March/April 2022 Vol. 4 I No. 02
Ease & safety for aged care residents Aperio® electronic locks for flexible access settings Door access into apartments, units or rooms needs to be set up for the well-being of the resident. Wireless Aperio electronic locks provide ease and safety for all – with remote monitoring of door use by staff and family, and lock settings that can be changed over time, as the resident’s needs change. 9 Wireless for a simple install 9 Integrates with existing RFID control systems 9 Real-time relay back to support centre 9 Central control with master key overrides
Free-Motion® door closers ‘humanise’ fire doors Traditional fire door closers make doors hard to open and people will often wedge them open for airflow – defeating their safety purpose. Free-Motion door closers allow the door to swing freely, so it can stand open on its own. If the fire alarm is triggered, the door closer activates to gently close the door. 9 Cam-Motion® makes doors easy to open 9 Easy to install 9 Acts and feels like a normal door
Find out how we can help you create more accessible and habitable environments.
www.assaabloy.com/nz
EDITOR’SNOTE The nursing pay gap undervalues aged care professionals and our elderly community is the ones that are disproportionately affected.
istorically it has been recognised that nursing has been undervalued as a workforce because it has mainly been done by women, however, according to new NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter this has been addressed. "This has been addressed and corrected in the proposed settlement, and we will now go hard to see those base DHB rates are extended to all sectors of nursing, including primary health care (e.g. medical centres), aged care, and particularly Māori and iwi providers," said Goulter. The staffing shortage has been exacerbated by the pandemic and locked borders but is clear and easily recognisable to all that something needs to be done urgently. We don't have enough nurses coming through the training pipeline to keep up with pre-covid demand, let alone now in the midst of the biggest health crisis in living memory. Internationally there is a nursing shortage but it is particularly difficult in the aged care sector. Aged care nurses have been poached out of the sector as they can earn more working elsewhere. After all, why would a nurse want to work in the aged care industry when they could be earning much more at a DHB?
Some aged care environments often have poorer working conditions, unlike DHBs which offer larger teams and support networks. The burden on nursing staff who are working in understaffed facilities cannot be stressed enough. It’s no secret that aged care workers are in short supply. In 2018, aged care vacancies reached a record level and it was predicted that there would soon be 1,000 workers short. In 2019, a survey found 83 percent of aged care nurses thought some basic care was delayed or missed due to staffing shortages. In 2020, before covid hit, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation chose understaffing in aged care as its focus for Caregivers Week, commenting that, “current staffing levels are inadequate, and our elderly deserve far better.” The question remains, what improvement has there been in the last two years and where to from here? In this issue of AgedPlus Village Business, we take a look at all things design, get inspired with Fakeaways on the menu and our industry experts give some commentary on the issues driving the aged care sector.
Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com
CHAIRMAN: Peter Mitchell PUBLISHER: Tania Walters GENERAL MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Sarah Mitchell MANAGING EDITOR: Caitlan Mitchell ADVERTISING SALES: Caroline Boe SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE: Sophie Procter SENIOR DESIGNER: Raymund Sarmiento GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Debby Wei
THE BUSINESS OF RETIREMENT VILLAGES & AGED CARE
TANIA WALTERS Publisher
Aged Plus Village Business 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 Aged Plus Village Business 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 2022
ISSN 2815-7478 (Print) / ISSN 2815-7486 (Online)
Retail 6, Heards Bldg, 2 Ruskin St, Parnell, Auckland New Zealand P: +64 3040142 Email: edit@reviewmags.com
March/April 2022
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Modern Moonlight
Taking notes from modern Japanese interior design, these styles are normally anchored by minimalist design.
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Established in 1998 in Auckland, Believe it or Not Quiz Nights pioneered the quiz industry in New Zealand and is the largest provider of quiz nights, and trivia-based products in the country.
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Enriching the Everyday Life of Seniors with Outdoor Musical Instruments
Music is a wonderful outlet that can lift spirits regardless of age, although there are a number of proven physical, mental, and emotional benefits specifically for seniors and older adults.
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Strong demand expected for new apprenticeship programme
Careerforce, the Industry Training Organisation for the health and wellbeing sectors, has launched the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Advanced Care and Support.
Sweepcart Technology Sanitises Wheelchairs
Believe it or Not, Residents Love a Good Quiz Night!
Keeping Residents Connected and on the Road
Keeping residents connected with their surrounding community and giving them the ability to travel further afield, to experience the world around them.
Roll Over Beige
The tastes and attitudes of the baby boomer generation will be a driver of change in the interiors of retirement villages as they enter the market.
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened consumer awareness around health and sanitation.
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Salesperson of the Year
When Janine Wilde accepted her award for Salesperson of the Year at the National Retirement Living Awards.
Hon. Tracey Martin, former Seniors Minister
More than 47,000 New Zealanders now live in retirement villages, and hundreds of people are moving in every week.
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Exercise helps life expectancy and quality of life
Exercise is now well-proven to not only increase life expectancy but also improve quality of life, said ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie.
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Local Cannabis Piques Pharmacists’ Curiosity
Nearly 1,500 New Zealand doctors and pharmacists have now registered on MCinfo. com – a dedicated and comprehensive medicinal cannabis information service.
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Active Ageing Fitness Helping Build Profitable Health Care Businesses
Financial management can be a juggling act in health care.
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The magic doesn’t end
I'm a dietitian and I love my work. My clients are older adults living independently or in care.
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Fakeways - A Kiwi Favourite
Fish and chips remain a firm Kiwi favourite, despite competition from an array of food choices.
Everyone's Favourite Side: Fries!
Fries, Pomme Frites, French Fries, Hot Chips, whatever you choose to call them, the humble fried potato is still one of the most ordered menu items for Kiwi consumers.
Sweet Seafood: The Top Trends in Kiwi Seafood Cuisine
While classic fish and chips is a beloved dish, Kiwi's are experimenting more with their tastebuds and are prepared to try something new and unique from their dining experiences.
Video Educates Healthcare Workers
When New Zealand’s Ministry of Health approached Ryman Healthcare for assistance to produce an important video to help educate healthcare workers on the safe use of PPE.
Protecting Residents and Staff
The impact COVID-19 has had on our most vulnerable, such as the elderly and those living in residential aged care, is particularly devastating.
Changes & Trends In Aged Care Kitchens That Save Money
Today’s aged care residents are no longer the traditionalists of yesteryear.
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DESIGN
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MODERN Taking notes from modern Japanese interior design, these styles are normally anchored by minimalist design. Focusing on clean lines and natural materials such as wood, ceramics, paper, and linens. Furniture is often simple, and in neutral tones – less is more and gives the pieces you choose space to breathe. ringing the room together with the stunning Azalea Moonlight Wallpaper from Materialised. Designed by Florence Broadhurst, this is from the design archives and is digitally printed on crisp, white, non-woven paper. Florence started designing wallpapers in 1959 in Australia. This statement wallpaper is soothing, calm, and doesn’t repeat its design too quickly, allowing it to feel more organic to the space. Next is the Astra 2.5 seater sofa from Acorn Furniture which boasts clean lines and modern design. A refined sofa that is guaranteed to appeal both visually and from a comfort perspective. It can be upholstered in any material and is made to order in New Zealand and has a seven year warranty. Its sleek design blurs the line between formal and casual. The Anzo Buffet by Freedom Furniture is a classic unit that has simple classic lines yet is striking. Its black finish looks good in any situation and ties in perfectly with Azalea Moonlight wallpaper. A harmonious piece, the Anzo Buffet has plenty of space and is extremely versatile. 4
An accent piece all on its own, the Chirezza ceiling pendant features a sculpted form to transform the atmosphere. This handmade ceiling pendant is made from cotton and delivers a soft, warm glow when lit for a feel-good factor that builds the ambience of any space. Paired against the wallpaper, it balances and plays with texture to keep the eye interested. Circling back to the statement Anzo Buffet, the Zara Side Table and Coffee Table from Archer Care are a perfect pairing to tie the room together. Keeping in the same tones and materials, these contemporary tables are great for public or private lounge areas. When styling these pieces, artificial flowers made from cotton or paper in natural white hues reference the pendant light. Everything should feel balanced and organic. 3
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1 AZALEA MOONLIGHT Florence Broadhurst Wallpaper 2 CHIREZZA Ceiling Pendant 3 ANZO Buffet 4 ZARA Coffee Table with Tray Top 5 ASTRA 2.5 Seater Sofa 6 ZARA Side Table with Tray Top
March/April 2022
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DESIGN
Roll Over Beige The tastes and attitudes of the baby boomer generation will be a driver of change in the interiors of retirement villages as they enter the market. Well travelled, bolder, and with a love of colour, Boomers are entering the market, so roll over beige.
aby boomer retirees are looking for contemporary and highquality places to live. Operators are exploring ways of delivering amenity, community, security and care options to this disruptor
generation. While it’s no secret that each generation has its likes and dislikes, these generational differences even extend to colour. Each village wants to attract a particular demographic. Understanding and using colour preferences to your advantage can help attract new residents. Baby Boomers (born between 1943 and 1960) tend to like mature colours. These include what many call “classic” colour palettes. Darker blues, maroon, plum, shades of grey, and deep reds are all common for Boomers. Senior living/apartment
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buildings or gated retirement communities tend to use more mature colour palettes to attract this age group. With a preference by many for functional, practical, and comfortable colours, an equal number are looking for soothing and calm colours. Common choices for this group include warm and smooth yellows and whites, clear and pale blue, and some shades of green. No matter the colour choice, one thing is sure, this generation is proving to still be disruptors, even in later life. Boomers don’t just want to live; they want to live well. Boomers are looking for retirement villages that provide casual comfort and social connection in a relaxing environment. Overall, Boomers value social connection and having choices, enabling them to live in communities that reflect their ideals.
