AgedPlus Village Business Magazine | March-April 2024

THIS IS THE SHAPE OF EFFORTLESS

Achieving success lies in meeting customers’ expectations and grounding them in reality by delivering products that satisfy business needs.

This is how Line 6000 creates a new concept of laundry: by providing the very best in terms of ergonomics, savings, care for the environment and overall consumer experience, in a virtuous circle with brilliant results.

• 40% water consumption on washers with automatic savings/integrated savings.

• 40% running costs on washers with automatic dosing systems

• 60% energy consumption on dryers with heat pump range

Easier, Healthier, Safer

Long-Term Savings

Real-Time Solutions Outstanding Productivity

A TICKING TIME BOMB

nderfunding, a critical issue in the aged care sector across Australasia and some might call it a ticking time bomb. The pressing problem of funding stagnation is not just a statistic; it's a harsh reality that severely impacts the quality of health and disability services for our aging populations.

In 2023, the Aged Care Association in New Zealand launched a campaign aptly titled 'The Domino Effect'. The campaign illustrated the repercussions of underfunding through a powerful visual metaphor, emphasising how insufficient support for aged residential care impacts everyday Kiwis.

As an industry, we must collectively urge the government to take action, and raise the flag that the aged care crisis has far-reaching implications. It is a distressing reality for not only those working in the sector but also families with loved ones in need of residential care.

The general population is impacted as the aged care crisis intersects with the broader health system. 'The Domino Effect' campaign needs more visibility in the market to connect the dots and foster understanding among the public.

The repercussions of aged care underfunding extend beyond the needs of the elderly, manifesting

in long wait times in emergency departments, delays in elective surgery, and strained hospital wards for all age groups. Adequate funding for aged care is not only essential for the sector itself but also for improving the overall health system.

While some regions show improved access to care, the overall progress could be much better since the issues were first raised in the Caring for our Older Kiwis report.

According to the NZACA, what is also deeply concerning is the clear evidence supporting the feedback from providers that the understanding of residents' needs on admission to each care level is increasing and that the consequent increase in the average cost of care at each level is not being compensated for in funding.

As we strive for progress and improvement within the aged care sector, on both sides of the ditch, it is essential for stakeholders to collaborate more effectively and for policymakers to prioritise sustainable funding solutions that address the evolving needs of an aging population.

Tania Walters, tania@reviewmags.com

PUBLISHER: Tania Walters

GENERAL MANAGER: Kieran Mitchell

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Sarah Mitchell

MANAGING EDITOR: Caitlan Mitchell

EDITORIAL ASSOCIATES: Sam Francks

ADVERTISING SALES: Caroline Boe

SENIOR DESIGNER: Raymund Sarmiento

GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Raymund Santos Retail 6, Heards Bldg, 2 Ruskin St, Parnell, Auckland New Zealand P: +64 3040142 Email: edit@reviewmags.com

TANIA WALTERS Publisher

8 Village News

12 $13m Clubhouse Opens

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania and Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford joined residents and guests recently to officially open the new resident Clubhouse at Arvida Te Puna Waiora in Kerikeri.

14 Emissions Reduction Targets

Ryman Healthcare has announced that its greenhouse gas emissions targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

15 Scaled Back Plans

Kerikeri Retirement Village has scaled back its plans to buy neighbouring proper-ties to build an additional 200 retirement accommodation units.

16 Highest Recognition for Brain Health Expert Ukrainian-born Canadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been awarded the 2024 Ryman Prize.

17 High Quality Courses

For over 20 years, Altura Learning has created high quality video courses, designed by industry experts and delivered by a multi award-winning LMS, to provide exceptional online care training & learning.

18 Frontliner Day Celebrates Unsung Heroes

Summerset Retirement Villages celebrated their sixth annual Frontliner Day last month.

22 Magic On The Walls

When you picture a care home for senior citizens, you’ll often see white walls and imagine a clinical atmosphere, but not at Radius Matua in Tauranga.

23 Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion

At Arvida Mayfair village’s recent International Food and Dance event, colourful flags and traditional garments were everywhere.

25 Fabric of Care

Laundry is an integral part of any retirement village’s inner workings and can be a mammoth task for staff to complete.

26 Charting a Course

Metlifecare, registered nurse Josie Keelan, has been a passionate member of the Somervale Village for the best part of her adult life.

28 Improving Māori Dementia Care

New research conducted between Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi and the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research (CBR) has focused on improving dementia care throughout Māori communities.

30 Meta Dog Launches

CHINA | Meet metaDog: A Lifelike Companion Robot, with a lifelike appearance, interactive features, and customisable options.

