When Ngaire moved to Kiri Te Kanawa Village almost two years ago, she put a lot of trust in her family who supported her in the move to a new city where she knew no one but them.
That trust stood her in good stead as she is ‘totally happy’ with the village and the serviced apartment they chose for her.
She’s made new friends and during the recent lockdown, Ngaire said she never felt alone. Her secret weapon was having a routine established for her days. In the mornings Ngaire would go for a walk around the village grounds. “It always took much longer than usual as I met so many other residents also out for a walk and we would stop to have a chat - with social distancing of course! We have been very fortunate with the fine weather. Everyone has mentioned what a difference that made.”
In the afternoons Ngaire would take her knitting and a book to sit outside in the sun.
Very soon two other residents joined her for their daily dose of sunshine. “I’m a positive person” said Ngaire. “What you can’t change you adapt to.”
Ngaire is very grateful to the staff for all their help during this time and to her daughter in law who regularly delivered essentials to the village for her. “The staff were so patient, and all our questions were answered, she said. “I can’t speak highly enough of them.”
Her church and her family were lifelines during the lockdown. They all kept in contact on the phone. “The staff set us up with Zoom and I could talk to them as well as the grandchildren and great grandchildren.”
Ryman rolled out Zoom to more than 3,800 devices connecting thousands of families in this way. They also delivered 70 new devices to each village to be used by serviced apartment residents.
Along with fitness classes and games, they communicated regularly with residents and families, keeping them up to date with what was happening at the village.
A highlight for Ngaire was when the staff dressed up and took a boom box outside and played YMCA and the Chicken Dance for all the residents, so they could join in and dance. “It was hilarious.”
“The staff were fabulous. They took care of me and I always felt very safe”
And what’s next for Ngaire? “I need to get used to driving my car again, and stop playing so many games on my iPad!”
Like many residents in Ryman Healthcare villages, Ngaire has shown resilience and understanding during this challenging period.
At a time when residents in aged care were most vulnerable Ryman Healthcare responded quickly.
The aim was to keep COVID-19 out and protect all residents in care who were most vulnerable to the virus, and create safe havens for residents by making sure they could stay home while the Level 4 lockdown was in place.
Ryman provided residents with deliveries of essential items. ‘Happy Hour in a Bag’ was always popular and was often accompanied with extra treats.
They delivered 9,000 Bidfood grocery orders and 56,000 ‘Happy Hour in a Bag’ packages over seven weeks.
As well as caring for the physical needs of the residents’, Ryman conducted welfare checks and arranged counselling for anyone who was struggling.
As the restrictions ease, the community is buzzing: new residents are excited to move into the village and others, who have found this time particularly trying, have decided to join the village to experience the security Ngaire speaks of so highly.
Sales advisor Pip would love to welcome you and a family member to visit the village and view the available serviced apartments.
