Switzer residents keen to get growing

Twelve-year-old Girl Guide Laurel Wilson doing her bit for the Switzer Residential Care gardens by gathering leaves for mulch.

Switzer Residential Care gardener Iva Grant has no trouble finding things to do around the Kaitaia rest home grounds, but her latest project is aimed at much more than ensuring every leaf and blade of grass knows its place.

She is working on establishing a raised courtyard garden for residents who are keen to put their green fingers to work by growing vegetables.

"Sharing their produce would give them a great deal of pleasure, and a sense of purpose and usefulness," Iva said.

She could do with a hand though, and is looking to the community to support the project, whether that be by providing materials, labour, furniture or funds.

"We, staff and residents alike, are all very excited about this, and are keen to get growing," she added.

The project is part of the home's commitment to the Philosophy of the Eden Alternative, which calls for the creation of an environment as close as possible to what residents enjoyed in their own homes by providing regular contact with people of all ages, along with access to pets, plants and gardens.

Enabling residents to be actively involved in establishing and maintaining that environment was key.

"We are committed to making Switzer a loving, caring, nurturing place for the older people who find it is now their home," Iva said.

"We are keen to ensure they are provided with person-centred care, that they have the opportunity to participate in decision-making, the opportunity to give as well as receive care, and to contribute in a home where their voice is heard and respected.

"We also need to ensure there is variety and spontaneity in their lives, and meaningful activities to be involved in, if they wish."

Anyone who would like to help with the garden project in any way is invited to contact Iva on (0220) 745-155, or facilities manager Doug Klever on (09) 408-1480 extension 6.