32 Taste Of Summer

Sweet corn is the taste of summer, and LeaderBrand, one of the largest growers in the country, prides itself on growing corn in Gisborne.

34 Meet the Chef

Mohammed Fozmeen

Afriz Nisha is the senior lead chef at Ryman Healthcare’s Ernest Rutherford Village in Nelson.

MENTAL HEALTH DISORDER BY 75

AUSTRALIA | A global study co-led by researchers from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School has found one in two people will develop a mental health disorder in their lifetime.

PROFESSOR JOHN MCGRATH FROM UQ’S Queensland Brain Institute, Professor Ronald Kessler from Harvard Medical School, and their colleagues from 27 other countries, analysed data from more than 150,000 adults across 29 countries between 2001 and 2022, taken from the largest ever coordinated series of face-to-face interviews – the World Health Organisation’s World Mental Health Survey initiative.

Lead author Professor McGrath said the results demonstrate the high prevalence of mental health disorders, with 50 per cent of the population developing at least one disorder by the age of 75.

“The most common were mood disorders such as major depression or anxiety,” said Professor McGrath.

“We also found the risk of certain mental disorders differed by sex.”

The 3 most common mental health disorders among women:

• Depression

• Specific phobia (a disabling anxiety that interferes with daily life)

• Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)

The 3 most common mental health disorders among men:

• Alcohol abuse

• Depression

• Specific phobia

The research also found mental health disorders typically first emerge in childhood, adolescence or young adulthood.

“The peak age of first onset was at 15 years old, with a median age of onset of 19 for men and 20 for women,” said Professor McGrath.

“This lends weight to the need to invest in basic neuroscience to understand why these disorders develop.”

Professor Kessler said investment was also needed in mental health services with a particular focus on young people.

“Services need to be able to detect and treat common mental disorders promptly, and be optimised to suit patients in these critical parts of their lives,” said Professor Kessler.

“By understanding the age at which these disorders commonly arise, we can tailor public health interventions and allocate resources to ensure that appropriate and timely support is available to individuals at risk.”

The researchers said the outcomes provide valuable insights into the frequency and timing of mental disorder onset based on many different populations.

The study is published in The Lancet Psychiatry.

WILLOWBANK OPENS

Willowbank, Bupa’s new Village and Care Home, located in Napier, was packed with enthusiastic residents ready to celebrate the official opening of their home.

THE COMMUNITY centre was packed as residents, families, and team members gathered to hear speeches from

Pedro Sanchez, Managing Director of Bupa NZ, Napier Deputy Mayor Annette Brosnan, Richard Stephenson, Director of

Property for Bupa NZ and resident Graham Holt.

Tracey Morrison, General Manager of Bupa Willowbank, said the ceremony was an opportunity to acknowledge everyone who had worked on the development and the people and residents who have turned Willowbank

into a community.

“Willowbank’s official opening is the conclusion of many years of work,” said Morrison.

“We first broke ground in 2020 and welcomed our first village residents in 2021. We are now a community that can care for 56 residents across rest home, hospital and dementia care and support independent living in our village with its 16 serviced apartments and 99 villas.

“Importantly, Willowbank has developed into an active and close-knit community. It’s great that we can now extend that sense of belonging to our new residents and provide more care options for the Napier community,” Morrison concluded.

NEW GLENBRAE COMMUNITY CENTRE

Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell opened the brand new community centre for residents at Arvida Glenbrae community in Fenton Park. The 600m² building is home to a new meeting space and dancefloor, balcony with views, spacious dining area, kitchen, hair salon, and library.

ARVIDA CHIEF EXECUTIVE, JEREMY NICOLL says the more than $4 million investment will not only be an asset to the village but the surrounding community too.

“The residents can look forward to regular activities and events for more social interaction and integration of our Attitude of Living Well TM .

“We’re also looking forward to inviting the wider community in to experience this great building.”

The project took a sustainable approach that resulted in 85 percent of the existing concrete structure being reused.

Mayor Tapsell said it’s important to have a place for older people to have social engagement.

“It’s hugely significant to open such a fantastic building for the residents and the community. It shows the continued investment across our community but more importantly for our older people to enjoy a multitude of activities and events.”

There are 200 residents calling Arvida Glenbrae home and the community offers independent villa living as well as serviced apartments and a care centre.

Optimise Care Time

WITH SOLUTIONS FOR IMPROVING QUALITY OUTCOMES.

