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Leighton House

At a glance
Vacancy
Yes
Name
Leighton House
Category
Hospital
Address
2 Cheeseman Road
Inner Kaiti
Gisborne 4010
Postal Address
PO Box 803
Gisborne 4040
Region
Tairawhiti
Phone
View Phone Number
Fax
View Fax Number
Email
View Email Address
Web
Visit Website
Facebook
Find us on Facebook
Personnel
Manager
Preet Lail
Owner
Dementia Care NZ
Other services
Photos
We invite you to experience the very special character of Leighton House.

OUR VISION
To accept all people with kindness and love
To provide peace, comfort and joy
To be proactive, innovative and courageous
To enrich each person, the community and the world

OUR VALUES
We strive to achieve this vision by working
with openness, honesty, integrity and passion

THE WORK WE DO
We establish trusting relationships based on
respect and acceptance
We encourage people’s participation in
companionship-based care in their small homes
We are privileged to accompany people as they
journey towards the end of their life
We welcome family/whanau and the wider
community as integral to people’s lives
We promote inclusion and the rights and
values of each person
We celebrate unity in diversity




Dementia Care New Zealand is one of New Zealand’s highly regarded aged care providers.
We provide a full range of residential care including general rest home care, dementia rest home care, general hospital level care, and dementia hospital level care. At many of our facilities, a full continuum of care is available.
We specialize in person-centred care for people who live with dementia. This is the work we have passionately chosen to do.
We care for people in small, cosy homes with a loving, warm and homely atmosphere where each person is supported to experience each moment richly. Our small homes concept means that people with dementia experience life in a less clinical and more normalised, familiar way. Small homes that inter connect, also bring a sense of ‘community’ for a person with dementia.

We offer 24 hour Registered Nurse coverage to all of our residents at Leighton House.




Service/Facility Details
Service/Facility Details
Detail Status
Contract with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Yes
Certification Yes
ORA Applies No

Updated: 14 Oct 2015

Bed and Vacancy Details
Bed and Vacancy Details
Detail Status
Approximate number of beds at this level of care 19
Vacancy Yes
Impending vacancy No
Short stay considered No
Premium Accommodation Charges No
MOH Certification and Audit Report View MOH certification and audit report (opens in a new tab)
Extra admission requirements due to COVID-19 Please enquire

Updated: 24 Dec 2024

Testimonials
Testimonials
April 2019

Transition to retirement home care can be a complicated and difficult process when dealing with the limitations of ageing. My recent experience in supporting and guiding my 93-year-old mother to a successful and happy outcome in this change in her life has been enlightening and reassuring and has seen her comfortably installed in Leighton House.
After more than 70 years in the family home she loved, it was apparent that her safety and security at home had become compromised. After careful consideration of residential care options available in Gisborne, I made an initial visit to view Leighton House. I was received by Teresa McGregor and given an extensive tour of the facility and I arranged to bring my mother for a viewing. Teresa’s welcome to my mother was warm, informative and fun. A wheelchair tour made the experience convenient and comfortable. My mother formed a clear impression immediately of an efficiently and professionally-run organisation offering a safe, supportive and inclusive care plan operating in a comfortable and beautiful home environment. Leighton House offers a ‘family home’ style of living, providing privacy and a restful environment while encouraging social contact and support among its residents. My mother was fortunate in being offered a trial week almost immediately and this was followed by the option of transfer to resident status. The approval process was conducted professionally and sensitively and my mother felt fully consulted and informed. Together we prepared her for a significant life change. The attention and care of Leighton House staff, at all levels of care, was faultless and my mother felt reassured and confident that this was the perfect next stage in her life and she settled in happily.
From an administrative point of view, Teresa provided extensive paperwork and the formalities of entry including funding, partnership and responsibility were clear.
My mother is enjoying a safe and restful life at Leighton House. She has rekindled old friendships with residents she has known through her long life lived in Gisborne and has established valued new friendships with other residents, enabled through the easy, warm and social nature of daily life and routines. The staff at Leighton House have been responsive and attentive and have established friendly relationships with my mother and my family. They understand her needs, and she feels safe and protected.
My family and I unreservedly recommend Leighton House as the provider of professional care for our mother and grandmother, meeting her medical, emotional and physical needs.

