A home away from home

PAIN BARRIER: Switzer Residential Care general manager Jackie Simkins broke through the pain barrier last week to pose with one of the home's feathered pets.

General manager Jackie Simkins, her staff and the Claud Switzer Memorial Trust spare no effort to provide the homeliest environment possible for those who live at Kaitaia rest home Swizter Residential Care but now they are embarking upon and whole new concept, the 'Eden alternative philosophy'.

"We are moving from what is often a task-oriented environment to apply the philosophy of person-centred care," Mrs Simkins said.

Twenty of the rest home staff had already completed a three-day workshop in Kaitaia (delivered from Australia), and 20 more would be doing so later this year.

The philosophy, Mrs Simkins said, was nothing more complicated than a cultural change aimed at eliminating loneliness, helplessness and boredom. And the key to that was providing surroundings that replicated what residents had enjoyed in their own homes.

That was being achieved by the acquisition of plants (and the home would be grateful for any contributions, preferably large but any size would be appreciated) that residents could take responsibility for, and animals.

"We already have a couple of fish tanks, which some of the residents are responsible for looking after, as resident bird and three cats," she said.

"They are the kittens of a cat that arrived here under its own steam. They've been spayed (by TopVets, which has also undertaken to provide any other veterinary care that might be needed), and we dig into our own pockets to come up with anything else they might need."

The home was still looking for a resident dog, however.

"We're after a medium-sized dog, one that won't get under anyone's feet but isn't too big," Mrs Simkins added.

"It will go home with me at night but it will spend its days here."

Dogs already visit the home regularly, thanks to the St John Outreach Therapy Pets programme, but fundamental to the Eden alternative is regular and consistent access to plants, animals and children.

"Residents are at the centre of the home, and fully involved in decision-making," Mrs Simkins said.

"It is their home, and they are our reason for being here. Therefore they must have a strong voice and genuine opportunities to tell us what they want and how they want it to happen.

"One improvement that we can make immediately is to have more plants. Large or small, if you have any plants to spare we will find them a very good home."

Further information on the Eden Alternative can be found at www.edininoznz.com.au