THE PROBLEM FOR RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

Incontinence affects 70% of residents in aged care1, yet aged care staff often receive minimal or no formal education about continence management.2

THE TENA DIFFERENCE

THE TENA DIFFERENCE

At TENA we provide and sell quality products that keep the skin Dry, Clean and Protected. This simple three step process will help to maintain skin health in the best possible way, reducing the costs associated with skin issues.

At TENA we provide and sell quality products that keep the skin Dry, Clean and Protected. This process maintains skin health reducing the costs associated with skin issues.

Additionally, we work with staff on individual assessments, troubleshooting and continuous improvement. This ensures residents optimise their quality of life.

Additionally, we will work with your staff on individual resident assessments, trouble shooting and focusing on continuous improvement, ensuring that each resident has the best quality of life possible and is not held back by their incontinence.

40 %. Managing incontinence ineffectively can consume of total care time.3

70 % of residents in aged care are affected by incontinence.1

LONG TERM VIEW

Continence care is an essential purchase for aged care. Your investment in quality care and products can generate savings in the longer term as costs associated with treating UTI’s, IAD’s and pressure injuries are reduced. Some facilities may view wet beds and skin issues as an inevitable part of age care, we work with you to improve resident outcomes for the long term.

$13m Clubhouse Opens

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania and Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford joined residents and guests recently to officially open the new resident Clubhouse at Arvida Te Puna Waiora in Kerikeri.

he Clubhouse will be the home of exercise, activity groups, events and celebrations for Arvida Te Puna Waiora Living Well Community residents.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Charitable Trust Chairperson Kipa Munro opened the ceremony, which was attended by the local village team, development team, contractors, and Arvida Support Office.

It’s been almost a year since Ngāti Rēhia gifted the Clubhouse name - Te Ripo Wai –meaning gentle swirling waters and bringing lifeforce and calm from the river.

The $13 million Clubhouse showcases modern architecture, and the structure is made entirely of timber.

Arvida Chief Executive Jeremy Nicoll said the Clubhouse is a welcome addition to the community of 70 residents who call Arvida Te Puna Waiora home.

“The Clubhouse will help support our resident-led lifestyle. It’s an absolutely beautiful building, and I look forward to seeing many wonderful activities and events here.”

Te Ripo Wai features a library, conservatory, lounge/bar, and an impressive outdoor area.

Mayor Moko Tepania said he was taken on a tour, saw the mahi undertaken on the building, and was privileged to be part of the Te Ripo Wai opening.

“What a beautiful building and a place for residents to connect and enjoy!”

The Kerikeri retirement community has been in high demand since its launch in mid-2021. It is currently selling stage 4, new two- and three-bedroom villas.

Emissions Reduction Targets

Ryman Healthcare has announced that its greenhouse gas emissions targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

his achievement has been reached following Ryman formally setting an emissions reduction target of 42 percent for scopes 1 and 2, to be achieved by 2030 relative to a base year of 2021.

“Achieving SBTi’s validation of our emissions reduction targets is an important step in Ryman’s decarbonisation journey,” said Ryman Group CEO Richard Umbers.

“Setting these targets has involved closely assessing our business operations to define viable carbon reduction solutions.”

The SBTi is a global climate action body that independently assesses companies’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets and promotes best practices for keeping global warming below catastrophic levels and reaching net zero by 2050.

As part of the science-based targets validation exercise, Ryman has developed an emissions reduction plan to support the achievement of the targets. The plan focuses on specific areas of its business, including reducing emissions from the fuel it uses to power its vehicle fleet and from the electricity used to heat and cool its villages.

Further information about Ryman Healthcare’s sustainability journey, including its Climate-Related Disclosures reporting, will be published later this year.

Scaled Back Plans

Kerikeri Retirement Village has scaled back its plans to buy neighbouring properties to build an additional 200 retirement accommodation units. It now aims to use land it has already acquired in nearby Hawkings Crescent for 29 townhouses that will be rented to young workers and their families, addressing the severe shortage of accommodation in Kerikeri suitable for this part of the workforce.

he Village already has resource consent for the development. It plans to sell the land to a community-focused developer or philanthropist who shares the Village’s vision of affordable rental accommodation for young service-sector employees and will take on the development on a build-to-rent basis. It is discussing options with various agencies and has already approached one significant investor.

“We want a community investor to develop this project because we feel it’s beyond our budget and core capability, and we think it’s important to stick to doing what we do best,” said Sumpter.

The Village envisages that the homes will be rented on a long-term basis and at a price point that will make them more affordable than the homes that currently comprise the bulk of Kerikeri’s rental housing stock. At this point, it wants 15 of the 29 townhouses to be earmarked exclusively for rental by Village staff.

