Western News: November 21, 2017

2
WESTERN [Edition NEWS datE]
Latest Christchurch news at www.star.kiwi
Tuesday November 21 2017 13
RYMAN HEALTHCARE
Retirement village offers quality care & great companionship
Village manager Liz Hampton, left, with Denis Hubbard, Joy Millar, Beryl Anstiss, Thelma Branthwaite and
Peggy Wigg ready to watch the Melbourne Cup. These serviced apartment residents love their Woodcote
lifestyle – Thelma says moving there changed her life.
Recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading retirement
village operations, the Ryman model of quality retirement
living began over 30 years ago right here in Christchurch at
Woodcote Retirement Village, Hornby.
Founder Kevin Hickman, a retired police officer, had been
disappointed with retirement facilities he had seen, so decided
to set up Woodcote in a former motel complex.
As village manager Liz Hampton explains, Kevin’s mantra
was “It’s got to be good enough for mum” and she says this still
holds true today at Woodcote.
One of the smaller Ryman villages, the boutique-style
Woodcote Retirement Village offers a 50-bed rest home, as
well as seven serviced apartments and 18 townhouses – all
set in gorgeous grounds with mature trees and shrubs and
meticulously maintained lawn and garden areas.
“Our quiet location gives it almost a rural feel, so it’s peaceful
and relaxing for our residents,” Liz says.
For the rest home residents, their healthcare is overseen by
clinical manager Jacky Fitzsimon. Her role includes general
nursing care, dispensing medications and arranging doctors’
appointments, while the rest home staff, with their warm and
gentle manner, ensure the residents’ day-to-day needs are
taken care of.
Like all Ryman villages, Woodcote has joined the computer
age by going paperless with Ryman’s new myRyman app, Liz
says. Residents’ information is now online, with staff accessing
it on a surface (tablet) in the individual resident’s room.
“This saves a lot of time and means the information is
right there at the staff members’ fingertips, so then they can
spend more time with the residents, rather than dealing with
paperwork,” Liz says, “plus it saves the trees.”
Just a week after moving into Woodcote, new rest home
resident Isobel Marsh is starting to settle in and feel at home.
She says during her working life in the healthcare sector
she had heard some of the city’s retirement villages being
discussed, with Woodcote described as “the best retirement
village in Hornby”.
Dallas Proctor, left, with her mother Isobel Marsh,
who has just moved into Woodcote.
Isobel’s son and daughter had begun looking at retirement
villages for her earlier this year, and daughter Dallas says
Woodcote had a “good feel about it”. Isobel says the staff are
“lovely, very friendly and very caring”. She is looking forward
to getting involved in the various activities, and has already
played Housie.
Roy and Gwyneth Bryden moved into Woodcote as rest
home residents six months ago. Gwyneth admits she found it
a bit difficult at the start, but is very happy now, while Roy, on
the other hand, loved it straight away.
“It’s the friendliness of the staff, they are great, and everyone
speaks to you. The meals are great, too, there’s plenty of food.”
Roy also likes the fact that Woodcote is a smaller village,
with residents concerned about each other’s welfare.
“You don’t always get that in a bigger place,” he says.
Roy enjoys playing his keyboard and getting involved in
the men’s club, while Gwyneth has started a knitting group,
the Busy Bees, with up to 10 residents getting together on a
Saturday morning for a knitting session.
All the residents at Woodcote are free to take part in the
many activities and outings on offer. These include the
exclusive Ryman Triple A exercise programme, tailored for
residents’ differing levels of health and mobility.
In conjunction with Triple A, the Engage programme is
designed to keep residents stimulated and entertained. Run
by the two activities co-ordinators, it includes a wide range of
activities, entertainment and outings, such as shopping trips to
The Hub and dining out at restaurants.
There is live entertainment every week, while petanque,
indoor bowls, table tennis, darts and cards are available, as
well as a library and hair salon.
“We introduced table tennis at the suggestion of a resident,”
Liz says.
“It’s very important to us that the residents know that this
is their home, and that they feel in charge of their own space,
with their possessions in their rooms, and in charge of their
day.”
She says occasions such as Anzac Day, St Patrick’s Day and
Melbourne Cup day are celebrated, and residents receive a
bouquet from the Woodcote staff on special birthdays.
Liz enjoys seeing the residents settle in at Woodcote.
“They build their confidence, and their health improves.
They thrive here with the company and the stimulation.”
A key contributor to the residents’ wellbeing is the Ryman
Delicious menu, offering tasty, nutritious food prepared
by Woodcote’s own chef. The new summer menu has just
been launched, and includes traditional fare familiar to the
residents, and contemporary-style dishes.
Woodcote also offers short-term respite care, which often
leads to permanent residency, Liz says, when people discover
what a wonderful place it is.
“We are a very family-oriented village, and we put on special
events where family members are invited. We love having
the grandchildren and the great-grandchildren here for the
children’s party in January and we also have a village barbeque
in February and invite the families to come.”
With the festive season approaching, Woocote’s staff and
residents are looking forward to the Christmas celebrations.
“Because so many residents go out on Christmas Day,
we have a big Christmas dinner with all the trimmings and
entertainment the week before,” Liz says.
She welcomes enquiries from anyone considering a move
to the village. To make an appointment for a look round
Woodcote, phone 349 8788.
Rest home residents Roy & Gwyneth Bryden are very
happy living at the village.
Retirement living
and care at its best!
Townhouses • Serviced apartments • Resthome care
For more information please
phone Liz on 349 8788
29 Woodcote Avenue, Hornby
7469