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PERSON-CENTRED CARE HIGHLIGHTED AT OPENING OF TASMAN REST HOME

Warmth, community spirit and a focus on the immense value of people with dementia were the hallmarks of the recent opening of Tasman Rest Home and Dementia Care.

The official opening of the renewed and renovated facility began with a warmly welcoming Whaikorero (Blessing and Speech of Welcome) by Archdeacon Harvey Ruru QSM, followed by a waiata.

Interest in the new facility was intense among those present. Openness and an eagerness to share and be part of the occasion characterised the involvement of the Nelson community, who were excited about what the facility means in terms of the betterment of aged care in the area.

The mayor of Nelson, Aldo Miccio, spoke passionately about the importance of catering for specialised needs of the ageing community, and the need to raise public awareness of the challenges the elderly can encounter. He reminded guests that the staff at Tasman are caring for some of the most vulnerable people among us, and need the support of the community in doing this important work. He emphasised the importance of developing understanding and empathy towards people with dementia, and of supporting them to remain an essential part of our community.

Tasman director Alison Hume spoke from the heart about the right of people with dementia to a homely, tranquil and loving home where they are accepted, valued and respected. Her short address honoured the staff who have worked under difficult conditions during the year-long renovation process. Guests were invited to consider what makes a house a ‘home’, what positive things happen in their own home, and what each one of us associates with tranquil family times. This is the atmosphere the staff of Tasman are committed to creating for residents, who are supported by the loving and accepting ‘best friends’ approach to care.

“We want this to be a place where people can relax and just ‘be’”, Alison Hume said.

The opening of facility was hailed as a ‘truly special day’ for residential care in the Nelson area by National Director of Alzheimer’s NZ, Mr Johan Vos.

The facility now offers a full continuum of care, which means that people with dementia are able to stay in one place as their needs change. The facility is also the only home in the NMDHB which offers hospital level dementia care.

Mr Vos congratulated the management of Tasman, Tanya Tuscano and Andrew Sheard, and the NMDHB for the proactive way in which they have worked together to provide essential services for people with dementia in the area.

The important service provided by Alzheimer’s Nelson in the areas of community education, information and support was also acknowledged. It was vital for local Alzheimer’s bodies to continue to work closely with residential care providers such as Tasman, said Mr Vos.

Mr Vos commended Tasman Rest Home and Dementia Care on its philosophy of care, which focuses on care in small homes and in so doing, creates an enhanced sense of wellbeing for a person with dementia.

The importance of supporting independence, freedom of choice and the ability to continue with familiar and purposeful activities for people with dementia was also highlighted by Mr Vos. “A person with dementia is still a person that has a right to be treated with dignity, respect, love and compassion as we would any other human being.”

The occasion was a celebration of the value and dignity of the elderly people in our community, and reflected the importance of providing them with the best possible care in a homely, loving environment.

(Photograph: Operations Manager Andrew Sheard and Alzheimer's New Zealand Director Johan Vos perform the ceremonial ribbon-cutting)