Sumpter said it was important to emphasise that the proposed development was not intended to be used as social housing. Sale of the land would include an agreement that it would not be used for this purpose.

“We are sensitive to the community’s concerns about the potential proliferation of social housing in this area, and we have been highly vocal about this issue,” explained Sumpter.

“Our focus is clear and strong – we want this land to be used to enable people working in our local service industries to make a start on their families and careers in our wonderful community.”

She acknowledged that other than the agreement addressing social housing, this vision might not stand the

test of time with whoever ultimately purchases the land.

“But the consented plans are extremely valuable, and if we are able to sell them to a community-focused developer or philanthropist, we believe it’s likely that the development will progress in line with our expectations.”

According to Sumpter, Kerikeri was growing “like crazy”, and there was a huge demand for service businesses in the health, wellbeing, property, care, travel, engineering and marketing sectors. But these businesses were “handcuffed” because they couldn’t find the staff they needed in order to service demand.

“A big part of the reason for this is accommodation. There are very few affordable rental options for young people just starting out in their careers or for people working in Kerikeri service businesses.

“Aged care providers like us are experiencing this firsthand. We are all struggling to get the staff we need because Kerikeri is unaffordable for them, and commuting options are also limited and increasingly expensive.”

Funds raised from the sale of the Village’s Hawkings Crescent land will be ploughed back into Village facilities. The Village still intends to build more ‘independent living’ retirement accommodation but has drawn plans back from 200 additional units to just 80.

The Village’s expansion plans announced in September 2018 were based on forecast demand. Since then, the construction of a new retirement village and expansion at others have meant that much of the demand has been met.

“This has enabled us to look instead at upgrading our facilities and meeting the accommodation needs of the people working in our community,” said Sumpter.

“Both are sorely needed, and it’s become our current focus.”

Highest Recognition for Brain Health Expert

Ukrainian-born Canadian clinical neuroscientist and researcher Professor Vladimir Hachinski has been awarded the 2024 Ryman Prize. The annual $250,000 grant is awarded for the world’s best discovery, development, advancement, or achievement that enhances the quality of life for older people.

rime Minister Christopher Luxon presented the prize at a ceremony at Logan Campbell Village in Auckland.

The ceremony celebrated Professor Hachinski’s significant contribution to the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and links between ‘the terrible three’—stroke, dementia, and coronary heart disease.

Judged by an international jury, Hachinski has been recognised for his pioneering work in dementia. He was the first to coin the term ‘multi-infarct dementia’ after a type of dementia that is caused by a series of small strokes that damage or destroy brain tissue, and went on to develop the Hachinski ischaemic scale, described by cardiologists and stroke experts around the world as the best and most widely used clinical method to distinguish between degenerative dementia and multi-infarct dementia.

In addition, Hachinski has advocated for prevention by promoting the idea of “holistic brain health”, linking cerebral health with mental and social health and the ability to interact and form meaningful

relationships with others.

Ryman Healthcare Group CEO Richard Umbers said Professor Hachinski’s long career in stroke, dementia, and heart disease research and his ambition to educate others on ways to prevent them has made his research hugely important to combat dementia globally.

“Ryman is a leading provider of residential dementia care in New Zealand, and our villages are places that promote holistic brain health through active, healthy, socially connected lifestyles. Professor Hachinski’s work resonated with us deeply,” said Umbers.

Professor Hachinski also founded, with John W. Norris, the world’s first successful acute stroke unit, now the standard of care worldwide. He was instrumental in launching the first World Brain Day in its 10th year to advance the cause of Brain Health and Disability.

“Ryman’s purpose is to enhance freedom, connection and well-being for people as they grow older. The award perfectly embodies that mission - in its ninth year, it’s our way of acknowledging and supporting groundbreaking work in caring for older people.”

High Quality Courses

For over 20 years, Altura Learning has created high quality video courses, designed by industry experts and delivered by a multi award-winning LMS, to provide exceptional online care training & learning.

ltura Learning’s innovative, video-based content, covering areas like Residential Care, Home Care, Dementia Care, and HR Manage-ment, is design and delivered by industry experts. Altura Learning is trusted by over 800+ care providers and partners, over 150,000 learners worldwide, and operates in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland.

Anticipation is high for this year, as it brings a substantial volume of newly launched courses, along with

exciting new learning modules, formats and technology.

