Summer has officially arrived in Gisborne, and we’re loving every moment of it. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, and the gardens are in bloom. It’s the perfect time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy everything this beautiful season has to offer.

Lately, the weather in Gisborne has been warm and windy, just what you’d expect as summer starts to roll in. It’s been great for getting outside, whether it’s going for a walk in the garden, playing a few games, or just sitting in the sun with a book or a nice cup of tea.

Some highlights for our residents have included some recent van trips. The residents have been loving these lately! It’s such a treat to get out and explore the beautiful Gisborne surroundings—from scenic vineyards and stunning coastlines to peaceful parks. These outings bring so much joy, fresh air, and a real sense of adventure.

Another favourite activity has been baking or cooking – especially when it’s pikelets or pancakes. Bingo is also a crowd favourite—everyone loves joining in and having a great time together. Arts and crafts are also popular. They help spark creativity and encourage residents to express themselves in fun and creative ways.

Once again, we have had some amazing performers visit our home. Keith and Claire performed on the piano and clarinet during happy hour. The ukulele group performed cheerful tunes and kept everyone humming along. The Happy Chappies provided toe-tapping fun. The Church Singers and Hospice Singers gave heartfelt performances, and we loved listening to David Walters perform on the piano.

Tas, our talented saxophonist and pianist, recently retired after nine wonderful years of volunteer work here at Leighton House. His music brought joy, comfort, and a special kind of magic to our home, and he’ll be deeply missed. We’re so grateful for everything he’s shared with us over the years. Our residents absolutely love when entertainers come to visit—it’s something they always look forward to. Their music fills the home with warmth, and yes, even the staff find themselves singing along while working in the office!

We’re excited to welcome several new faces to our team here at Leighton House. Elsa, Rigil, Fly, and Rani have joined us as Registered Nurses, bringing their skills and care to our residents. A warm welcome to new Caregivers; Thyron, Anna, and Alfonso —your support and compassion are already making a difference. Melanie, Makiko and Laura join us as home assistants and kitchen hands. They help to keep things running behind the scenes. We said goodbye to Arnie, Christine, Danielle, George, Mariya, Charisse and Loimarie. We wish them all the best.

As usual, our team has been involved in a wide variety of training, including, End of Life Care, Continence Management, Bicultural Awareness and Medication Management. Our team also receive ongoing education from our in-house educator, Simon Hamley.

We’re already decking the halls and planning a festive season full of joy! We are embracing the festive spirit by putting up Christmas trees, taking part in baking day and playing Christmas carols in the lounge. Residents will be getting into the festive spirit with some fun Christmas-themed arts and crafts—think handmade decorations, cheerful cards; plenty of glitter and creativity to go around!

Our Christmas Family Gathering will be held on Wednesday the 17^th of December, from 2–4pm in the main lounge. Families are warmly invited to join us for an afternoon of music, laughter, delicious food and holiday cheer.

We wish you a joyful festive season!

Thank you for participating in our EPOA survey

A big thank you to the families who participated in the EPOA Survey. We received a lot of positive feedback on the kindness and support received from the team at Leighton House, and families appreciate being well informed.

Areas that we will work on improving are:-

• Adding some variety to our menu for meals
• Making new residents and their families aware of our Facebook page
• Working with residents' families to ensure some activities align with their loved ones' interests

Food and activities preferences are often very specific to each resident, and this information is vital to help us tailor our service to their needs.  If you have further feedback you would like to share with us, please reach out to Preet or Rodney.

We value your time and appreciate your feedback on your loved one’s care within our home. We are always happy to hear your thoughts and suggestions; we are open to your feedback at any time.

The feedback from the surveys has now been collated and if you are interested in taking a look, you will find it posted to the bulletin board in our home.

As the year draws to a close it is a time to reflect on how we are going, what we have accomplished and look forward to the year ahead.

As I travel around the homes I love hearing from residents and their families about how things are going for them and how we can improve. Please do come and have a chat if you see me around our homes.