Commercial & Aged Care Specialists
Don’t choose between function and style FibreGuard and FibreGuard Pro fabrics are ideal for soft furnishings in aged care facilities. The anti-moisture membrane is both flexible and breathable, and those constructed with anti-microbial properties reduce the growth of surface bacteria by up to 90%. With one of the most diverse product ranges in the industry, we guarantee huge scope for design selection. From high-performance fabrics to bespoke prints our exclusive portfolio offers fit for purpose solutions to suit all environments. Contact our Commercial team to discuss your requirements - commercial@jamesdunloptextiles.com
WWW.JAMESDUNLOPTEXTILES.COM
DESIGN
Sweepcart Technology Sanitises Wheelchairs
The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened consumer awareness around health and sanitation.
he Sweepcart was designed with supermarket and airport trolleys in mind but has found another use in the healthcare sector. Sweepcart simulates a photocatalytic process that kills 99.99 percent of bacteria, viruses, and a wide range of pathogens. Unlike other sanitisation methods that use harsh disinfectants, alcohols, detergents, ozone or steam, the patented coating on Sweepcart acts as a megaphone for five UV-A lights. It is creating an environment within the machine that effectively penetrates the membrane of the Covid-19 virus and destroys each cell. In addition to germs and Covid-19, a single 20-second cycle will remove odours, bacteria,
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moulds, and pollution. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) convert hazardous organic substances into harmless inorganic molecules (H2O and CO2). Sweepcart is easy to use; push the wheelchair into the unit, where it automatically starts, indicated by a blue light. Each cycle takes just 20 seconds, and once the light turns green, the wheelchair is clean and ready to use for the next resident or patient. Sweepcart sanitises the whole wheelchair. Users have given positive feedback on Sweepcart’s ease of use and the lack of harmful chemicals. “It’s great that the product aligns with our environmental goals, using a natural process rather than detergents,” said one healthcare provider. Unlike using detergents and sanitisation products that can eventually do damage, the sanitising process of Sweepcart prevents the deterioration of chrome, plastic, or painted surfaces. Sweepcart has proven effectiveness in sanitising in various industry sectors that call for sanitation between each use, from retail, hospitals and aged care facilities. Sweepcart units are coated with WiWell technology on the exterior, sanitising the surrounding environment. Sweepcart is best installed inside, preferably at the entrance. The unit can sanitise its environment and is easy to use by visitors and residents. There is also no need to worry about children crawling into the Sweepcart as motion and heat sensors prevent Sweepcart from operating while living intrusions are present. The estimated life of Sweepcart’s internal lamps is 5000 hours. Plus, every Sweepcart comes with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee. Fixwell, New Zealand’s exclusive distributor, is currently taking orders from around New Zealand, bringing the technology of Sweepcart to the retail and healthcare sectors. For more information, visit www.fixwell.co.nz
Safer with
SWEEPCART
Scientifically proven to kill 99.99% of bacteria, viruses and a wide range of pathogens
Photocatalytic sanitising process does not deteriorate hardware •Does not use disinfectants, detergents, ozone or steam 1 Year Guarantee •Estimated life of internal lamps is 5,000 hours of effective use, about 5 years 20-second cycle means quick and easy flow for your patients or visitors
GET IN TOUCH WITH US TO FIND OUT MORE sales@fixwell.co.nz | +64 21 832 322 | www.fixwell.co.nz
®
ENTERTAINMENT
Believe it or Not, Residents Love a Good Quiz Night! Established in 1998 in Auckland, Believe it or Not Quiz Nights pioneered the quiz industry in New Zealand and is the largest provider of quiz nights, and trivia-based products in the country.
hen Brendan Lochead, founder of Believe it Not, noticed that the quiz night offered at his parents’ retirement village wasn’t really up to scratch, he realised there was an opportunity to provide a true event for retirement and aged care residents based on his years of experience. “The quizzes were not great, no real thought had been given to the types of questions that this age group would enjoy,” explained Lochead. “A lot of the residents would have been to one of our pub quiz nights over the last 20-odd years, and that’s the experience they were looking for. We turned a simple quiz night into a proper event because this time in the residents’ lives should be all about living!” Believe it or Not’s aged care/ retirement product is designed to be interactive, using a village’s communal area’s entertainment system to run the entire night through big screen projectors or televisions (although there is also a version that can be used without TVs). “Our product has been completely tailored to the over-65s.”
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There is a skill to setting quiz questions, noted Lochead, something that many people overlook. Lochead’s team of seven fulltime staff create tailored, boutique events and while they use many of the elements from their pub quizzes, some things have been altered. “Figuring out the categories has been interesting. If we ask questions that are too hard or irrelevant to the audience, they’re not going to want to come back. By in large the residents love history, geography, science, and the arts, and we keep our entertainment rounds focused primarily on pre-1980s.”
Something for Everyone The special aspects of Believe it Not pub quizzes remain in the aged care offering and it’s these that set a Believe it or Not quiz night apart from the rest. These elements, including the Ponderous Puzzle, Last Man Standing, and The List go into making a Believe it or Not multimedia quiz night a special event, one villages can use to not only
connect residents and create a community, but also to attract family and friends to the village to reconnect with loved ones. “It is so much more of an event than they’re used to,” said Lochead. “We never want to discourage people from running their own quiz nights, but why not add a Believe it or Not quiz night as a special and separate event?” The mental health benefits of trivia and quizzes are well documented. Exercising the mind to keep it active is as important as maintaining physical fitness and strength in older age and the benefits of running a quiz night for seniors include increased brain health, improved cognitive skills, and reduced stress, but the benefits go beyond this. “Some places aren’t limiting the quiz nights to the residents, allowing family and friends to join. This fuels connection, which is so important, especially after the last couple of years we’ve had when residents have been so separated from their surrounding communities.”
Not Just Another Day at the Office “Sometimes you need a little bit of luck in your life,” expressed Lochead. The Believe it or Not team have been lucky enough to work with one of the most recognisable names in the quizzing business. With the backing of such a recognisable quizzer, the question of whether to run a Believe it or Not quiz at your village is really a no-brainer. “It’s not just another day at the office when it comes to Believe it or Not,” expressed the Dark
Destroyer himself. “They are, in my opinion, not only the best quiz company in New Zealand, but the world!” Quiz nights are extremely popular and universally loved. They are a great community event, that can attract a very loyal following of people, and inspire residents’ wellbeing. Once established, the quiz runs itself, as everyone knows what to expect and it’s a highly addictive hobby. For more information about how Believe it or Not can make your next quiz night the must-attend event at your village, visit www.believeitornot.co.nz or contact brendan@believeitornot.co.nz To read more about Believe it Or Not’s aged care/ retirement offering, click here. March/April 2022
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ENTERTAINMENT
Enriching the Everyday Life of Seniors with Outdoor Musical Instruments
Music is a wonderful outlet that can lift spirits regardless of age, although there are a number of proven physical, mental, and emotional benefits specifically for seniors and older adults. Go a stage further, to making music and you will tap into a truly powerful tool that is able to help improve personal well-being, social interaction, and communication.
