Whats On

Guidebook Set to Shine a Light on Ageing Well

Older New Zealanders will benefit from a free guidebook being created to gather and refine vital information needed to age well in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Third Age Health, a leading medical service provider for older adults living in residential care nationwide, is developing this guidebook to help improve the experience for older adults as they navigate their personal health care and lifestyle journey.

Incorporating current research insights on managing your health, available services and resources, practical tips and expert advice, the guidebook can be used by patients, families and health professionals in primary care to support navigation through the health system and community health services.

Tony Wai, CEO at Third Age Health notes, “Our commitment to creating this guidebook aligns with our organisation’s mission of being strong advocates for ageing well regardless of where that takes place.”

Enabled thanks to a grant from the CHT Aged Care Fund, the guidebook is being developed using real-world feedback from local focus groups where content will span a broad range of topics from health agencies and specialists, to social and community groups, legal matters and encouraging self-assessment to promote health autonomy.

Dr Diane Leach, GP and Medical Director at Third Age Health, says a major issue facing older people is that a 15-minute GP appointment is simply not enough time to discuss multiple conditions, or for GPs to offer the breadth of advice required beyond acute health issues.

“Older people often have a number of health issues which need attention, as well as needing direction or advice around other areas of their life. This resource will not only be tremendously helpful for our patients and their families, but will also take the pressure off GP’s so that every appointment can be used appropriately.”

“It can be overwhelming for an older person to find information they need, especially in this digital age, so by addressing their needs in a way that is easily accessible for them, we anticipate this guidebook will make a positive and meaningful difference for our older population.”

The CHT Aged Care Fund enhances the wellbeing of older New Zealanders by providing grants for projects across research, access to care, and workforce development.

Carriann Hall, Chief Executive at CHT Care Homes says “As the population ages so does the number of older people in the community who require support services, which makes this guidebook initiative even more critical for the community, as well as for the health professionals striving to assist them.”

The free guidebook will be launched in the first few months of 2024, and will be available nationwide.

CHT announces new Board Chair and Trustees

On behalf of the CHT Board of Trustees, I am very pleased to announce some changes to the CHT Board of Trustees, as the organisation enters its next chapter.

Firstly, I would like to thank Graeme Edmond for his enormous contribution over 17 years serving on the Board, as both a Trustee and Chair. Graeme’s vision and ambition to see CHT secure its future as a leading aged care provider has been a driving force behind where we are today.

I am pleased to have taken on the role of Chair from Graeme and to lead the search for new Board members, which has been extensive and considered, seeking out those who hold a shared passion for our values and purpose. With a wealth of experience in healthcare and complementary skills, we warmly welcome Terry Moore and Alex Price to the Board.

An experienced healthcare executive and director in both private and public healthcare, Terry Moore recently retired as CEO at Southern Cross Healthcare after 20+ years in senior leadership roles and brings strong financial and commercial skills and experience.

Terry is excited to join the CHT Board, noting that the ‘not for profit’ values and culture of CHT align well with his personal beliefs. He looks forward to the continuation of growth of CHT, so more residents can benefit and enjoy the Compassion, Companionship, Care, Comfort and Connectedness that we continue to provide.

Alex Price brings a wealth of experience from over two decades in the healthcare sector across a number of countries, including as Chief Executive at Fertility Associates since 2007. Alongside his role on the CHT Board, he is also Chair of Shorecare, an urgent care clinic group on Auckland’s North Shore. Previously he has held Board roles with the National Health Committee and Peak Primary, a primary care group.

Providing affordable healthcare is a continuing challenge for many societies and with a growing elderly population in Aotearoa New Zealand, Alex is passionate about bringing his skills to the Board  to help tackle this issue in aged care.

We welcome Terry and Alex and look forward to another successful year taking great care of older people across our network of care homes.

Raewyn Lovett, Chair, CHT

 

CHT Hillcrest scoops national award!

The recent Aged Advisor ‘People’s Choice’ Awards for 2022 have seen two CHT facilities recognised as being among the best in the country, according to the votes of residents and families.

CHT Hillcrest in Mangere was named the best Best Medium / Large Aged Care Facility in the North Island, while CHT Royal Oak was a finalist in the Best Small Aged Facility category.