Often over the Christmas period we learn more about our residents and their families through meeting family that aren’t able to visit as often, and sharing fond memories about summer holidays.

These memories and stories can help our staff teams to develop a deeper understanding of a resident, their families and the things that bring them joy. Sharing the journey of our residents and their whānau through the often challenging path of aging is something our staff love doing.

This involves spending time with residents:

• Listening carefully
• Helping the person fill in the blanks
• Reading facial expressions and body language and try to respond appropriately
• Giving compliments
• Asking for opinions and open ended questions
• Enjoying the person in every way possible

These techniques assist our teams to put together the stories that make us all who we are. Please use these techniques while visiting if you would like to.

I wish you all a happy holiday season. I hope you all get to spend some time connecting with the people that matter most to you.

Ngā mihi

Andrew Sheard, Managing Director

My name is Arah Cartagena, and I’m really pleased to be rejoining the team here at Dementia Care NZ. Some of you may remember me from my previous time with the organisation. After spending time working in home and community care, I’m grateful to return and reconnect with the people and values that have always meant so much to me.

Throughout my career in nursing, I’ve had the privilege of supporting people in a variety of settings. These experiences have shaped my belief that meaningful care is about more than just meeting needs. It’s about understanding what matters most to each person, honouring their story, and supporting them to live each day with dignity, purpose, and connection.

I also recognise the vital role families play in the lives of their loved ones. Your insights and experiences are an important part of the care we provide, and I’m committed to ensuring that our approach reflects the trust you place in us.

I am passionate about leading our clinical team. I look forward to developing, energising and supporting our team members, and ensuring that our team embodies our vision and values through all that we do.

Outside of work, I have a strong interest in learning and self-development. I’m always curious and enjoy discovering new perspectives and ideas.

Ngā mihi nui,
Arah Cartagena

Favourite Christmas traditions from our team members

"I love watching my kids open their presents on Christmas morning—it’s such a special moment. I always prepare food and really look forward to the dishes that family members bring. Having everyone together makes the day feel complete."

Jaymie

"Every Christmas morning, my family gets together bright and early—6 AM! We start the day with bacon and eggs on toast, and the adults enjoy a glass of champagne. We don’t open presents until 10 AM, and then we all sit down for a big, delicious lunch."

Lizzie

Christmas reminders from Dementia Care NZ

Season’s greetings

The following information will help the holiday season go as smoothly as possible.

Outings

If you intend to take your loved one home for the day or afternoon over the Christmas period, or on Christmas Day, please discuss this with a Registered Nurse so that medication and comfort requirements can be arranged. Prior warning will allow us to have your loved one appropriately dressed and ready for you.

For safety reasons, outings of this nature first need to be discussed and approved by the EPOA.

Naming clothes

Please remember that all new items need to be clearly marked with the owner’s first and last name before they arrive. This is especially important at Christmas time, when many lovingly chosen new items are given as gifts by family members. We discourage expensive woolen items, which are easily damaged in the wash. Please select easy care clothing wherever possible.

We hope that you are enjoying the warmer weather and that your Christmas preparations are going really well.

Meri Kirihimete / Merry Christmas

From all of us at Dementia Care NZ

Thank You to Our Volunteers

A huge thank-you to all our volunteers who brighten our days:

• Ukulele Group
• Church Singers
• Hospice Singers
• Happy Chappies
• Tas and Heather
• Gisborne Filipino Community for sharing their culture during Diversity Week

Magic Moments

We recently had a group of people who came in to play music and sing to our residents. One of the singers had a microphone and went around singing and holding a couple of the resident's hands as he moved around the room. One particular resident looked stunned and was star struck. Her eyes were fixed on his eyes, glowing with a smile, ear to ear. Afterwards, she asked if she could get his name and number. She said "He reminds me of someone I used to go out with when I was much younger!". We both giggled like young teenagers. Such a beautiful moment.