here is no denying the power of music, and as we age, music can play an increasingly important role in our quality of life. Retirement communities, assisted living residences, or nursing homes, looking at ways to innovate and enhance options for meaningful musical engagement, could consider the inclusion of outdoor musical instruments in a music garden, trail, or courtyard to easily incorporate music into the daily lives of residents for both cognitive and physical stimulation that engages the body, mind, and spirit. Music-making in the great outdoors will enable enriching group musical experiences, foster connections, and support a holistic approach to caregiving. These instruments are enticing and will bring together residents, team members, families, and volunteers and will turn each day into an opportunity for seniors to engage, enjoy, express, learn, share, and laugh. Outdoor Musical Instruments to Entice Residents Outdoors Retirement communities and facilities will almost always have some type of outdoor space, and regular engagement of these spaces - where seniors are encouraged to step outside to participate in activities, enjoy the fresh air and sunshine and get mobile - will undoubtedly have a positive impact on mood, mental health, and physical wellbeing. Having the opportunity to be outdoors, even for those with more advanced health issues or limited mobility, is an important
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part of maintaining the quality of life, which all senior living residents deserve. The many studies on the benefits of music combined with the research behind the benefits of time spent outdoors have seen a steady increase in the creation of music gardens and parks across the globe - with forward-thinking senior and assisted living residences as well nursing homes well on top of the trend! Well-designed outdoor spaces should be safe and accessible havens where people want to spend their time. Spaces that should lift spirits and bring a smile to residents or guests each time they step outside. A music garden or courtyard will instantly enhance an outside space, creating a destination to entice residents, friends, family, and carers to venture out into the garden for some musical mindfulness. Easy to install, easy to play, and instantly gratifying, even just one instrument will uplift and transform an outdoor space. Going outdoors is all about living in the moment, breathing in lots of fresh air, and feeling the sun or the rain on your face – add to this the liberating feeling and pure fun that comes from musical improvisation or expression and you will have a win-win situation. Outdoor Musical Instruments for Music Therapy in Nature When we think of the great outdoors, we do not often think of music therapy - but we can, and we should. Moving patients away from stuffy indoor settings and using outdoor musical instruments
can introduce nature as a ‘co-therapist’. The sounds and sensations of being in nature can be beneficial mentally, physically, and emotionally. Participants are often more relaxed outdoors -finding the natural surroundings relaxing, health-fostering, and recuperative - easing anxiety, eliminating fear, and encouraging ‘being in the moment’. Music therapy in groups using an outdoor musical ensemble will bring social opportunities and enjoyment to older people who are not necessarily cognitively impaired but who may have reduced mobility. Physical exercise is one thing, but there is also an emotional and mental relief that comes from being outside in the symphony of nature and music has the same impact. It stimulates the sense of reward and increases the production of the feel-good chemical serotonin, which can instantly lift our mood. Music-making reduces stress, enhances joy, leads to heightened positive emotion, modulates blood pressure, muscle tension, and a sense of well-being. For those offering a holistic approach to senior care, music therapists in senior living communities can use the outdoor musical instruments to enhance the range of specialist care available for seniors living in their facility. Outdoor Music Making for Socialization & Community Music has been used for generations to bring people together. The positive effects are simply enhanced when we make music in a group setting – the energy created while making music with other people is shared and magnified. Spaces for outdoor music activities such as a music garden or park will make it easier for seniors to stay active and be part of a musical community. It will help avoid social isolation by providing them with opportunities to have fun, learn something new, support each other and make friends -cultivating engagement and giving an enhanced sense of belonging. Musical performances, drum circles, and singalongs could all be hosted outdoors in the ‘music space’ and retirement communities could be encouraged to invite the wider local community along to get involved, increasing awareness of the facility, breakdown barriers, expanding
social connections, and drawing the benefits of multigenerational interactions. Playing music with someone can create a very special bond, and an outside music space will offer somewhere new and exciting for visiting family and friends to go with their loved ones, leaving the confines of their room. A change of scenery and different sensory experiences can often stimulate conversation and help provide topics for reminiscence. Inviting outdoor music spaces will encourage seniors to • Discover or reignite a connection to music • Stimulate active participation in communal music-making • Foster positive social interactions in the fresh air • The simplicity of the instruments and instant musical success will improve self-esteem and offer a sense of accomplishment. Outdoor Musical Instruments for Winning Curb-Appeal Running a retirement community is also a business, and retirement homes, assisted living facilities and other senior living options need to appeal to potential residents and reassure them that they provide the services and amenities required for seniors to live a healthy, happy life as they age. When selecting a senior living community, people are likely to seek a well-rounded facility that emphasizes health and wellness and offers myriad opportunities to stay active. Attractive, creative outdoor activity spaces with outdoor musical instruments included will give a good visual ‘first impression’ to potential residents and their families who may visit several facilities before deciding which is a good fit for them. They will showcase the culture and sense of unity a senior living community has to offer. Demonstrating the importance that music and music therapy has to the range of services offered will make a community or home stand out as engaging in current best practice in the care of senior adults. This will foster trust with seniors' families possibly struggling with an emotional decision, help alleviate some of the fear that their parents may have and promote the value and advantages that come from living in a senior living community. By Leith
BUSINESS
Keeping Residents Connected and on the Road
Keeping residents connected with their surrounding community and giving them the ability to travel further afield, to experience the world around them during their golden years, is important to Oceania, where the residents’ needs always come first.
SARAH LEWISDAWES FleetPartner's Relationship Manager for Oceania
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ransport offers those in retirement and aged care facilities a lifeline to the outside world they may otherwise not have. Group outings create a connection, not only among residents, but also to the wider community. With 47 villages across the country, Oceania offers a range of Aged Care and Retirement Village Living options for New Zealanders. To keep their residents moving, in 2014, FleetPartners partnered with Oceania to offer a fleet management service for their vehicle fleet. Since then, Oceania have moved to transitioning their fleet to leasing so they can offer their residents safe and compliant vehicles for transport. “FleetPartners take away all the hassle of looking after the fleet of vehicles so that staff at Oceania can focus on what’s truly important, the residents,” explained Sarah Lewis-Dawes, FleetPartner’s Relationship Manager for Oceania. The majority of Oceania’s 120+ vehicles are on a Fully Maintained Operating Lease which means everything is taken care of, including cost certainty,
scheduled servicing, maintenance, repairs, tyres, relief vehicle service and more. “The main benefit of leasing is that the risk element is taken away,” continued Lewis-Dawes. With over 4,000 residents and 2,800 staff nationally, Oceania’s fleet is very important to them because it enables residents to interact with everything inside and outside their village, from taking them to shops outside to outings and day trips. Compliance and safety are paramount for their vehicles transporting their residents, but so is making sure the residents are comfortable. With a changing demographic of residents with greater discretionary income and a want for higher-quality options, aged care and retirement villages can no longer neglect the aesthetic or feel of the services they offer. The fleet at Oceania consists mainly of Mercedes Sprinter vans for the retirement villages, which are used for transporting residents. These vehicles combine the practicality needed with the style and comfort residents deserve. Care vans have hoists installed at the back with
wheelchair access for residents. FleetPartners works with AutoTransform, a third-party fitout provider, who specialise in mobility options for vehicles. The vehicles need to be very accessible for the residents to get in and out of. Vehicles are also sign written individually for each village which helps identify the vehicles for the residents. These vehicles are such an important aspect of the day-to-day lives of those living at Oceania facilities that there is often quite a fanfare when a new van is acquired. “Both the residents and staff get very excited when a new vehicle arrives, we’ve seen photos of the new vans with happy residents and balloons, it means a lot to them.” Sustainability is also very important to Oceania, as part of the company’s commitment to becoming more eco-friendly, they have started to offer some residents access to a pool car which can be booked during the week. Oceania see pool cars as the future for residents and their families. “It reduces the need for residents to bring their own cars and having to worry about maintenance, fuel, servicing and the rest,” noted Lewis-Dawes. FleetPartners has further assisted Oceania on their carbon journey and transitioning some vehicles to more sustainable alternatives. This has started with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for their pool cars and for some managers transitioning to hybrid options. FleetPartners has been an expert to help Oceania find and source vehicles when they have needed them for all their locations around the country. Offering one point of contact and a personal touch to those it works with has added to the company’s reputation as a trusted service provider. While providing all Oceania residences with an
online landing page full of information about the fleet of vehicles, the lines of communication are always opened with FleetPartners answering any questions any of the facilities might have. FleetPartners also sponsors their annual conference each year. “These conferences are important to FleetPartners because it means that Oceania managers and team members can put a face to the name, it’s important to have that familiarity so that we can continue to deliver fleet excellence to Oceania.” FleetPartners is one of New Zealand’s leading vehicle leasing and fleet management specialists, managing over 25,000 vehicles across the country. FleetPartners has over 3,000 customers and help businesses of all sizes access the vehicles they need to operate their business. For more information, visit www.fleetpartners.co.nz. March/April 2022
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BUSINESS
Strong demand expected for new apprenticeship programme Careerforce, the Industry Training Organisation for the health and wellbeing sectors, has launched the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Advanced Care and Support. The level 4, 122-126 credit programme is just one part of an effort to help address an ageing and overwhelmed aged care, and home & community workforce, further complicated by the impacts of COVID-19. 18