5 reasons to get started with Altura Learning in 2024:

1. We create the highest quality, media rich training for the aged care sector

2. All course content is regularly updated with current industry legislation and guidelines

3. We engage, inform and inspire learners with innovative, relatable content

4. Flexible delivery - choose to have the courses delivered by our award-winning Bridge LMS, or use your own LMS

5. Residential and Home Care courses are mapped against the Ngā Paerewa Standards and carry CPD hours

We’re looking forward to working with you throughout 2024 and providing you with a variety of content to help create better carers.

Find out more about Altura Learning and how you can access our comprehensive learning libraries.

Frontliner Day Celebrates Unsung Heroes

Summerset Retirement Villages celebrated their sixth annual Frontliner Day last month. This Frontliner Day formally celebrates the selflessness and hard work of the skilled frontline workers dedicated to bringing residents the best of life.

arious frontline staff roles at Summerset Retirement Villages include registered nurses, caregivers, therapists, kaitiaki, activities coordinators, housekeeping, kitchen staff, property and gardening staff, and village administrators.

Based in 37 villages from Whangārei to Dunedin, these roles are vital in giving residents an excellent retirement experience.

Eleanor Young, General Manager of Operations, said that frontline staff are often unsung heroes, and at Summerset, they provide a crucial service to over 8,000 residents.

“Our philosophy is to ‘bring our residents the best of life’. We’re lucky to have passionate people who make it their mission to create amazing experiences and welcoming village communities,” said Young.

Frontliner Day is one way to show gratitude and appreciation to frontline workers for their outstanding efforts. All frontline teams received a reusable lunchbox with snacks and treats to thank them for their work.

“Our people are there to make our residents’ lives more memorable and easier as they make the most of their retirement.”

Whether creating amazing gardens for residents to enjoy, cooking delicious food,

making that morning cup of coffee, creating activities and adventures, or helping to care for someone who needs a bit more help later in life, the frontline team are dedicated to being there for their residents.

Summerset’s residents, families, and friends also participated in the celebration. Hundreds of heartfelt messages were displayed on a Gratitude Wall in each village, reminding staff how much their care and commitment are valued.

Don’t just take our word for it! Here are what some of our clients from Ryman, Real Living, and Metlifecare villages had to say:

“We run the Believe it or Not quiz on the first Thursday of the month, right after happy hour. People love that it’s interactive, it’s very well attended and a fun event for the residents.”

Gerlie Navaja, Activity & Lifestyle Co-ordinator Logan Campbell Retirement Village.

“All the residents enjoy these evenings, and it’s the talk of the village; my most popular regular activity by far!”

Jacqueline

Lakin, Social Co-ordinatorPohutukawa Landing.

“Since we started running these quizzes, it has changed our quiz completely. Previously the quizzes were run by our residents, but this product is superb, brilliantly presented, easy to run, and at the village.” Louise Smith,

Pohutukawa Landing quiz

Remuera Gardens quiz

Logan Campbell quiz

Magic On The Walls

When you picture a care home for senior citizens, you’ll often see white walls and imagine a clinical atmosphere, but not at Radius Matua in Tauranga where there is magic on the walls. They just gave their walls a facelift to bring more joy and colour into the residents’ home.

mural in the Lavender Court, their dementia unit, has been on Radius Matua’s wish list for a while. Thanks to some fundraising during their annual Fete, they finally turned the dream into reality. Klara Luxfordrulisek, Radius Matua’s Recreation and Quality Coordinator, reached out to Millie Newitt, a local artist at Murals by Millie, to see if she could work her magic on their walls.

After discussions with staff and residents, Millie devised a design everyone loved, and it was completed in just three days. The mural features a stunning mix of lavender-coloured flowers to match the unit’s name, yellow flowers with greenery, and even little birds. The lively native birds—Tui and Fantail— bring the artwork to life.

The artwork has become a source of joy and appreciation for everyone at Radius Matua. A resident’s husband said the birds “really make it feel homely”, while another resident expressed her love for “the big, bright flowers”.

Donna Monteclaro, a registered nurse, and Melissa Stebbings, the Activities Coordinator, were thrilled to have Millie add more life to Lavender Court. “Residents, staff and families enjoyed watching the wall being created, admiring Millie's talent as she worked into our daily routine.”

Millie said Radius Matua’s idea was beautiful. “It was a wonderful experience to paint for the residents and for the staff who provide so much to care for people.”

Lavender Court is no longer just a care unit; this makeover shows creativity can turn any space into a beautiful and cheerful home.

Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion

At Arvida Mayfair village’s recent International Food and Dance event, colourful flags and traditional garments were everywhere.

he Upper Riccarton, Christchurch retirement community has residents and team members of over 22 different nationalities, and the event celebrated diversity and inclusion.