Jude Conway



3rd August 2017

Our initial request, when we visited Leighton House, was for seven weeks of respite care for Dad. After his first five weeks of settling in and enjoying the environment, care, compassion, security and support he was receiving, we noted how happy and relaxed he was. As a family we were not surprised that Dad had decided he wanted to stay. This is a true testament and credit to the management and staff at Leighton House. We are always welcomed with respect and dignity by the cheerful, friendly staff who go the extra mile to assist us, nothing is too difficult, and the whole family has been welcomed aboard.

Dad's room is lovely and bright with great outdoor views, and has a private adjoining ensuite which is an excellent size. The kitchen provides traditional homemade food which is plentiful and fresh. Residents are encouraged to mobilise to the dining area and the care services are optimum. Any changes or happenings are immediately communicated to family members. The process and documentation was easy to follow and well explained to us, so we were well informed for any current or future decisions that we may have to make.

At Leighton House residents are encouraged to participate in various group activities each week, but nothing is a must and family traditions, values and beliefs are greatly respected in every way. This is an aspect of Leighton House that is very much appreciated.

We congratulate Leighton House on their Excellent Accreditation Results - 2017.

As a family we feel very blessed, happy and secure, knowing that we have made the best decision for our Dad's ongoing care and support.

Special thanks from the extended Geuze family.




28th July 2017

Dear Teresa and Staff of Leighton House

The decision to approach Leighton House for Pa's care was based on a very high recommendation from my colleagues who had family members living in the facility.
The professionalism and genuine care and the time the manager took to discuss with me Pa's needs/likes/dislikes was what made my decision easy. However it was Pa's opinion that counted most. Pa is extremely independent and a very social person and he decided that he thought it would be a good idea to see what Leighton House had to offer. Pa was always under the understanding that he would be able to go home and that this respite was short term only.
About a week into his stay Pa decided that he quite liked the staff and the people and made up his mind that he “would quite like to stay” and has made Leighton House his home permanently. He enjoys the banter he has with the staff, the flexibility of being able to come and go as he pleases and most of all he loves the food.
For us as a whanau it is the care, consideration, social company and most of all Pa’s safety that Leighton House staff from the manager, nurses, aids, cleaning and kitchen staff that are the highlights for us.
Thank you to the staff of Leighton House for making some difficult decisions easy when your whanau member genuinely wants to make Leighton House their new home.

Kind regards

J. Edwards
Daughter of Martyn James Dunnet (Pa)




24th July 2017

Our mother started her journey into aged care last year when she became very ill and was unable to look after herself as well as she might have expected. She first entered Leighton House under respite care and made the transition easily. The NASC team were instrumental in helping us get the respite care for our mother and also later with helping her recognise that she might need to consider full time care.
She was welcomed by very caring staff and management at the time, and we as family members were made to feel part of the Leighton House family which was very reassuring. Mum was made to feel at ‘home’ with little touches such as fresh flowers in her room, and plenty of activities to keep her occupied.
A month later our mother was to become a full time resident. Though the process of getting her to acknowledge that she might need 24 hour care was hard for us as a family, Leighton House staff were there in support for both her and us in meeting her requirements. Her every need is taken care of and nothing is too much trouble.
The staff and management always have a friendly ‘hello’ every time we visit and it is reassuring for us to know she is in good hands and that the right decision has been made for our mum to be in care.

M. Alley



20th July 2017

To anyone who is deciding to allow Leighton House and their staff to care for their loved one, I thought I'd share the last year with you.
As we all know it's not an easy decision to give your loved-ones care over to others; to know that you need to consider their care well above what you can provide.
My beloved mum broke her leg a year ago from a fall. After a period of time in hospital, it was decided she needed 24 hour care. As much as I wanted to do this myself, I knew that I couldn't do this alone as I have a shoulder injury, so mum chose Leighton House to care for her. We went and checked it our before, and I agreed with Mum that this place had a lovely feeling and staff seemed really friendly.
This was one of the best decisions we could ever have made. The staff are truly amazing and they make Mum feel special in so many ways. Teresa, who is in charge, is totally awesome, and her door is always open for any concerns the family have, nothing is ever a bother. We are welcomed to share meals with Mum anytime, or take Mum out if the occasion arises.
Mum loves going to Mission Hall church on Sundays and the girls always have her dressed, ready and in a happy spirit for her outing.
There are always flowers from their beautiful gardens in her room, which is really lovely as Mum has always had a beautiful garden, even entered in a competition one year for Gisborne Beautiful Gardens and had her photo in the paper.
Mum has been at Leighton House for almost a year now and my sister Marg, my brother Graham, and I couldn't express our thanks any more for the excellent care every one takes of our wonderful Mum. I thank God daily for you all and for your kindness to our Mum, and we wouldn't have entrusted her to you if you didn't cherish her as we do. I’ve thought about baking the staff a cake to show our appreciation, but truly, you guys have it all there. The cooks always have such lovely meals and yummy cakes so I know you have such things on tap.
So truly if you are considering care for your loved one, you truly couldn't ask for better care than Leighton House.
Bless you all. On behalf of Marg, Graham and I, plus all Mums grandchildren and great grandchildren, we say bless you.