orkplaces will now have the option to choose between the Advanced Care and Support trainee programme which was earlier launched in 2021, or this new apprenticeship, depending on their staff ’s needs. Like the trainee programme, the apprenticeship is a two-year programme that leads to the awarding of the New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 4) Advanced Care and Support. Apprentices working in the aged care and home and community support sectors will develop the skills required to provide personcentred or relationship-centred care and support to people with complex needs. The launch of this apprenticeship comes after the March 2022 release of the biennial Aged
Residential Care Industry Profile report, which identified a very high turnover of registered nurses at 48 percent compared to 33 percent in December 2019. New Zealand Aged Care Association Chief Executive, Simon Wallace said, “Never before have we seen nurse departure of this scale and with a critically limited pool to recruit from, the sector really is at crisis point. “Having a strong, capable and skilled caregiver workforce is imperative if providers are to continue to operate and provide a high standard of care to the more than 35,000 residents in care homes across the country. “The volume and complexity of services we provide is increasing and when we do not have staff to provide this expert care vulnerable elderly are instead entering hospitals, putting extra pressure on an already burdened public health system.” The Apprenticeship in Advanced Care and Support aims to alleviate the pressures of this registered nurse shortage by enhancing the leadership skills and competencies of healthcare assistants, support workers and team leaders working under the direction of a nurse or registered health professional. In July 2021, Careerforce launched the 120-credit Advanced Care and Support trainee programme to replace the 70-credit Advanced Support programme. After much consultation with the health care sector, it was strongly recommended that the Advanced Support programme be significantly expanded and enhanced to reflect the increasingly complex needs of people being supported, and to enhance the leadership responsibilities of employees at this level. The Advanced Care and Support trainee programme remains open for enrolments. However, with the option to instead enrol staff in the new apprenticeship programme, apprentices will be able to receive pastoral support and guidance from a Careerforce Apprenticeship Advisor. This extra support will be beneficial to workplaces that may not have the infrastructure for an in-house assessor. Careerforce Chief Executive, Jane Wenman expects the new apprenticeship to be popular: “Since first launching in 2016, sector demand for our apprenticeship programmes has grown dramatically. “We now support well over 2,300 apprentices across our health and wellbeing apprenticeship
“Since first launching in 2016, sector demand for our apprenticeship programmes has grown dramatically.” programmes, and expect the addition of this new advanced care and support apprenticeship to be very well received by the aged care and home and community sectors,” she said. The new apprenticeship is designed to allow a range of approaches to training. Apprentices can choose from one of seven focus areas of the programme, depending on the specific skills they need for their workplace. The focus areas are Bariatric Care, Dementia and Bariatric Care, Dementia and Brain Injury, Dementia and Frailty, Frailty, Palliative Care, and Spinal Injury Care. Employers may also be eligible for the Government’s Apprenticeship Boost fund – designed to help employers retain and bring on new apprentices by providing them with up to $1000/month for each apprentice they enrol. This fund is currently available until August 2022. Additionally, and via the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund (TTAF), Careerforce apprenticeship programmes are currently fees free for enrolments through to December 2022. The online learning gives apprentices access to videos, interactive activities, and scenario-based learning. The learning is enhanced by guided online research to expand trainee knowledge. For more information, view the Apprenticeship in Advanced Care and Support page on the Careerforce website. Careerforce is the Industry Training Organisation (ITO) for the health, mental health, youth work, disability, social services and cleaning sectors. Careerforce support employers across New Zealand’s health and wellbeing sectors to run workplace training programmes, allowing staff to achieve nationally recognised qualifications on and off the job. For more information please see www.careerforce.org.nz March/April 2022
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BUSINESS
Salesperson of the Year When Janine Wilde accepted her award for Salesperson of the Year at the National Retirement Living Awards, she used the opportunity to talk about one of her passions: Ryman Healthcare.
he Victoria/Tasmania Retirement Living Salesperson of the Year Award recognises Janine’s exceptional customer service, strong resident and community engagement, and sales success. “When I was presented with the award, I was very emotional and it felt quite surreal,” said Janine. “I felt honoured and privileged to be accepting the award for doing a job I feel blessed to be able to do every day.” As well as thanking Victorian Sales and Community Relations Manager Debra Richardson, Area Sales Manager and Victorian Community Relations Team Leader Denise Thompson, and her family, Janine acknowledged Ryman cofounder Kevin Hickman. “I can never go past Kevin Hickman for his vision and passion to create retirement living based on the philosophy that it’s got to be ‘good enough for mum or dad’,” she said. “I really hope I can meet him in person one day.” Janine’s retirement industry win comes after she was named Ryman Healthcare’s ‘Sales Advisor of the Year’ at the 2021 Ryman Awards. Since starting at Ryman more than two years ago, Janine’s
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love of her job has contributed to unprecedented demand for villas at Deborah Cheetham Retirement Village. As a result, the village is set to expand, with a further 66 villas to be built on a 2.35ha block of land next to the existing village. DxmP36p8Janine (left) with National Retirement Living Awards judge Margaret Bridge. “Janine’s passion for her job shines through in everything she does, and it really is so much more than a job for her - it is about supporting people during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives,” she said. “I am thrilled Janine continues to be recognised for her talent.” Janine is now a finalist in the National Salesperson of the Year Award category of the National Retirement Living Awards. The winner will be announced at a gala dinner on the Gold Coast during the National Retirement Living Summit in June. While the recognition was humbling, Janine said the award would not change her approach to the role. “I will continue to do whatever it takes to support those considering a move to Ryman,” she said. “I truly believe Ryman is the best retirement living option in Australia.”
T U K A I R A I N I B O G I , CA R EG I V E R LANSDOWNE PARK LIFESTYLE VILLAGE
Advanced Care and Support Apprenticeship now open for enrolments This new apprenticeship programme reflects the increasingly complex needs in aged care, and aims to alleviate workforce pressures by enhancing the leadership skills and competencies of healthcare assistants, support workers and team leaders. Apprentices are able to choose from one of seven focus areas: Bariatric Care, Dementia and Bariatric Care, Dementia and Brain Injury, Dementia and Frailty, Frailty, Palliative Care, and Spinal Injury Care. Employers may also be eligible for the Government’s Apprenticeship Boost fund, providing them with up to $1000/month for each apprentice they enrol (currently available until August 2022). Additionally, Careerforce apprenticeship programmes are currently fees free for enrolments through to December 2022.
careerforce.org.nz/ACS info@careerforce.org.nz 0800 277 486
BUSINESS
Hon. Tracey Martin, former Seniors Minister More than 47,000 New Zealanders now live in retirement villages, and hundreds of people are moving in every week.
HON. TRACY MARTIN Independent Member RVA
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iven the growing popularity of retirement villages in this country, it is no surprise that there has been more scrutiny on the sector. I saw that first-hand during my time as Seniors Minister in the Labour-New Zealand First Government. Last year, I agreed to become the Independent Member of the Retirement Villages Association’s (RVA) Executive Committee to represent the residents’ point of view. Following my Ministerial portfolio, this was an opportunity to get the view from ‘the ground.’ In taking on the role, I anticipated there would be some challenges. The Retirement Commissioner had released a White Paper that advocated reviewing the retirement village legislative framework. Meanwhile, the RVA, which represents large and small village operators, launched its Blueprint for Change. One of the key aspects of the blueprint is strengthening the voice of residents and ensuring they are heard at RVA’s governance level. It also addresses other issues of concern to residents. Such as weekly fees (fixed or a predictable increase, ceasing when a unit is vacated), committing to making sure operators re-licence vacant units as quickly as possible, and ensuring the terms around transfers to care are transparent. And the blueprint includes a pledge to address any perceived or real “unfair” clauses in Occupation Right Agreements (ORAs). I was, of course, expecting there would be times when I would have to stand up to the RVA’s Executive Committee to say, “people over profit”, – but I never once had to. I was expecting to meet a good number of residents with significant concerns. However, while many of the residents I met agreed some things needed fixing, most were
very happy with their village life. There are, without a doubt, some issues that need resolving. Still, encouragingly, I found the willingness is there to address them. The sector recognises that if people are not happy, they will not come to live in the villages. But the industry also accepts the need to improve and evolve its offering. The sector has a vast offering. There are opportunities for people to buy into different models, such as fixed fees or not fixed, or with or without capital gains. The sector is genuinely trying to deliver on a variety of options. In fact, I would also like to see the state starting a conversation with the sector about its potential to answer housing needs for an even wider range of seniors. I was also surprised at the many myths about the retirement village sector held by those not living in villages. Some think that they are only for those requiring significant care and support, or they are isolated ‘gated communities. They have hidden fees and costs. Or are only for the wealthy; the purchase of ORAs is highly complicated; they make exorbitant profits, and there are no legal protections for residents. Throughout the meetings and after spending time with residents, it was reassuring that most people did not hold these views. I had expected the concept of capital gains to be a burning issue. However, while recognising that some issues need sorting, such as repairs to chattels, it was not seen as a significant problem. It was important to people to leave something for their families, but how they lived their lives in their villages was most important. They appreciated the worry-free lifestyle. The community, the facilities, and simply having weekly fees – in many cases, fixed for life - rather than worrying about the upkeep of their homes and things like rates, insurance and water levies. For many, moving into a retirement village had
freed up capital to enjoy. Together with living in safe, vibrant communities, these things were more important to them than having capital gains on the other side. Many people know seniors living in retirement villages. I’m sure that knowing their friends or loved ones are in such an environment provides much peace of mind. The sector is one of the country’s largest developers of new homes. With our rapidly ageing population, we cannot underestimate its
importance. Not only in accommodation but of villages’ roles in addressing loneliness and isolation, safety and security, keeping people active, interacting and providing a continuation of care where needed. Due to other commitments, Ms Martin is stepping down from her RVA role, with Hon Jo Goodhew, former MP and former Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, taking on the position.