A New Zealand haka, traditional Nepalese and Filipino dances, classical Indian dance, a Japanese choir and dynamic West African drumming were highlights from the day.

Arvida Mayfair Village Manager Vicky Knipe said more than 80 people, including residents’ families, enjoyed the day.

“The centrepiece was the large display of flags, which

was sewn together by one of our residents,” said Knipe.

“It represented our diverse backgrounds, which come together to form our community.”

The performances were matched by the selection of fresh international cuisines that everyone enjoyed.

Fabric of Care

Laundry is an integral part of any retirement village’s inner workings and can be a mammoth task for staff to complete.

Metlifecare laundry manager Lynn Asiata has overseen no less than nine villages across the Auckland region and said there is no such thing as a normal day in the laundry.

verything is always go, go go. From washing and drying, to folding and pressing, we’re always making sure everything is perfect before it heads out the door,” said Asiata.

The residents are always at the heart of the day-to-day operations for the laundry team. Due to the multitude of jobs and responsibilities of the laundry, Asiata said

that communication is key to continually adapting and responding to various resident needs.

For Asiata and her team, the satisfaction of knowing they make a difference to all residents is what fuels their dedication. Despite the high expectations, the team consistently puts in 100 percent effort to meet them. When they succeed, the feeling of accomplishment is unparalleled. Asiata also takes pride in the fact that their work contributes to keeping the villages looking crisp and clean, a testament to their professionalism and work ethic.

The laundry team is made up of 13 hardworking staff, where it can be all hands on deck, seven days a week. Asiata said that it was great to work with a group of fun, dedicated people to have a laugh with at the end of the day.

Each day, the laundry team tackles a staggering 820 kilograms of laundry. To put that into perspective, it’s like handling the weight of a small car every single day. This massive load is divided into 400 kilograms

of personal clothes and 420 kilograms of linen. Over the course of a week, the team processes more than five-and-a-half tonnes of clothes and linen, a testament to their unwavering dedication and hard work.

Asiata said that there have been a few unexpected moments in the laundry. Her favourite story was the day she found a full set of dentures, which she said were sent back very quickly to the village.

Asiata said there is always a lot going on in the laundry, but no matter how big the task, her team will always deliver.

Charting a Course

Metlifecare, registered nurse Josie Keelan, has been a passionate member of the Somervale Village for the best part of her adult life.

Faces Of

JOSIE KEELAN

Somervale Village

ince joining as a Level 0 Caregiver in 2011 straight out of high school, Josie Keelan became a full-time caregiver in 2021. Throughout this period, she completed her nursing education with the support of her team and the broader company, and she is now providing excellent health care to Somervale residents as a registered nurse.

Keelan’s desire to be a registered nurse came while she was employed as a caregiver. After witnessing the nurses interacting with the residents, she felt that she could develop and further her studies. Keelan joined the MetFlex casual team, which enabled her to

study while still working at Somervale.

She said that at certain times, it became difficult to balance the life of a casual caregiver and studying to become a registered nurse, especially when managing time fatigue and considering family commitments.

“The care team at Somervale, from my manager to the Registered Nurses, were very supportive. I felt my well-being was a priority at Metlifecare,” said Keelan.

The MetFlex team has become an essential option for those wanting to further their studies whilst remaining part of the greater Metlifecare team.

“There was no pressure to accept extra shifts, and when it became too much to work as a permanent staff member, being able to remain as a casual made a huge difference, as I had flexibility around time to study, sit exams, go on placement, and earn an income at the same time.”

Keelan’s student loan was considerably reduced thanks to a grant provided by Metlifecare during the first year of her course. When she officially joined the team as a registered nurse, she was also granted her registered nurse retention bonus.

The team of registered nurses at Somervale has provided Keelan with teaching opportunities and learning experiences, as well as invaluable support from residents who have encouraged her throughout the process.

Keelan’s advice to employees who want to pursue nursing or higher education was not to hold back.

“Just do it! It is so worth it, and working in aged care while studying helped me consolidate what I was learning. Metlifecare was very supportive of my journey. I feel I am constantly learning and growing and know that, at the end of the day, I make a difference,” said Keelan.

“For myself, I would one day like to become a Nurse Practitioner and maybe even get a degree in Gerontology. I want to remain in Aged Care, which is my passion.”

Improving Māori Dementia Care

New research conducted between Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi and the University of Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research (CBR) has focused on improving dementia care throughout Māori communities.

DR MAKARENA DUDLEY Senior Science & Psychology Lecturer UNIVERSITY OF AUCKLAND

ementia has been identified as a serious matter across New Zealand, as statistics indicated that Māori can show signs of the illness eight years earlier than non-Māori.

