What's New

Naming our Homes

Those of you who visit us regularly will notice that the small homes in our dementia wing previously known as Rata 1 has been renamed Matai.

The small homes at Aberleigh are all named after some of the best-loved of our native New Zealand trees:

Rata

Matai

Ngaio

Kowhai

Introducing Lee Andrews, Senior Occupational Therapist 

Greetings everyone! I feel very privileged to have been asked to introduce myself to you. Based at Admatha in Christchurch, I am employed as a Senior Occupational Therapist for the organization. As such, I will be working within, and regularly visiting, all our facilities.

My main role is in development of, and leadership to, the Diversional Therapy Teams throughout the organisation , together with providing an occupational therapy service that enhances the quality of life of our residents. I know that Diversional Therapy staff already play an integral part in the day to day happenings in each of our facilities, and are valued for their efforts in organising a range of appropriate activities. My task is to support them in their role, in whatever way is appropriate for their individual level of experience. Because I come to this position with a background in, and passion for, dementia, I hope to be able to bring inspiration and guidance to all staff working with our residents, in order to increase ‘rich moments’.

I have been working as a Registered Occupational Therapist for 30+ years, having most recently spent four years at the Memory Assessment Clinic at The Princess Margaret Hospital here in Christchurch, contributing to the processes of assessment, early diagnosis and supporting families at the beginning of their ‘dementia journey’.

As well as working in the Health Sector, I enjoyed seven years within Tertiary Education employed as a lecturer at the School of Occupational Therapy at Otago Polytechnic, and latterly as an International Student Advisor at the University of Otago. Since returning to Christchurch in 2004, I have been privileged to participate on the Executive Committee Member of Alzheimers Canterbury.

Given time, I hope I have the opportunity to meet many of you during my visits to each facility. In the meantime, I wish you all a safe and peaceful festive season.