March/April 2022
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CARE
Exercise helps life expectancy and quality of life
Exercise is now well-proven to not only increase life expectancy but also improve quality of life, said ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie.
RICHARD BEDDIE Exercise NZ Chief Executive
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t protects older people especially against every major disease such as heart disease, cancer and type II diabetes as well as provides significant broader wellness benefits related to mental health and slowly degenerative diseases such as dementia, he said. “There are so many benefits from structured exercise such as classes/activities. The World Health Organisation for health physical activity guidelines are 150 minutes a week, or 30 minute sessions five times a week. “Everyone should reach those guidelines weekly and also try and do two hours of physical activity things that place a load on the body. “This is vital for bone health and keeping good strength for everyday activities. The good news is some things can tick off both at the same time, such as working out at the gym.The old adage of use it or lose it definitely applies here.” Exercise is especially important for the 13,000 New Zealanders who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Beddie says one in every 500 Kiwis suffers from Parkinson’s and regular activity will help them. It is the second most common neurological condition in New Zealand and Beddie said Exercise NZ has supported the training of exercise professionals to better understand the condition. “Exercise can be cheap, relatively safe and free of side effects. It is increasingly being
used to help manage other health conditions like Parkinson’s disease. “Studies consistently reveal that people with Parkinson’s can improve in the following their strength, endurance, balance, mobility, walking ability and flexibility. Research has shown that people who exercise are less likely to develop Parkinson’s.” “Exercise increases the body’s response to dopamine cells in the brain, thus slowing the progression of the disease in some people and helping to manage the symptoms in others. “Exercise activities such as walking or dancing are steps in the right direction for people living with Parkinson’s disease. Getting an exercise routine early after diagnosis is key to the best outcomes. Fitness activity could help prevent falls in people living with the disease.” Beddie is recognised in the fitness industry as a global expert in exercise and physical activity. He has a background in governance of global bodies including being chair of the International Confederation of Register for Exercise Professionals for four years and nine years with Skills Active Aotearoa, New Zealand’s standard-setter for education and training in sports fitness and recreation. He set up the world’s first collaborative network for registered exercise professionals globally and has worked with other countries to facilitate portability for New Zealand-trained exercise professionals to travel and work overseas.
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CARE
Local Cannabis Piques Pharmacists’ Curiosity Nearly 1,500 New Zealand doctors and pharmacists have now registered on MCinfo.com – a dedicated and comprehensive medicinal cannabis information service.
he surge in interest follows a recent Zoom series of educational presentations organised and hosted by MCinfo.com. The latest one titled ‘Medicinal Cannabis: A pharmacist’s perspective’ featured James Yu, charge pharmacist and co-owner of Ngā Hua Pharmacy in Hamilton. “James is one of New Zealand’s leading medical voices in this area and has arguably processed more medicinal cannabis prescriptions than anyone in the country. Since promoting his presentation, a significant number of pharmacists have joined MCinfo which is great for Kiwi patients,” said Don Budge, director of DATAPHARM which built and runs MCinfo. Registration to MCinfo is free for doctors and pharmacists with Yu’s presentation, and others, now uploaded for those registered to view. “James is focused on raising awareness of the potential of medicinal cannabis by educating other pharmacists and doctors about it. He’s also keen to remind Kiwis that quality New Zealand-made CBD products are now available
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at considerably less cost,” said Budge. While only MCinfo-registered doctors and pharmacists can access the prescribers’ portal, anyone can access MCinfo’s up-to-the-minute information on the use, potential benefits and risks of CBD, THC, and other medicinal cannabinoid products “It’s good to see more of New Zealand’s over 3,500 practising pharmacists familiarising themselves with medicinal cannabis. Helping them spark into action is the fact that patient enquiries have increased since Kiwi-made products come onto the market last year. With demand only set to grow, we’re calling on other healthcare professionals to register on MCinfo,” he said. It makes sense for pharmacists to upskill on medicinal cannabis as they’re often the first port of call for enquiring patients, and doctors also quiz them. “To give the appropriate advice, it’s critical that pharmacists understand medicinal cannabis. What’s more, improving professional knowledge helps remove barriers for patients keen to learn
more about it or access a prescription,” he said. Education sponsor of MCinfo is Helius Therapeutics - New Zealand’s largest medicinal cannabis company. It too says prescriber knowledge is key to improving patient access. “We’re thrilled greater numbers of Kiwi healthcare professionals are now registering with this invaluable online service. With more local patients asking questions, it’s great that doctors and pharmacists are increasingly curious and seeking the very latest information on this new and exciting frontier of care for New Zealand,” said Carmen Doran, chief executive of Helius Therapeutics. As the first local cannabis business to be awarded a GMP Licence to Manufacture Medicines last year, and set to export later this year, Helius is proud to back initiatives that better support the country’s healthcare professionals. According to Doran the provision of a single trusted source of information with real-time
access to ongoing global medicinal cannabis developments is critical for a country that has only relatively recently enabled all GPs to prescribe medicinal cannabis for any health condition. As well as Zoom presentations, dedicated resources for healthcare professionals include MCinfo’s clinical fact sheets. These are constantly revised with the latest data available in specific therapeutic areas. In addition to the virtual resources MCinfo provides and having reps visiting doctors, MCinfo will again have a stand at GPCME (General Practice and Medical Conference Exhibition). GPCME North will be held in Rotorua this year from 9 to 12 June. “At the last Independent Pharmacy Conference and GPCMEs, our MCinfo stand attracted considerable interest from delegates," said Budge. "Now that we have local manufacturers licenced to produce medicinal cannabis, more affordable local products available, and patient enquires at an all-time high, we’re expecting MCinfo registrations to only grow". March/April 2022
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CARE
Active Ageing Fitness The shift to an ageing population The future will see an increased proportion of elderly people throughout all modern societies. It is estimated by the WHO (World Health Organization) that in the year 2050 there will be equally as many elderly people in the world as there are children (1). Not only will there be more elderly people but the perception of being old will also continue to change. Previously, age was seen as a natural weakness process and reduction in lifestyle options. While this still holds true in many respects, this perception has shifted towards a higher chronological age group. In the future, people aged 65-75 will expect to have the same quality of life and life options as younger persons. As an illustration of this change in perception, this age-group (65-75) has been referred to as “yold” (young old) (2) and the percentage of “yold” in affluent countries has already increased from 8% in 2000 to 11% in 2015. In relation to outdoor fitness, this means that we can expect more users in this segment, and that those users will have a higher activity level and a higher demand for tailored, effective solutions. The physiological decline from becoming old Increased age does mean physiological changes and decreased physical performance, but much of this is attributed to decreased levels of physical activity and can therefore be prevented or reduced by regular exercise (3). One of the most obvious symptoms of age and inactivity is the loss of muscle strength. After the age of 50 we tend to lose around 1% of muscle strength per year with further accelerated loss after the age of 75. However, most of this can be prevented through regular strength training, and research has shown that even at an older age, muscle mass can be increased (4). Another age-related problem is reduced cardiometabolic health, which increases the risk of diseases such as cardiovascular disease and type 2
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diabetes. This can (to a large extent) be prevented with aerobic exercise and increased amounts of general physical activity. As there is a direct relationship between cardio-respiratory fitness and expected lifespan, this means that the aerobically fit elderly will live longer and with less years suffering from disease (5). The risk of falling A very common problem for the elderly is the increased risk of falling due to decreased muscle function and declining motor skills. Approximately 1 in 3 people above the age of 65 is expected to experience a serious fall event. Research has also shown that elderly people who experience a traumatic event are more likely to survive if they have previously had strong muscles (6). Similar to other ailments, the increased risk of falling can be related to decreased physical activity levels, and many studies show that the risk for falling can be significantly reduced with exercises that target gait function, balance and muscle strength (7). In many studies the risk reduction for falling after a given exercise period is around 30% (8). Best exercise for preventing lifestyle diseases The best exercise for preventing most lifestyle diseases is a combination of cardio training, strength training, and generally increased physical activity level. Cardio training can have a protective effect at many different intensities, but the higher the intensity, the less time is required (8). Strength training increases muscle strength and the metabolic capacity of the muscles. For strength training to be effective, exercises should
be performed in a way that sees the target muscles reach fatigue within 15 repetitions (9). This can be done with either adjustable external resistance or equipment that facilitates using body weight in varied positions. Increased cardiovascular fitness and well-trained muscles not just only improves the metabolic profile, but also allows the person to do more and thereby maintain a high general physical activity level more easily. Best exercise for fall prevention It is generally recognized that falls can be prevented by doing a mix of balance, mobility and taskoriented exercises (7, 10). Balance exercise can be performed as static exercises (i.e. one-legged stand), but studies have shown that reactive balance training has an even higher potential (11). Reactive balance training not only means that the person is unstable, but also that the surface can move. Mobility as a term covers the ability to move (like walking), but also the general ability to perform functional movements. Decreased mobility can be a result of poor flexibility in both the upper and lower body. It is therefore important to maintain full-body flexibility. Simple exercises enhance basic physical performance, but task-oriented exercises are needed to improve more complex functional capacity (12). Examples of task-oriented exercises include walking on challenging surfaces, ramps and stairs. The important feature of these task-oriented exercises is that they specifically enhance the interplay between sensory feedback, reflexes, and motor skills. Social and emotional factors of exercise for the elderly An important motivational factor for elderly people to exercise is the social construct around the activity (13). To create solutions that make the elderly exercise consistently, it is therefore important to think about the layout of facilities, surroundings, and supportive items (furniture etc.). Another very important feature is the feeling of safety. Activity areas for the elderly should be away from noisy youth activities (like skate parks), be well lit in the evening, and pathways and other infrastructure should be laid out so it minimizes risk of trips and falling and maximizes the feeling of safety. Quality of life Self-perceived quality of life is to some extent a subjective assessment, but it is very important as it indicates exactly as the term says: how well a person perceives his or her life. Also, people with