University of Auckland senior science and psychology lecturer and co-author on the study, Dr Makarena Dudley, began discovering that Tikanga Māori could be woven into the care of those diagnosed.

Haumanu Whakaohooho Whakāro - Māori has been a significant step in New Zealand’s efforts to provide viable and valuable dementia care. Haumanu Whakaohooho Whakāro - Māori is a type of cognitive stimulation therapy and the first to be specifically adapted for Māori Kaumatua.

group of up to eight people. This can include topics such as sounds, orientation, childhood, food, physical games, and current affairs, all of which stimulate memory revision and indepth thinking.

Alzheimers NZ chief executive, Catherine Hall, said the lack of system-wide planning for Aotearoa New Zealand’s ageing population, including the looming ‘dementia crisis’, was difficult to understand.

Considering Aotearoa New Zealand could expect a 240 percent increase in dementia cases in foreseeable years, Hall described the recommendations outlined in a recent report by the Aged Care Commissioner as critically important.

“Given older people are the biggest users of the health systems and ageing is the most significant risk factor for dementia, you’d think health policymakers would be very focused on addressing this issue, but they’re not,” said Hall.

“The health system is not planning for New Zealand’s ageing population in any meaningful way.”

According to Dudley, cognitive stimulation therapy has shown it can improve cognitive functioning and quality of life in people who are in the early to moderate stages of dementia.

“There was evidence of this when we spoke to kaumātua with dementia on the marae for that window of time that all the difficulties they were experiencing – the confusion, the inability to find the right words, and so on –had disappeared,” said Dudley.

“But I think for any intervention to be effective, it must fit within the cultural context of the person who is receiving it.”

Dudley added that Haumanu Whakaohoohoo Whakāro - Māori has been embedded within a Māori environment, both physically and mentally.

The therapy is comprised of 15 different activity-based sessions twice a week in a

Dudley said that there is very little support available for families who live with dementia. She said that cognitive stimulation therapy could address the gap by providing a platform for families to engage in a programme that had the potential to slow down dementia progression, especially in an environment that is embedded in tikanga Māori and Te Ao Māori.

Collaborations on the project have included Alzheimers NZ’s Dementia Learning Centre Director, Dr Kathy Peri, Clinical Neuropsychologist, Dr Tai Kake (Ngāpuhi), and School of Medicine Associate Professor at the University of Auckland, Dr Gary Cheung. Following the launch, Dr Dudley said she would continue to work with Alzheimers NZ in order to train Māori Cognitive Stimulation Therapy facilitators, and to help deliver the adapted programmes.

Meta Dog Launches

CHINA | Meet metaDog: A Lifelike Companion Robot, with a lifelike appearance, interactive features, and customisable options.

he exciting news is on the horizon as the metaDog launches this month, promising to revolutionise the concept of robotic companionship.

Far more than just a machine, metaDog emerges as a loyal friend, dedicated to infusing joy and convenience into daily life.

With its sophisticated touch and voice interaction capabilities, metaDog transcends the boundaries of traditional robotics. Whether engaging in friendly conversation, playing games, or simply seeking companionship, metaDog stands ready to respond and adapt to users' needs.

Drawing inspiration from the beloved Husky and Shiba breeds, metaDog's lifelike design is meticulously crafted, boasting soft fur, a food-grade silicone tongue, and an active tail that mirrors the movements of its reallife counterparts. Featuring 7 distinct dog sounds and dynamic actions, metaDog offers an immersive and interactive experience that responds to touch and sound cues.

like blinking and squinting, all while responding to verbal instructions for an engaging experience.

Practicality meets innovation with metaDog, as each unit comes complete with essential accessories thoughtfully packaged for convenience. From a USB-C charging cable to a comb and lint roller, metaDog ensures seamless integration into users' daily routines. Plus, with a rechargeable lithium battery delivering up to 12 hours of continuous use, metaDog is always ready for action. And the excitement doesn't stop – metaDog introduces exciting new features, allowing users to customize its name to suit their preferences.

Also, metaDog together with the Meta Care app, offers a gateway to a world of endless possibilities. From engaging training exercises to thrilling virtual adventures, the app deepens the bond with metaDog, ensuring every moment spent together is brimming with excitement.

But metaDog's appeal doesn't end there. With over 30 voice commands at users' disposal, metaDog facilitates rich emotional interaction, mirroring real dog behaviors

Will metaDog be a trend in companions? Or is it a good substitute for a real puppy? With its irresistible charm, advanced capabilities, and boundless potential, metaDog is poised to become the ultimate companion. Embrace the future of companionship with metaDog – a new best friend awaits.