Aged Advisor is an online website designed to make looking for the right Retirement Village or Aged Care facilities simpler and easier. Visitors to the site can explore their options and read verified reviews. https://www.agedadvisor.nz

A huge congratulations to these teams for taking great care of our residents, and thank you to everyone who voted for a CHT facility.

CHT – 60 years of caring

CHT Healthcare Trust was founded in 1962 and this year we are celebrating our Diamond Anniversary to recognise 60 years of taking great care of older people!

Our dedicated and passionate staff work tirelessly to take great care of our residents and uphold our values of care, compassion and connection, so as a team we took a moment on our Foundation Day to celebrate each and every person’s hard work and commitment with a special morning tea, decorations and small gifts at each of our Units.

Double recognition for CHT at annual Aged Advisor awards

CHT Healthcare Trust was once again celebrated as having outstanding facilities in the annual Aged Advisor Awards.

Judged by residents and families, these awards are the result of over one thousand in-depth reviews, and once again CHT Royal Oak was named a finalist in the ‘Best Aged Care up to 40 Beds – North Island’ category, while CHT Hillcrest was also a finalist for the second year running in the ‘Best Aged Care up to 40 Beds – North Island’ category.

Images – CHT Hillcrest

Images: CHT Royal Oak

We are immensely proud of the dedication, passion and care shown by all our Units in looking after our residents, their families and the community, and want to congratulate CHT Royal Oak and CHT Hillcrest for this much deserved recognition.

Aged Advisor is an online website designed to make looking for the right Retirement Village or Aged Care facilities simpler and easier. Visitors to the site can explore their options and read verified reviews. https://www.agedadvisor.nz

 

 

CHT APPOINTS CARRIANN HALL AS NEW CEO

CHT Chairman Graeme Edmond has announced that Carriann Hall has been appointed as CHT’s new CEO. Carriann replaces Max Robins, CHT’s long serving CEO who retired at the end of 2020.

Carriann Hall joins CHT from the Hawkes Bay DHB where she holds the position of Executive Director Financial Services, responsible for a broad portfolio during her tenure, including Finance, Facilities, Procurement Supply Chain, Organisational Risk and Compliance, Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Human Resources and Privacy.

Mr Edmond commented that “Carriann has extensive health sector experience at senior management levels, both in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, complemented with senior management financial services experience in the private sector”.

“The Board was impressed with Carriann’s considerable experience together with her strong, “people focused” leadership style and we look forward with confidence and excitement to the next phase of CHT’s journey under Carriann’s leadership”. Carriann Hall will commence her role with CHT on Monday 5 July 2021.

Graeme Edmond
Chairman
CHT

CHT Foundation Day 2021

Each year on 22 March we celebrate our annual CHT Foundation Day, where we honour our past and thank our staff for their service and commitment to our residents. Thank you to each and every one of our wonderful staff members for being part of our team and for the valuable work they do. We treated our staff to a special afternoon tea and a small token of our appreciation.

Hat-trick for CHT at Aged Advisor Awards

The annual Aged Advisor Awards are a prestigious recognition for aged care facilities throughout the country, as judged by residents and families.

Aged Advisor is an online website designed to make looking for the right Retirement Village or Aged Care facilities simpler and easier. Visitors to the site can explore their options and read verified reviews.

More than 1,500 in-depth reviews went towards the 2020 Awards, and we are excited to announce that three CHT facilities were named as finalists in a line-up of six facilities in the ‘Best Aged Care over 40 Beds – North Island’ category.

CHT Royal Oak, CHT Peacehaven and CHT Hillcrest were the recognised facilities.

CHT Healthcare Trust Chief Executive Max Robins says, “the Aged Advisor Awards are a wonderful recognition by our own residents and their families – our most important critics – of the tireless commitment by our team to providing quality care for older people in our communities. We are thrilled to have three CHT locations recognised amongst the six finalists in this category and congratulate all the Award winners for their service to aged care in New Zealand.”

https://www.agedadvisor.nz

CHT celebrates International Volunteer Day 2020

International Volunteer Day is recognised each year on 5 December, to champion the impact volunteers have in communities, nationally and globally.