a high self-perceived quality of life tend to live longer (14). Some of the underlying modifiable factors are absence of disease and accidents, the ability to actively do things you like, having a social network, and being able to take care of your own life. All these things can be directly positively affected by engaging in physical activity programs with other people. Economic benefits for society It is estimated that in the US alone, each year about US$50 billion is spent on non-fatal fall injuries and US$754 million is spent on fatal falls. With a greater elderly population expected in the future, these numbers are expected to grow (15). Decreasing the number of falls among the elderly can directly save large amounts of money as well as human suffering. It has also been calculated that a general increase in people’s activity level can save on health costs. Each category change of a person’s activity level is related to a change in the expected annual health costs of US$815. A category change would be classed as going from “inactive” to “insufficiently active” or from “insufficiently active” to “active”. These numbers are calculated on population level, but it underlines that giving everybody the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact on public healthcare costs (16). SUMMARY In the future there will be a larger proportion of elderly people and they will have higher expectations of what they can do in their senior years. With ageing follows a physiological decline and increased risk of life-style-related diseases, but this can to a large extent be postponed or reduced through exercise. Also, the age-specific increased risk of falling can significantly be reduced with an appropriate exercise plan. Less disease and accidents and higher functional capacity in daily life means increased quality of life for the individual and less health-related expenses for society. The optimal exercise regime to achieve these benefits is a mix of cardio, strength, and fall-preventing exercises, preferably performed in motivating facilities together with like-minded persons. By Leith
CARE
Helping Build Profitable Health Care Businesses Financial management can be a juggling act in health care.
hether in aged care or operating a GP clinic, there is a minimum level of financial knowledge and understanding needed by the key decision makers. A key element in making a sound management decision is to understand how it will effect financial performance. In aged care this is most likely the Facility Manager and at a GP clinic I have seen this passed to the Practice Manager successfully. In David Meckin’s 2007 book “Naked Finance – business finance pure and simple” he starts with the following comment which I think is highly appropriate for those in health care: “The normal day to day demands are well within your management capabilities. It’s these financial issues that give you the headache. Nobody has ever explained how to balance revenue against costs, how to interpret financial reports, how to argue for new equipment and how to budget.” The article to follow will focus primarily on aged care but there will be cross over points highly relatable to GP clinics and other health providers. Providing the very best care, filling safe rosters, providing an awesome food service and keeping residents safe in a great and modern aged care facility, no matter whether you are a private operator or a multi-site not-for-profit, also requires a regular eye on financial performance. This can be difficult to balance but no business can survive without sound financial management. In my experience in aged care it has been important to proactively ensure a Facility Manager has key financial knowledge to run their facility business. Recognising that many Facility Managers come from a clinical care background means it would be unrealistic to expect them to come to a business leadership role as a strong financial manager. I can remember one great Facility Manager who
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I had known for years saying to me when I was visiting, “I have always meant to ask; when there are brackets around this month’s gross profit, does that mean I am making money or losing it?” Yikes I thought but from that day on I knew it was my responsibility, as Chief Financial Officer, to ensure all of our Facility Managers had the right financial management knowledge. I asked myself, “Our Facility Managers run individually significant businesses. What are the most important skills they require to run a financially successful Aged Care business?” To follow would become the training session, “Mastering the 7 Skills of a Highly Effective Facilities Finance Manager.”
In brief, it is important to understand: 1. The levers that drive growth – Occupancy, bed mix, accommodation supplement, on-charging, cost management as a start. 2. How to clearly interpret a Profit and Loss statement – And importantly what goes in to each account and whether or not you are able to influence. For example property rates are harder to influence than office supply costs or advertising. 3. How to prepare a budget and knowing you own it - What gets planned gets done! – Understanding why we budget, when we budget, how we budget and how to compare to your competition is critical. As Benjamin Franklin said, “If you fail to plan you plan to fail.” 4. Gap analysis and proactive action – As a minimum understanding the gaps between monthly financial performance and budget and doing something about it. This includes vigilant observation of developing trends in important key performance indicators. For example, staff, medical supplies or food as a percentage of revenue.
5. Effective and regular benchmarking Benchmarking is checking or evaluating performance compared to others and especially those that do something better. This can be difficult for standalone operators meaning the many available external sources of information to compare with becomes all the more important to access. 6. Cash is king – Understanding that good cash management practices and processes is imperative. The objective of cash management is to minimise the time that elapses between paying cash to suppliers and receiving cash from residents. How is this achieved? 7. A Case for Capital Expenditure – Firstly, it is critical to clearly distinguish the difference between capital and operational expenditure. Secondly, it is critical to have a robust capital purchase/replacement plan in place. Capital expenditure tends to be expensive and if not planned can have a serious impact on cash flow. There will be a number of other areas in financial management a Facility Manager may need to understand. This may be related to a specific operator or provision of a slightly different business model. In the nine years I have been in aged care, above are the 7 areas that seemed to come up regularly as the most applicable to understand. The understanding of these areas is important but it is also important ensuring each of the above 7 areas are actually performed regularly. Juggling
financial management with the needs of the staff, residents, site operations and clinic care can be difficult to balance and over the years I have witnesses many great Facility Managers drop a ball or two and that can be very costly to a business.
Financial Management can be a juggling act. We can help: We have a program based on above called “Finance basics for Facility Managers in 7 Steps” that is geared specifically for assisting facility managers, frequently from a registered nurse background, focus on what is important for ensuring quality financial stewardship. We have had success adapting this training for Retirement Village Managers and General Practice Managers. Stuart Bilbrough Peak Care Advisory Mob: 021 252 5778 Email: stuart@peakadvisory.co.nz Website: www.peakadvisory.co.nz
CARE
The magic doesn’t end
I'm a dietitian and I love my work. My clients are older adults living independently or in care.
Jo Pannabeker (NZRD) Specialises in Older Adult Nutrition
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owever, I don't love my title so much. 'Dietitian' sounds so clinical, and has associations with handing out food rules and restrictions. Which
is so not what I do. Here are two reasons I love my work. Firstly, the food. Food turns up at so many important points of our lives (such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals), and is so much a part of everything we do (daily routines and habits) that all its goodness can be overlooked. It connects us physically with our environment - the places we buy our food from, the vegetables we may grow in our garden, the places we eat with others (picnics, our favourite cafes, the back deck, the kitchen). Food keeps us alive, quite literally, and also feeds our social connections, our family and cultural traditions. We know these are important, and they become increasingly relevant as we age. We will gather together over food, we will prepare meals for people who are important to us, and we pass down food traditions to the next generations. Your regular diet may now include international cuisines such as Indian, Thai, or English/Western, but as we age we often return to the favourites of our childhood. When I ask elders about their preferred foods - especially if they are not feeling very well - they often describe the food they ate as children. Do you have grandchildren who ask you to tell them what your life was like when you were their age? How about telling them a food story? My great aunt used to tell me about picking blackberries along the lanes on her way home from school, and about the first time she ever saw and tasted an orange. My grandfather described his favourite type of bread made in his village and the espaliered pears in his uncle’s garden. I haven’t eaten those rolls or
pears, but I absolutely associate my grandfather with those two foods. Those, and the cherry tart he brought to Sunday lunch each week. Try this exercise: think back to what you ate as a kid, say, under 10 years. What are the first things to come to mind? People? Place smells? Feelings? How do you eat now? How different is it? What differences do you like and why? The second reason I love my work is my clients. These are elders living either in their own homes or in care. Older adults have unique nutrition needs that are different from other age groups. I don’t think many people realise this or take it seriously. What our bodies need at 75 is different from what we need 55. Health is also measured differently from our younger decades (hint: weight loss is not desirable). And as we age we collect an increasing number of challenges that make getting the best nutrition more difficult. For example, chewing and digesting meat becomes harder, appetites become smaller, loneliness can increase, and enthusiasm for cooking can wane. Doing ‘all the things’ to stay in best health can take up half the morning. And here’s where the two intersect: when I can work with an elder who is struggling with any aspect of their nutrition (food, drink, appetite, constipation, energy, swallowing - the list goes on) and am able to adjust meals and snacks to suit their preferences and needs, I can improve their quality of life, reduce the dread of mealtimes, and know their body is being nourished to be at its best. This is super rewarding work, and also an honour. Everyone relates to food. We all need it. We need it in ways that are unique to us - our age, our preferences, our heritage. And food can keep on delivering the magic of health and connection until we hit 100, so don’t settle for blah or the ‘same old, same old’. Go for the magic!