J. Bekkers

Updated: 29 Apr 2019

Personnel
Personnel
Type Hours Per Week Status Details
Registered Nurse Yes Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm and also on call
Physiotherapist 0.00 Yes As required if arrangements are made and at resident's own expense
Occupational Therapist 0.00 Yes Can be arranged through Gisborne Hospital
Social Worker (on site) 0.00 No A Social Worker can be arranged through Gisborne Hospital
Activities Co-ordinator Yes Organises a daily programme of activities in the home Monday through Friday. Also organises regular outings to join other groups in the community or to attend public events.
Hairdresser Yes Hairdresser visits Tuesday through Friday. Appointments are made and residents pay privately
Podiatrist Yes Visits to the home are arranged as necessary
Dietitian Yes Arrangements made as requied through Gisborne Hospital
Kaumatua Yes
Chaplain/Spiritual Advisor Yes A Catholic Lay Minister holds a communion service weekly. The Anglican Church holds a communion service monthly. The Presbyterian Church holds a service 3-monthly. Other ministers visit as required for their parishoners.

Updated: 31 Jan 2014

Specialities or Areas of Expertise
Specialities or Areas of Expertise
Specialities or Areas of Expertise Status Details
Oxygen Management Yes
End of Life/Palliative Care Yes Te Ara Whakapiri - Principles and guidance for the last days of life.
Wound Care Yes Nurse Specialist advice availabel on request from Gisborne Hospital
Diabetic Care Yes Nurse Specialist advice availabel on request from Gisborne Hospital
Continence Advice Yes Nurse Specialist advice availabel on request from Gisborne Hospital
Stomal Therapy Yes Nurse Specialist advice availabel on request from Gisborne Hospital
Stroke Rehabilitation Yes Nurse Specialist advice availabel on request from Gisborne Hospital
Infection Control Yes Nurse Specialist advice availabel on request from Gisborne Hospital
Surgical Followup Yes Available as needed
Psychiatric Care Yes Crisis Team available On Call
Clinical Management Yes Our Clinical manager leads and inspires our nursing and caregiving teams.
Other Specialties Yes Simon Hamley is a Registered Nurse and also our Education Coordinator. He ensures all staff are compliant with their training, coordinates staff in-services and special training programs.

Updated: 12 Jul 2022

Features
Features
Feature Status Details
May Bring Own Furniture Yes Residents may bring any furniture that fits into their room. Lazy boy chairs encouraged
Single Rooms Yes Fifty single rooms - 17 with a private en-suite, 20 with a shared en-suite, and 13 non en-suite rooms.
Ensuite Yes Thirty seven rooms have either a private en-suite or a shared en-suite.
Alcohol Permitted Yes Some residents like to have wine with their meal
Pets In Residence Yes A cat is in residence, dogs visit from time to time
Negotiate To Bring Own Pet Yes Under special circumstances this can be arranged
Phone Access In Own Room Yes Telephone points are available in all rooms
Resident can adjust heating in own room Yes Central heating provided thoroughout the home
Cater for under 65 yrs with Disability Yes Age related disabilities are catered for people under 65 yrs
Lounges/seating areas Yes Three lounges with lovely outlooks, two overlooking the river, and one overlooking the garden entrance. Other outdoor seating areas are available.
Palliative Care Contract Yes Palliative Care Team available when arrangements are made by the resident's own doctor and our Registered Nurse
Day Programme for day stay clients Yes Day Care includes the midday meal. Evening meal can be arranged if needed.
Outings Yes Families and friends are encouraged to take their loved ones out, but we do arrange regular outings also.
Māori Kaupapa Yes
Residents Committee Yes Residents' meetings held bi-monthly
Newsletter Yes Monthly
Policy for management of challenging behaviour Yes Crisis Team On Call
Confused Residents Yes Mildly confused elderly are accepted in our home
Rural Setting Yes Set on the banks of the Waimata River in a residential area
Smokers Room Yes Residents may smoke in the court yard and garden area
Smoking Permitted Yes However, not encouraged. Any smokers in residence do so outside the building
Semi-Secure Yes Secure indoor and outdoor areas including the gardens

Updated: 25 Jul 2017

Special Features
Special Features
Leighton House is situated in spacious grounds with stunning views of the Waimata River and the two spectacularly-lit bridges which span it. Our gardens have been well placed in recent garden competitions.