CHT’s 16 locations are fortunate to have dozens of volunteers who all bring their own contributions to enriching the lives of our residents. From sharing special talents and activities, to helping residents with their hobbies or bringing furry friends in for a visit, our volunteers are a treasured part of life at CHT.

Meet a few of our volunteers as we celebrate International Volunteer Day 2020:

Marianne Turnbull & Rocky – CHT St Johns
Rocky is a very placid five year old Cavoodle and he loves people. He doesn’t mind being picked up and held. It’s so nice to see the smile on the elderly resident’s faces.

Carole – CHT Halldene
Carole says there is no greater gift and privilege than to see someone smiling with you and sharing laughter with someone.

Robert – CHT Peacehaven
Robert Garea is one of our great supporters and a volunteer from the community.
His mum was resident in the past, and Robert is consistent and devoted to visiting CHT Peacehaven almost every weekend to give his time to some of our residents. Every Christmas Robert very generously helps to beautify the whole place with his own Christmas decorations.

The ‘Amberlea Angels’ – CHT Amberlea
Sue the “Bead lady” comes in once a month on a Tuesday afternoon, supplying all resources needed for her craft. She prepares and thinks of lovely jewellery projects to do alongside residents. Fiona Ellis gives up her own time every Friday afternoon for a couple of hours of singalong and musical instruments, while Sue Roberts teaches a beginners ukulele class to a handful of our residents, while other residents join in for a sing along.

Oliver – CHT Waiuku
Oliver Norton attends Waiau Pa primary school and is in his first year of intermediate.  He have been volunteering at CHT Waiuku CHT as part of the William PIke Challenge. He has to complete 20 hours of community service, as well as complete a passion project , overnight camp, kayaking and mountain biking. Oliver chose to complete his community service hours at CHT Waiuku as he thought this would be a good idea because he could play games with the residents which he really enjoys doing. He also helped residents get to their fitness class and has met lots of interesting people.

Rob – CHT Royal Oak
Rob Voss likes volunteering because he gets to bring joy and pleasure into others’ lives through his playing and singing, while sharing some thoughts about life or about a song, Rob enjoys having the privilege of letting others know that they are special and significant, and that there is much to be thankful for in life.

Mia – CHT Royal Oak
Mia Mihaila has been a volunteer at CHT Royal Oak for almost one month, and has found it to be a fantastic experience. Having such a pleasant and friendly atmosphere, Mia thinks that all residents feel right at home, and that is why when she volunteers at CHT she feels like a guest of the residents. Being a volunteer has given Mia a feeling of belonging, of family, of being appreciated and welcomed like an old friend, giving her an understanding of the meaning of volunteering.

We’re always looking for new volunteers to help us take great care of older people.
If you are interested in volunteering (especially if you have a second language, special skill / talent / hobby) please take a look at our locations page for a CHT facility near you, and get in touch with the Unit Manager.

Ground-breaking project gives a glimpse into the future of aged care

One of New Zealand’s longest running aged care organisations, CHT Healthcare Trust, is bringing the future into focus thanks to the new CHT Aged Care Fund, and backing a project set to transform care through a highly tailored, needs-based model.

CHT’s dedication to continuous quality improvement and innovation, and its desire to support delivery of high quality care across the entire aged care sector, has inspired it to establish the CHT Aged Care Fund in 2019. The core ambition of the Fund is to enhance the wellbeing of older people, through grants each year across research, access to care and workforce development initiatives.

Selected to receive the inaugural grant, Professor John Parsons of the University of Auckland is piloting a casemix project over a six month period at CHT’s rest home, hospital and dementia unit in Te Awamutu, as a practical demonstration of how his casemix model can perform.

“Currently, an assessment system is in place to establish funding and care however it is both outdated and only looks at diagnosis and bed type (rest home, hospital or dementia) rather than the actual needs of each person,” says Professor Parsons. “As the population continues to change, residents are now older, more frail and have more significant needs requiring skilled nursing care.”

Professor Parsons’ casemix model uses 15 distinct categories across rehabilitation, clinical complexity, cognitive or behavioural issues, physical function and daily activity levels of an individual to form a full picture of that person, and more accurately determine their needs.