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CARE
Video Educates Healthcare Workers
When New Zealand’s Ministry of Health approached Ryman Healthcare for assistance to produce an important video to help educate healthcare workers on the safe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in a residential care setting, Ryman was more than happy to oblige.
rom Ryman’s Wellington village, Malvina Major, stepped up and offered the use of their village rest home as the filming location, and senior caregiver Jacque took on the starring role to show the importance of performing this vital step-by-step process correctly. Anna Ramsey, Senior Communications Advisor for the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) and member of their COVID Communications team, was leading the video production project. Ramsey specifically supports the Ministry’s Infection Prevention and Control team (IPC Team) and PPE and Critical Medical Supply Chain team (PPE Supply Team). She explained that the two teams work closely together. The IPC Team forms part of the broader IPC SUB-Technical Advisory Group (IPC subTAG) and have consistently provided trusted national policy and procedure guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to IPC Nurse specialists, the wider health and disability workforce, and frontline staff working at the border.
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The PPE Supply team manages the Ministry’s COVID-19 PPE Central Supply which services the health care workers and border workers who contribute to New Zealand’s public health response to COVID-19, by distributing PPE items to these essential service providers according to IPC guidance for PPE. The Ministry’s current IPC guidance for PPE selection recommends that all primary and community health and disability care workers complete a risk assessment before interacting with a patient, client, or resident to determine their likelihood of exposure to COVID-19. The assessed level of risk then determines the type of PPE a worker should wear to protect themselves from infection. Lorraine Hetaraka, Chief Nursing Officer for the Ministry noted that because Aged Care Health and Disability Support workers are spread out across the community and country, it can be difficult to have in-person IPC education and training accessed by everyone. Most online IPC
educational videos are based and focused on a hospital setting, and the Ministry wanted to provide a tool that was relevant to this sector. “The IPC sub-TAG wanted to specifically advise and support the residential and home care sectors by providing these healthcare workers with relevant visual resources to show the best approach to putting on, taking off and disposing of PPE in those particular workplace settings,” said Hetaraka. “Correct use of PPE is important for your safety to help you reduce your risk of contaminating yourself, your clothing or the environment you are working in.” Adhering to infection prevention practices is always important to help protect New Zealanders against the spread of infections, but it’s been the COVID-19 pandemic that has shone a bright light on the true significance of infection prevention for us all. “Written resources are great, but visual guidance is a particularly effective learning tool to show people what they need to do, especially with a technical process such as putting on and taking off PPE.” The Ministry IPC team identified the importance of filming this resource in a real residential care setting to accurately represent exactly what happens for health care workers who work in that environment. “To use PPE safely, health care workers must follow a process and the setting that you work in has an impact on what you need to do and when,” continued Hetaraka. “We needed this video to show clear and relevant instructions that people can follow from start to finish.” In the video Malvina Major’s Jacque shows the process right from the beginning, the first step is the important need to complete a risk assessment to determine what her risk of infection could be and what PPE she needs to wear before she
provides care. In this facility, the range of PPE items that might be required for resident care is available in a PPE station and Jacque collects all items together, so she has them at hand. Following the risk assessment, Jacque then puts on the correct PPE in the right order outside the resident’s room. We see Jacque put on both a medical mask and then a P2/N95 particulate respirator, and we see how she performs a seal/fit check to ensure the respirator is fitted correctly so no air escapes around the edges of it - a critical step in the process. The other items of PPE shown in the video are a long-sleeved gown, eye protection (face shield or goggles) and gloves. We also see the important practice of performing hand hygiene. “There is a lot of information for a health care worker to remember. Correctly putting on, taking off and disposing of used PPE items in the right order. Performing hand hygiene at key stages and ensuring they don’t touch the outside of their used PPE items after providing care to avoid contamination to themselves and the environment,” said Hetaraka. The Ministry has produced two PPE guidance videos for home and residential health care staff providing care in New Zealand in those settings. You can view both videos here: • Ministry of Health PPE guidance for Residential Care workers • Ministry of Health PPE guidance for Home Care workers “We were thrilled at how accommodating and kind Malvina Major’s Manager, Albie has been. He has been so willing and helpful, and we are very grateful to him,” Hetaraka concluded. “On behalf of the Ministry and the IPC team, we would like to thank Albie, Jacque and all the staff at the village. Without them, we couldn’t have completed this project and we are very pleased with the end result.” March/April 2022
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CARE
Protecting Residents and Staff The impact COVID-19 has had on our most vulnerable, such as the elderly and those living in residential aged care, is particularly devastating, with residents of aged care facilities being most at risk if an outbreak occurs.
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allagher’s industryleading security solutions can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and support aged care facilities in tracing interactions should an outbreak occur. Competency-based access management As New Zealand continues to roll out the Pfizer vaccine, aged care facilities need easy
requirements and COVID-19 test status. With Gallagher’s Command Centre, you get one competency enabled in your base license. Access decisions can then be based on this individual competency, allowing your business to effectively manage compliance with COVID-19 policy and government regulations. Through competency-based access management, you can then send notifications to the individual and management notifying them of pending expiration. In the case of an overdue COVID-19 test, this allows all involved to arrange a follow-up test and remain safe, secure, and compliant. There are many benefits of competencybased access management. For starters, it offers automatic enforcement of business Occupational Health and Safety rules and policies, reduces the spread of COVID-19 caused by the presence of non-compliant staff, provides tangible evidence of duty of care to residents and staff, and ensures automatic compliance with government regulations.
access to information around vaccination status and COVID-19 testing. A lapse in either of these things can have severe and detrimental effects on residents. Using competency-based access management – where access is granted, restricted, or denied based on compliance with a requirement i.e., a certification or licence – sites can be alerted if a person has not had their two doses of the vaccine plus booster or is late for their routine COVID-19 test. Then grant, restrict, or deny access to areas depending on vaccination
Proximity and Contact Tracing Contact tracing has become a vital method for slowing the spread of COVID-19. Facilities can utilise access control data to help track an individual’s movements across a site. Gallagher’s award-winning Proximity and Contact Tracing Report was developed specifically in response to COVID-19 and provide facilities with the data they need for fast and efficient contact tracing. The tool’s innovative design utilises Gallagher’s powerful reporting capability to help identify the movements of specific individuals on-site, enabling managers to identify the areas where an infected person has been. People who shared an area with the infected person can then be contact traced, isolated, and tested before COVID-19 spreads through the facility and interrupts business continuity. The tool also rules out people who did not share an area with the infected person, allowing these residents and staff to continue daily life in a safe environment. For more information about security solutions, please visit security.gallagher.com or phone Gallagher’s Steve Cooke on 021 477 175.
March/April 2022
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F&B
Changes & Trends In Aged Care Kitchens That Save Money Today’s aged care residents are no longer the traditionalists of yesteryear. New Zealanders are becoming increasingly culturally diverse and aged care providers are adjusting menus and services to suit these changing market demands.
erving quality fresh food along with the option of an on-site café provides a competitive edge and increases the demand for the likes of cook-chill technology and the use of combisteam ovens, the latter of which is in high demand due to a combi oven’s functional diversity in providing fresh food, with a wide menu, all from the one appliance. Such equipment and technology more commonly generate water-based steam as opposed to the grease steam particles that fryers and grills produce. A decrease in the hazardous grease build-up inside of the kitchen exhaust system should therefore equate to a reduction in the frequency of the routine filter and duct cleaning
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Shepherd Filters is receiving high-level interest from the aged care facilities, looking to: • Reduce the frequency of expensive kitchen exhaust cleaning (insurance approved) • Maintain compliance 365 days per year • Save money and control costs on labour from staff through to fans etc. • Be more environmentally friendly by reducing the use of water, chemicals, dishwasher breakdown maintenance • Minimise unnecessary exposure from contractor visits during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond For any grease particulates that are generated from cooking methods, Shepherd Filters will capture up to 98% of airborne grease before it has the chance to penetrate the kitchen exhaust system. This results in significantly less grease build-up inside the hoods, ducts and fan, reducing maintenance costs and leaving operators with a cleaner kitchen exhaust system all year-round. Savings on routine cleaning begin immediately and the risk of fire is reduced almost entirely. Staff can change only when necessary, following a change colour guide, taking only a few minutes. Made from 100% fire-retardant wool, Shepherd Filters are fully biodegradable and a renewable resource.
