lee

Caregiver Malvina Major

Kitchen Assistant Frances Hodgkins

Registered Nurse Rita Angus

Rachel Seyb

Sashi Devi Prasad

Savina Prasad

Housekeeper Rita Angus

Senior Caregiver Grace Joel

Senior Caregiver Bruce McLaren

Savitri Naidu Caregiver Bob Scott

RQ | 23

Notice Board

Immigration update I

mmigration is still in the forefront of our minds. We are doing all that we can to push for change to support our team members that may be affected by last year's immigration policy changes.

In May, Chief Operations OfďŹ cer Barbara Reynen-Rose and Chief Executive Gordon MacLeod, met with Iain Lees-Galloway (Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, ACC and Immigration), and HR Manager Hayley Sharp met with Greg Patchell (Deputy Chief Executive of Immigration NZ), to reiterate our concerns in regards to the policy

changes, and the effect that these will have on our team and residents.

Following these meetings, Minister Lees-Galloway visited Julia Wallace Retirement Village. This was a positive visit, and we believe the Minister has a good understanding of the issues we are facing. We have also signed up to participate in an advisory group with Immigration NZ to review how the current visa application, processing and issuing process works.

We are very hopeful about this, and will continue our efforts on this very important matter.

24 | RQ

| The HR Team is here to provide support with any immigration queries or concerns, so feel free to contact them on 0800 588 222 or humanresources@rymanhealthcare.com with any queries.

Take a Break

Word finder Can you ďŹ nd 26 of Ryman's departments and job titles in the grid below?

Village manager Assistant manager Clinical manager Sales advisor Unit coordinator Activities coordinator Caregiver Nurse Receptionist R N R E F T U N I T C O O R D I N A T O R B

R O K I T C H E N A S S I S T A N T B R C A

O J S N S L Z F Z A A L J S D U A C Q O S J

O B R I O E L O G H T D E O P H Y O Q T U E

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Gardener Maintenance person Cook Chef Kitchen assistant Housekeeper Barista HR Fees

V A J S C E HM I A D CWF Y A I N S V I E A I V J A S T H P N T P C N I C K T R A V L C S O E P G R R I E T N T G P E J N D A E I F Q P F I N R L O L HO S C B T A N H A D E P K S S I D H P T J Y N C S B E OWU K O A T R A V T E O C P S QA D B K G H O J B U G E DMN T D E S I G N X R E N E D R A G R OO C S E I T I G E R A C S H L E QW F MH A

Finance IT Payroll Construction Marketing Operations Property Concept Design

P OMD Z A D ZMQ H T A C Z Z G Q E I X H H A T MQ X V K M S R MW K D H A P T E V I R AMU I G Y X C G V V L U L G R Y E T C U U S R R N R V L T K RW J XMG Z F C R H F A E EW I D U CWR I P Z C P G D T X X Q C E B NME O T E E S I E T P R B T T R K V F QMD N E Y X U A PMD U B V R A E G V N F K L I AQ S Q E K N U E Q C Y RME N K T E Q F A S E F S B A A Z A S YWY G G Q Q J P W C N U G QW V F S E O EWZ R OA Z E DQ Y P V R P Y H H G B GK R K K N NO U U G R A MM E A Y A G L B E S C P I ME E R P V K Y F I V I T C A Z K BW I WB T Y U P S F I OYO Y V J UQ Q L E U E J N HW S U Z G U

Sudoku Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9.

3 4

2

1 6 5

9

1 8 7 6 5 4

2 4 8 7

3

7 6 8

9

9 4

Word builder

R E N F I D How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make from the six letters, using each letter only once? No foreign words or words beginning with a capital are allowed.

There's at least one six-letter word.

Good=12 Very good=16 Excellent 22+

If you have any favourite puzzle types that you would like to see in future editions of RQ, please send your suggestions to 027 552 1178 or rq@rymanhealthcare.com

RQ | 25

Edmund Hillary

Challenge winner!

Grace Joel

I

n the Autumn edition of RQ we challenged your teams to do the Ryman Moves stretches together as a group and to send in a picture of your team in stretching action in order to win a $100 shopping voucher.

The top three submissions included Margaret Stoddart, Grace Joel and Edmund Hillary. After a lengthy debate, we are pleased to announce that Edmund Hillary took the crown for their synchronisation and the use of colour in their Ryman Moves.

Remember, stretching your muscles helps you perform at your best. So, don’t forget to give the Ryman Moves a go – they’re easy to do and you’ve got nothing to lose!

Margaret Stoddart

#rq4u team members Charles Upham asser and ke, Marko Meing ar Cl ne ay m ar .

Ch ge’s Military Day Jo Wix at the villa

If you would like for us to feature your photos in RQ, tag your photos with the hashtag #rq4u on Facebook, Instagram or Yammer.

26 | RQ

We have the following options available, and you can remain anonymous if you choose to.

Do you have feedback, questions to ask, or a concern you’d like to report?

Call our friendly HR team on NZ 0800 588 222 AU 1800 995 716

Email: confidential@ rymanhealthcare.com

Ryman

Confidential Feedback

Text: NZ 027 234 5234 AU 0404 475 165

Send a letter to:

RQ | 27

Confidential Feedback Team Ryman Healthcare (NZ) PO Box 771 Christchurch 8042 (AU) PO Box 5391 Brandon Park Victoria 3150

Ryman Team

Benefits

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with

You can now purchase tickets to their 2018 performances at a discounted rate.

Featured New Zealand This edition’s featured supplier is Mercury, an energy gyy company that generates electricity from home-grown w wn renewable sources. Switch your home electricity and/or d gas d/or to Mercury and receive a 22% prompt payment discount co count for 2 years.

Australia This edition’s featured supplier is Simba. Simba offers rs a range of textiles such as linen, towels and bedding. Shop at Simba’s outlet store tore re at Bayswater North or their online outlet shop and receive a 20% discount. t.

We want to hear from Refer a supplier or retailer We are keen to hear what types of retailers or suppliers you would like to see us partner with. For example, would you like to see more food outlets, clothing stores or entertainment options. To do this, please visit www.rymanteambenefits.com and fill out the online form.

To find out how to access these benefits please visit www.rymanteambenefits.com. If you are a new employee, you will be sent your card within your first 8 weeks of employment.