Professor Parsons and his team have a passion for developing services for older people, helping them maintain their independence and receive the right level of care for their needs. They have extensive experience with developing and experimenting with casemix in home care, ACC and district nursing settings, and a casemix model in home care was successfully implemented.

A specialist team from the Waikato DHB will also be seconded into CHT Te Awamutu for the duration of the demonstration, with results continually assessed by Professor Parsons.

Max Robins, Chief Executive at CHT Healthcare Trust says this project is now putting into practice the categories and assessing the casemix model in action, involving a small group of residents who are either stabilising post a hospital stay then returning home, staying for respite care, or for end of life care.

“Nationally, short-stay residents in aged care represent a significant proportion of all residents and use the most resources for providers,” says Mr Robins. “So looking into how their care and funding can be improved is critical for the long-term future of the aged care sector.”

“These residents will receive care using the casemix categories which are tailored according to their needs, and can be reclassified if their needs change during their stay, allowing our team to deliver a more responsive level of care.”

During the course of the demonstration residents will also receive important services like dentistry, OT, speech therapy, dietetics, specialist mental health which are not currently offered (or vary markedly according to provider), to explore what impact those services might have as part of a casemix model.

Mr Robins says the CHT Aged Care Fund is an initiative that is unique in the aged care sector and has been established with a long-term view to instigating positive change.

“The charitable trust status of CHT is important because it means that all our surplus funds go back into improving our existing 16 facilities in Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato, as well as the CHT Aged Care Fund,” says Mr Robins.
“They don’t go into the pockets of shareholders like many other major aged care and retirement organisations.”

Applications are now open for the 2020 CHT Aged Care Fund grant –

simply apply online at https://cht.co.nz/agedcarefund-2/

CHT welcomes new staff members

CHT Healthcare Trust has recently welcomed three highly-experienced new staff members to the organisation, all in senior roles, two Unit Managers and a Maintenance Manager. Take a moment to learn a bit more about Nicki, Jodi and Hendrick.

Nicki Wallace – Unit Manager, CHT Royal Oak

As a Registered Nurse, Nicki has worked all over the world, even working as the head nurse looking after the Sheikh of Dubai. The past 10 years have seen Nicki move into management in aged care facilities and when she’s not working you’ll find her in the great outdoors. Nicki believes ‘we are all different and we each have different skill sets to contribute. A smile and kind words go a long way’.

Jodi Botting – Unit Manager, CHT Amberlea

With over 25 years nursing experience, Jodi brings extensive knowledge in both the clinical field and in management. But when she’s not at work, you’ll find her spending time with family, as well as taking her dog for walks, enjoying the beach, reading a good book, and finding somewhere for a great coffee!

Hendrick Churr – Maintenance Manager

Originally from South Africa, Hendrick has more than 10 years’ experience in the maintenance industry, holding senior positions at very large companies. The ever-changing environment within his role and interaction with the residents is what he enjoys most about his role at CHT. In his spare time Hendrick likes reading, camping and spending time with his family.

CHT Focus on Care Awards 2019

Each year the CHT Focus on Care Awards celebrate the very best in quality care, innovation and staff excellence. The 2019 Award are no exception, with inspiring winners standing out as worthy recipients who had clearly put considerable effort into their entries.

Registered Staff Award

Ana Figuerres, Registered Nurse at CHT Glynavon investigated the reasons for weight loss and reduced interaction amongst Alzheimer’s dementia residents. After determining the role sleeplessness played in energy levels, interest in food and interaction with others, a simple programme was introduced which led to improvements in food intake and time with others.

Non-Registered Staff Award

A non-clinical perspective on caring for our residents and providing excellent customer service, was the winning formula for this Award, submitted by Sylvia van Dyke, Receptionist at CHT. The judges were impressed by the level of research about dementia that underpinned the entry and for identifying the pivotal role a receptionist plays in our facilities.

Unit Award

This year’s winner, CHT Te Awamutu, put considerable effort into building a relationship with their local school and over five visits to the facility the children were encouraged to build intergenerational relationships, reinforcing the commitment to connection for our residents with their communities. From sharing morning tea, to games and activities, to the children interviewing and writing the life stories of residents, the programme was a collaborative approach that brought to life meaningful connections.