THE SHEPHERD FILTERS SOLUTION Thanks to the power of pure wool and cooking equipment innovations, aged care kitchens can now take advantage of savings in labour and cleaning costs, see the example below based on a 10-hood filter system:
Previous Costs
Shepherd Filters
Canopy cleaning = $2000+ per year (Often not being done correctly)
Inspections and mini-cleans = $600 (Every 6 to 12 months)
Filter exchange $700+ a year
10 filters every 30 days at $6 each = $720 a year
Approximately $2700 a year
Approximately $1300+ a year
SWITCHING TO SHEPHERD FILTERS SAVED OVER 50% Contact us to learn more: hello@shepherdfilters.co.nz or 0800 425 449
Simple, smart, and sophisticated The pressure is high. Service is coming up and there is no time for mistakes. With the right equipment you never have to worry. The ScanBox ExP upgrade makes the work easier – handling, maneuvering, transporting and cleaning. No tilting pans, no spilling during transport. Set the temperature with a digital display, with faster reach and better evenness from top to bottom. Hot or cold, the food will be as fresh when you take it out as it was when you put it in. ExP keep the service on top and the residents happy.
Contact us today to know which Scanbox unit suits your requirement. www.southernhospitality.co.nz | phone 0800 503 335 | online@southernhospitality.co.nz March/April 2022
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F&B
FAKEWAYS
- A Kiwi Favourite
Fish and chips remain a firm Kiwi favourite, despite competition from an array of food choices.
erhaps it is the simplicity of the dish, and its early ties to the ‘every-man’ that is responsible for its universal appeal. Fish ‘n’ chips have moved far beyond the traditional “greasies”, wrapped up in newsprint. A new wave of shops have gone upmarket, offering a wide variety of fish species cooked to order, often attractively served in boxes with condiments. We are incredibly lucky to have access to some of the best kai moana in the world and New Zealand’s seafood industry plays a key role in the country’s economy, employing more than 13,000 people who provide New Zealand and the world with high quality, nutritious and great tasting seafood. Fish and chips is the perfect dish to show off locally sourced ingredients on your menu.
A Little History on a Humble Dish Here in New Zealand, it is our colonial history that saw fish and chips arrive on our shores. Some credit the ultimate origins of fish and chips to a melding of cooking traditions brought
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to England by refugees: frying fish in batter, brought over by Jewish immigrants fleeing from Spain and Portugal, and frying chipped potatoes in fat, brought over by Huguenot refugees from France. Both items, fried battered fish and fried potatoes, were sold separately in the streets of London. The combined dish emerged during the industrialisation of Britain. The first Fish and Chip shop appeared around the early to mid 1860s. By the 1900s, fish and chip shops were becoming common in urban areas of any size in England and Scotland and by 1910, there were about 25,000 fish and chip shops in the UK, mostly run by families, which provided lunches and early evening meals to working class people. Food historians have not been able to pinpoint exactly when the meal became an established part of New Zealand cuisine but all recognise it came to New Zealand with British settlers in the 19th century.
SAVE TIME AND ENERGY WITH MENU MASTER Microwave ovens cut energy costs by only using energy when cooking. Menu Master Xpress range has convection and forced air options that maintain crispness and freshness. For fast and easy cooking, Menu Master saves your staff time and you money.
ONLY THE BEST FOR YOUR KITCHEN.
For more information call 09 444 9078, email sales@cooktech.co.nz or visit www.cooktech.co.nz March/April 2022
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F&B
HERE ARE OUR TOP THREE PICKS: EGGPLANT FRIES
Everyone's Favourite Side: FRIES!
Fries, Pomme Frites, French Fries, Hot Chips, whatever you choose to call them, the humble fried potato is still one of the most ordered menu items for Kiwi consumers. Of course, the ultimate question when it comes to delivering fresh fries to hungry consumers is how to keep them crunchy. The hot, crispy qualities that make the hot chips dish so delectable also makes them challenging to prepare for the growing offpremise consumer market in commercial foodservice and non-commercial alike. Consumers want their offsite dining experiences to match on-site food quality levels. Keeping fries hot and crispy as they travel is more of a science than an art and thanks to innovations in both products and packaging, foodservice operators have more ways than ever to get hot chips out the door quickly without sacrificing quality. The Crunch Factor Not all fries are created
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equal in their ability to maintain texture and temperature between the operator’s kitchen and the consumer’s table. With preparation of carryout and delivery fries, operations need to consider how long the product will be in transit. Choosing a product that is coated or battered, rather than a traditional uncoated fry, helps fries retain heat longer. Thick-battered fries provide top heat retention and a crispy crunch while thicker-cut fries which have more solids and a lower moisture content allow for a faster turnaround and hold onto their heat longer during travel time. The enemy of crispy hot chips? Moisture and heat loss. Styrofoam and plastic takeaway packaging have a long history of success for many foods, but these enclosed containers will
encourage steaming and condensation, which leads Instead, use paper or cardboard packaging with ventilation, so the container can breathe, and steam can get out. Make sure that vent holes in the container are large enough to allow adequate airflow but are not so large that the fries get cold. Fry Not Try an Alternative to Potato? While potato fries are the classic favourite, and definitely shouldn’t be going anywhere, if you want to get a little creative with your fish and chips dish, why not try an alternative vegetable as a side? We all know how well kumara fries go down, but there are plenty of other veggies that can make for great fries, perhaps becoming seasonal special menu items throughout the year.
• Eggplants (or aubergines) make great fries and pair well with an Italian-style tomato sauce (think a snack-sized version of eggplant parmigiana). CRISPY PARMESAN GREEN BEAN FRIES
• A delicious lighter alternative to traditional potato fries, coated in bread crumbs and baked, rather than fried. COURGETTE CRISPS
• Courgettes are perfect for creating a scrumptious looking side that’s a little different. Perfect paired with a chipotle aioli sauce.
SWEET SEAFOOD: The Top Trends in
Kiwi Seafood Cuisine
While classic fish and chips is a beloved dish, Kiwi's are experimenting more with their taste-buds and are prepared to try something new and unique from their dining experiences. Keeping classics on the menu is important, but it’s also important to have fun and innovate to keep things fresh. Try some of these top Kiwi seafood cuisine trends on your fish and chip menu.
THE USE OF COASTAL SUCCULENTS: Foraging
AGED FISH: When aged, the flesh of many fish, and especially oily fish, will develop more complex flavours, often in the savoury profile. For sashimi and curing, oily fish allowed to age will often produce stunning flavours. Top fish to age are kahawai, trumpeter and groper but the technique can be trialled with all fish types. Kingi, a popular Auckland seafood restaurant, serves aged kahawai. They hang it in their chiller before eventually serving it raw.
is increasing in popularity and customers like a menu built on locally sourced ingredients. You get fresh flavours and often high levels of nutrition from wild foraged herbs and coastal succulents (such as ice-plants). Many are used as garnishes with seafood or make a tasty side salad. Key coastal herbs to use are wild fennel, Italian parsley and native celery. Beach spinach and native spinach often grow wild along our coast too and have a stunning salty flavour with a crisp texture. Native ice plant (horokaka) is also very nice as a wild succulent to add into salads with seafood and it can also be pickled in vinegar to enhance its flavour.
USING THE WHOLE FISH: Not only is using the whole fish a good way to maximise the resource, but you will also get a greater range of flavours. Fish heads have a lot of flavourful oils in them and some big chunks of flesh and split and smoked fish heads make a great finger food, but be sure to serve with plenty of napkins. In restaurants the use of fish collars has become quite popular as they can be eaten like chicken wings, another great finger food full of flavour.
SEAWEEDS FOR FLAVOUR: We are lucky to have a diverse range of edible seaweeds in New Zealand waters. The top five edible seaweeds are wakame, kombu (Ecklonia radiata), sea lettuce, karengo and in some areas for those that dive, sea grapes. Many of the seaweeds are ideal to lightly blanch and mix in together with sesame oil and seeds to make a seaweed salad. While brown in colour when fresh, seaweeds will go a vibrant bright green colour when heated up.
Great Value, Great Taste, Lean Protein. Made from 100% wild-caught NZ Fish. Contact your nearest representative on 03 343 0587 or ask your local distributor. March/April 2022
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