Originally built as a convalescent home near the heart of the city, Leighton House has been extensively renovated and extended and is now a fully-licensed stage 2 rest home, with fire safety and health standards which exceed current stringent fire and safety requirements.

Leighton House is the only Rest Home in Gisborne who has four years Certification awarded by the Ministry of Healthy. This is the highest level attainable.

All of Leighton House's 50 beds are in comfortable single rooms, all attractively decorated and well appointed with ensuites, wardrobes, chairs and telephone points, and SKY TV is available.

Extensive decks give residents an opportunity to sit outside and enjoy Gisborne's famous sunny weather.

Enquiries are welcome.

Updated: 7 Aug 2017

Interests & Activities
Interests & Activities
Activities are arranged by our on site Activities Coordinator to cater for the needs and interests of the residents.

These include outings to join residents from other rest homes for morning tea, lunches at the Cosmopolitan Club.

Visits to clubs where possible are encouraged, e.g. Sherwood Club run by the Alzheimer's Society, Care & Craft, the Stroke Club, Senior Citizens, Enliven and the Blind Association.

Group activities include Bowls, Movement with Music, Painting & Art, Cooking, Word Games & Quizes, Housie.

Visiting pets are popular with the residents.

Weekly visits by local musicians, singers and dancers provide a cheerful, light atmosphere as the music filters throughout the home.

Updated: 31 Jan 2014

Additional Information
Additional Information
Topic Details
What's included in your fees and what's not Hair cutting/perms/sets, podiatry, bus trips, special outings, personal hygiene, personal shopping are available at the resident's own expense.
Staffing qualifications and details Registered Nurse daytime hours and On Call
Details about meals Seasonal Menu, Main Meal served at midday

Updated: 31 Jan 2014

Languages Spoken
Languages Spoken
Language Status Details
English Yes
Fijian Indian Yes Staff Member
Interpreter Yes Local interpreters are available through Leighton House include speakers of Tongan, Mandarin, Cantonese, Dutch, Deaf, German, French, Japanese.
Māori - Te Reo Yes Staff Member
Samoan Yes Staff Member
Tongan Yes Staff Member

Updated: 31 Jan 2014

Religious/Spiritual Affiliations
Religious/Spiritual Affiliations
Religious/Spiritual Affiliations Status Details
Anglican Yes Minister visits regularly Communion Service held the second Thursday of every month
Baptist Yes As requried
Christian Yes As required
Denominations/Faiths represented Yes As required
Hindu Yes As required
Inter denominational Yes Monthly Church Service
Jehovah Witness Yes Members visit those who belong to their church
Methodist Yes As required
Non denominational Yes
Presbyterian Yes Holds a service 3 monthly
Ratana Yes As required
Roman Catholic Yes Lay Minister visits weekly to give communion
Salvation Army Yes As required
Seventh Day Adventist Yes As required
(Other comments) Yes All religions and denominations are always welcome

Updated: 31 Jan 2014

Distances
Distances
Location Distance Details
Public Transport 0.30 Km The City Bus stops in Rutene Road, one block away. However we rely on the Sunshine Bus Service which is operated by a community trust for those who are less mobile.
Shops 0.50 Km Dairy and other shops are in Wainui Road, two blocks away.
Mall 1.00 Km Kaiti Mall shopping centre includes doctors' surgery, a pharmacy, grocery and other shops. The town centre is 1 km away.
Parks 0.20 Km Anzac Park is in easy walking distance with a beautiful river running along side.
Library 1.00 Km The city library also services our home and books are changed monthly.

Updated: 31 Jan 2014

Credentials & Membership
Credentials & Membership
Credentials & Membership RC Status Details
Aged Care Association New Zealand (ACA) Yes
Other details Yes Our Education Coordinator Simon Hamley is a trained instructor for Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA) from the Crisis Prevention Institute. Simon works across all facilities ensuring our staff are trained in this valuable course.
Aged Care Association New Zealand (ACA)

Updated: 1 Sep 2017


The Ministry of Health conducts regular audits of Residential Care Facilities. They can be found HERE.