Care suite flexibility a ‘game changer’ for Arvida Rhodes on Cashmere
No two days are the same for Arvida Rhodes on Cashmere Clinical Coordinator, Grace Derrick, and that goes for her residents in care suites too.
The Cantabrian believes the new care suite model for over-65s is ‘phenomenal’ and a ‘game changer’ for the aged care industry.
“On Monday for example, one of our residents said to our Wellness Partner that they’d like to go to the beach and so we had an impromptu beach trip. Our residents do what they want, when they want.”
Developed by award-winning architects, the affordable care suites, purchased through an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA), offer personalisation that’s supported by hospital or rest home-level care. The suite households also have spacious shared kitchens, living rooms and outdoor areas.
The care suites are professionally and tastefully decorated with beautiful colours and furnishings, and many have an impressive view from the elevated Cashmere Hills location.
The care suite difference comes down to smaller household groups, individualised care, choice and options. Medications are important, Grace says and so is the option of taking them in the privacy of a resident’s care suite or in the household lounge area – their choice of course.
“Flexibility and adaptability is key to us as a team so that we can accommodate what our residents would like.
It’s important to provide the care you’d want for your own family.”
“We encourage families to work with us so that we’re all on the same page about the best care possible – be it rest home or hospital-level. We want them to feel like they can come to us about anything.” - Grace Derrick
Aside from the innovative care suites, there’s also a number of other benefits to being part of Arvida Rhodes on Cashmere community including a gym, a library to read your favourite book, a workshop and hair salon.
After graduating at ARA with a nursing degree, the British born Grace began nursing at Christchurch Hospital in 2016, before moving to Rhodes on Cashmere earlier this year. Backed by her supportive Village Manager, Michelle Hamilton, Grace explains the Rhodes on Cashmere team aren’t just focussed on personcentred care but also familycentred too.
“We encourage families to work with us so that we’re all on the same page about the best care possible – be it rest home or hospital-level. We want them to feel like they can come to us about anything.”
Grace’s enjoyment in the job comes from “being along for the ride of a resident’s life journey. Making sure their day to day life is good and happy, which is a real privilege to be part of.”
With that Grace is off on another excursion with five of her residents and Wellness Partners, as they make a trip to Hagley Park for an ice cream – living their lives the way they want to.
For more information about care suites call Karen on 03 332 3240 or 021 830 331 or email sales@rhodesoncashmere.co.nz
For a tour, come visit our upcoming open days on Friday 25, Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November, 10am till 3pm. You’ll find Arvida Rhodes on Cashmere at 5 Overdale Drive, Cashmere, Christchurch.