Shirley Crabtree, who visits residents every Wednesday to play cards, scrabble and board games, and just for a chat, enjoying her special lunch.
The Eden Alternative, a philosophy focused on making life for those in residential care as close as possible to what it would be in their own homes, is well established at Switzer Residential Care in Kaitaia.
"The Eden Alternative complements our philosophy. It aims to empower residents, staff and families.
It is a philosophy based on health, wellness, and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of our residents by alleviating loneliness, helplessness and boredom, and promoting a person-centred approach to care," general manager Jackie Simkins said.
"At Switzer we believe it's not the years in the life but the life in the years that matters most, and we work hard to ensure that we provide an environment where people can flourish in a real human habitat that includes regular and consistent access to plants, animals and children."
That would not be possible, she added, without the support of the small army of volunteers who played a huge role in life at the home every day of the year.
Volunteer co-ordinators Gail and Brian Gillespie had expanded the opportunities for residents to develop new relationships, to participate in meaningful activities, and to have one-on-one time with visitors.