Taste Of Summer

Sweet corn is the taste of summer, and LeaderBrand, one of the largest growers in the country, prides itself on growing corn in Gisborne. The climate, sun and soil are all perfectly aligned to grow what they believe to be the best sweet corn available.

eaderBrand trials different varieties of corn from all over the world each year to ensure that they’re growing the perfect match to the conditions and Kiwis’ palettes.

“Our corn is all about ensuring the best tasting, sweet and creamy corn. We know how much Kiwis love their sweet corn, so it's important that every cob is packed full of flavour,” Richard Burke, LeaderBrand CEO, said.

LeaderBrand started planting in August to ensure harvesting for December and hitting Christmas tables, and then it is available

through the crucial summer months for barbeques and easy meals over the holidays.

“Thanks to an amazing August in Gisborne, one of the hottest on record, we could plant our corn harvest successfully. Even though we’ve had more rain than we’d like, the warmer days and cooler nights mean the sweetness has been locked into the crop.”

Once the sweet corn has reached maturity, it’s time to harvest. LeaderBrand doesn’t use machines. Every cob is hand-picked to ensure they deliver the highest quality corn to stores. The Quality Control team checks every crate before it leaves the field.

LeaderBrand says that once the perfect cob has been selected, it’s all about getting the field heat out as soon as possible. They transport all their corn to their state–of–the–art cooling centre, which helps to lock in the sweetness of the crop. Then, they deliver their corn chilled straight to the stores and distribution centres, usually by the next day of harvest.

A great tip for checking the freshness of the corn is to look for a cob with a tight green husk that is rounder and fatter at the ends. LeaderBrand does not encourage pulling back the husk in-store as this dries out the cobs.

Sweet corn is one of the last true seasonal vegetables available, so the team at LeaderBrand encourage celebrating its arrival and making the most of this delicious vegetable throughout the summer.

“Corn is only around for three months, so enjoy it. As well as being quick and easy to cook, there are plenty of health benefits.”

“Corn is an easy and tasty way to get more colours into your diet. It’s packed full of antioxidants and great for healthy vision. It's also a great source of fibre, rich in folic acid and vitamin C. Kids love it, so it's an easy way to add another vegetable to their diet.”

Sweet corn is such an important part of a Kiwi summer, and after the turbulent year, consumers need some sunshine and happiness. Let’s be honest: food is such a great source of pleasure.

Mohammed Fozmeen Afriz Nisha is the senior lead chef at Ryman Healthcare’s Ernest Rutherford Village in Nelson.As a passionate, confident, and creative chef, Nisha has a part to play in every aspect of the kitchen, be it cooking, skillfully planning menus, managing budgets, and leading a team of people to deliver quality service to her residents.

Meet the Chef

Mohammed Nisha

Ernest Rutherford Village

highlight of her job is the ability to interact with residents on a daily basis. She said it is always interesting to hear their stories and plan menus to their desired taste preferences. “I have always tried to communicate with our residents about the food and their likes and dislikes, which makes them love the results even more. I have enjoyed the atmosphere, and we have such a lovely team,” said Nisha. Her day starts by cooking fresh food, as opposed to frozen. She said that when the residents have an appreciation for food as much as she does, it is important to offer fresh produce. She said that this can often mean using a vast variety of ingredients in order to cater to different dietary requirements.

From her time working in aged care, Nisha said that

she has developed a deeper appreciation for seniors. As a chef, she has enjoyed implementing new techniques in order to make the dining experience easier for them. This has included cooking softer foods and preparing dishes with a stronger presence of flavour.

She said cooking in the aged care sector isn’t necessarily only about modified textures or pureed food, and there is much more to it than most people think.

“Our menus are designed in such a way that you can taste all the flavours around the world. We do fine dining, happy hours and many more functions, which is equivalent to restaurant dining.”

Her career as a chef began when she took up an apprentice role with Hexagon International Hotel Villas and Spa in Fiji. She later joined a selection of Hilton

properties and eventually worked her way up to being a chef. She has also previously worked throughout the Intercontinental chain of properties.

Nisha was fortunate to qualify for a scholarship to hone her craft, and studied at the Australian Pacific Training Coalition. Some of her proudest achievements throughout her career include fulfilling her dream of entering live cooking shows, for which she was awarded silver and bronze medals, and catering a function in Fiji attended by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

She said that surrounding himself with a great team has made all the difference. Nisha said that her team are very much appreciated, which has taken a lot of the pressure off her role and has made the environment more enjoyable and rewarding.