Manager of the Year – Runner Up

With impressive tenacity, courage and dedication, Unit Manager Jenny Vollmer has steered her facility through many changes and challenges and enhanced the culture at CHT St Johns since relocating to New Zealand from the UK in 2006.

Manager of the Year

Wynonna Faustino, Unit Manager at CHT Peacehaven, has performed very well against KPIs and leads a passionate team using her strong relationship, organisation and resident-focused skills – all outstanding qualities for a top manager. Having worked her way up through the ranks as a Registered Nurse and Clinical Co-Ordinator, Wynonna sets a wonderful example of how hard work can pay off with a rewarding career in Aged Care.

CHT Healthcare Trust celebrates International Nurses Day

Each year, on 12 May, International Nurses Day is an opportunity to recognise and thank our nurses for their passion, dedication and the great care they take of our older people in CHT facilities.

We’d like to introduce you to just a handful of our nurses, originating from all around the world, and contributing their wonderful skills to helping our residents and their families.

Sharmila Deveraj – Area Manager, Quality and Privacy Manager

Currently studying for a Masters in Nursing, raising a young family and in a busy role as Area Manager, Sharmila originally wanted to become a doctor as a young woman in India, but ventured into nursing. Providing direct care is a passion of Sharmila’s and her experience in emergency care is another special skill.

Her first role as a registered nurse at CHT St Johns in 2010 was swiftly followed by a charge nurse role at CHT Royal Oak, then a promotion to Unit Manager where she introduced a number of award-winning quality care initiatives.

Now in her Area Manager role, Sharmila loves getting out and about to visit Units, teaching and inspiring others to always strive for delivery of the best care possible.

Janice Reuyan – ICT Trainer

A passionate life-long learner and natural teacher, Janice has a very important job that connects her to our nursing staff through all our regions, at different levels, as CHT ICT Trainer.

Growing up with her grandparents in the Philippines holds special memories for Janice, especially taking care of her grandfather when he was ill, which is one of the reasons that motivated Janice to train as a nurse. With a background in aged care nursing giving her a strong understanding of the everyday tasks of nurses, Janice helps bridge the gap between hands-on nursing and the IT / software needed to correctly manage resident care.

In particular Janice loves the independence of her role and helping to problem-solve and upskill staff.

Marilyn Menezes – Unit Manager, CHT Onewa

Our youngest Unit Manager is seizing the day, as she masters her new role at CHT Onewa.

Growing up without grandparents of her own, Marilyn has a natural affection for older people and loves the chance to hear their stories and special memories, while also caring for their families.

The opportunity to put her hand up for new roles and challenges, and the support she received to reach her goals, is something Marilyn is very grateful to CHT for.

After training in Mumbai and spending many years as a nurse and Clinical Co-ordinator, Marilyn is passionate about
making sure our residents feel connected to their community and receive the best possible care.

Marilyn says she feels privileged to care for people at the end of their life and enjoys making a good impression on residents and families.

Stella Ma – Unit Manager, CHT Hillcrest

Since joining CHT, Stella has made a positive impact with countless staff members, residents and family members.

Originally based at CHT St Christophers for 10 years in a number of roles – from grad nurse to charge nurse, Clinical Co-ordinator and Unit Manager – Stella has recently taken the helm at CHT Hillcrest as Unit Manager.

Throughout Stella’s career she has enjoyed the extra training and talent progression at CHT and now finds herself seeking out opportunities for her own staff.

As a youngster Stella spent a large amount of time with her grandmother, giving her a real affinity with older people, an appetite to always learn something new and find joy in helping others.

Albert Principio – Clinical Co-ordinator, CHT Lansdowne

As Clinical Co-ordinator at CHT Lansdowne, Albert’s job keeps him busy and active – just how he likes to be!

After training at MIT seven years ago, Albert started out as a nurse in a rest home setting and found himself enjoying the chance to care for older people. Influencing others and having a wide impact through training is very rewarding for Albert, especially when he sees new nurses grow in confidence and capability.

In Albert’s view, the rewards of a career in nursing outweigh the challenges and it looks like helping others runs in his family – Albert’s brother is also a nurse.

CHT Healthcare Trust celebrates outstanding achievements

The annual Focus On Care Awards took place recently, where individuals and Units were recognised for their achievements throughout the year. In a special ceremony attended by the Board and Senior Management, four key award categories saw winners from across the group receive framed certificates and a warm congratulations for their exceptional work.

CHT Residential Care Unit Award
CHT Royal Oak Home (Merit)

CHT Hillcrest Home & Hospital
Continuous Clinical Improvement Award
CHT Hillcrest Home & Hospital (Merit)

CHT Royal Oak Home
CHT Unit Manager Award
CHT Royal Oak Home – Sharmila Devaraj

CHT Registered Staff Award
CHT Hillcrest Home & Hospital (Merit)
Anu Mathew

CHT shares special stories in celebration of International Nurses Day

International Nurses Day, celebrated around the world each year on 12th May (Florence Nightingale’s birthday), raises awareness and recognition of the enormous contribution that nurses make to our communities.

For many families the end of a loved one’s life is an especially meaningful time when encounters with nurses leave indelible memories. We are very proud of the dedication, care and compassion of all our staff, in particular our nurses, in providing comfort and support to all our residents and their families.

Nursing in residential aged care can be both uniquely challenging and rewarding, with countless tales to be told. To celebrate International Nurses Day we are sharing the stories of just a handful of our many nurses – each with their own experiences and perspectives.

Megan Thorne, Unit Manager, CHT Acacia Park Home & Hospital

Taking on a Bachelor of Nursing degree at the age of 37 with her youngest child being 18 months old was a juggling act for Megan, but after her first couple of shifts as a caregiver it signalled a turning point in her life, and she is enjoying a rewarding career in nursing.
Starting out as a caregiver at Acacia Park 17 years ago, Megan has worked her way up as a Clinical Leader, Clinical Co-ordinator and now Unit Manager. She has also turned her hand to jobs as a kitchen hand, cook, cleaner and in the laundry – almost every role available.
Megan is also a volunteer Medical First Responder with Fire and Emergency New Zealand, a position that she is also very passionate about as it allows her to use her skills as a nurse and help those in need, finding it as rewarding as working with the elderly.
Megan attributes her love of nursing to having the empathy and drive to really give it her all plus having inspiring role models who encouraged her to follow her passion.

Asena Wainiqolo, Senior Nurse, CHT St Johns Hospital

Growing up in Fiji, Asena was introduced to nursing at a very young age as she tagged along with her older sisters, both nurses, on hospital visits and even delivering babies in the outer islands.

After initial roles in theater and psychiatric nursing, Asena took a job at CHT St Johns Hospital and has been a steadfast member of staff for the past 17 years. As a resource nurse for last days of life, Asena feels a strong sense of privilege to be part of the end of their journey and truly believes that little things make a big difference for the residents she cares for.

Jeanette Coyle, Senior Nurse, CHT St Margarets Hospital

Literally part of the furniture, Jeanette began working at St Margarets 29 years ago after popping in to see if there were any jobs available and starting just two weeks later. Jeanette has worked in aged care for her entire career since training at age 16, firstly in Tauranga and then in Auckland including working night shifts in a rest home while raising her children.

Her favourite aspects of working in nursing include the opportunity to care for residents and their families and making life-long friends through nursing. Coming to work in a supportive, beautiful environment also makes it rewarding for Jeanette.

With a daughter now also in nursing, Jeanette says it takes a special person to work in aged care – you need to be a caring, compassionate and patient.

Jenny Vollmer, Unit Manager, CHT St Johns Hospital

As CHT’s longest service Unit Manager – 11 years and counting – Jenny reminisces about her early years as a young nurse in her native South Africa (a profession suggested to her by her mother, also a nurse) and her passion for working in aged care.

Starting off in general and surgical nursing, Jenny moved into frail care and specialised in geriatric care including nine years working in the UK. An opportunity to emigrate to New Zealand with her family to take up a CHT Unit Manager role gave Jenny a wonderful opportunity for a new challenge and now she even cheers for the All Blacks!

Social connection, learning about a person’s history and culture and getting to know the whole family are aspects of nursing that are very special to Jenny.