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Avonlea Rest Home - Dementia Care NZ

At a glance
Vacancy
Yes
Name
Avonlea Rest Home - Dementia Care NZ
Category
Psychogeriatric
Address
10 Taramea Place
Addington
Christchurch 8024
Region
Canterbury
Phone
View Phone Number
Fax
View Fax Number
Email
View Email Address
Web
Visit Website
Facebook
Find us on Facebook
Personnel
Manager
Lourdes Gomez - 03 3380202
Owner
Jim Haines - 03 3380202
Other services
Photos
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We invite you to experience the very special character of Avonlea.

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 provide 24 hour Registered Nursing cover for our Hospital care home as well as our Dementia care homes.


We give very special care to people with dementia.
Service/Facility Details
Service/Facility Details
Detail Status
Contract with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Yes
Certification Yes
ORA Applies No

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Bed and Vacancy Details
Bed and Vacancy Details
Detail Status
Approximate number of beds at this level of care 24
Vacancy Yes
We currently have one room available in our small and homely dementia hospital home. The lounge is bright and sunny over looking the gardens. Please feel free to call us regarding any queries or to make a time for us to show you around.
Impending vacancy No - no
Short stay considered Yes
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 No

Updated: 19 Dec 2024

Testimonials
Testimonials
August 2023

Just a short note to record my family's appreciation for the care that Dad had at Avonlea since he arrived until his passing last Sunday.
We could not be more appreciative of the care that he was given and particularly the kindness, respect and the upholding of his dignity in his final days. Avonlea turned out to be an inspired choice for Eric and we have not seen a better facility to look after people in their battles with dementia. Your staff were wonderful and the physical environment superb.
Thank you for your care of him and we hope that you continue to provide the same extremely high levels of care to others who find themselves in a similar situation to the one we found ourselves in.
Thank you again.

Kind regards
Brian Richardson





May 2023

Dear Brezel,


I have been very lucky to have had my husband in Avonlea for the past few years. He has gone through different stages of care in this time. The staff are amazing and so caring at every level. I could not have got through this without their caring support for us both. My husband has gone from extremely difficult to considering the staff his best friends and family. Please come see how great Avonlea is. When you are looking around ask to be introduced to the staff in the unit you are putting your loved one in. Stay have a cup of tea in the unit and you will know at the end of your visit, this is the perfect place for you and your loved one.


Thanks Ann Clark


April 2021


Around a year ago my father was assessed as needing a higher level of care than his current rest home could provide and my partner and I reluctantly started looking around for somewhere else for him.
We visited a number of rest homes that provided dementia care. What we wanted were staff who saw Dad as more than another income stream. We weren't concerned with crystal chandeliers, shag pile carpet and modern art. The glib salespeople in their corporate strip we met at other rest homes repelled us rather than enticed us. What we wanted were people at the coalface and management who actually cared about Dad and would work to make his last days as comfortable and as happy as they could be.
I believe we found that at Avonlea.
If I had to sum the place up in a word it would be 'genuineness'. As I said I was reluctant to move Dad; now I think it is the best thing that could have happened. He's happier at Avonlea than he has been for a long time. I have been particularly impressed by the level of communication from the staff about Dad and the fact that they have taken the time to get to know him and what to do to keep him happy. We are full fee paying clients and I believe we get good value for money at Avonlea.
I would recommend Avonlea to anyone in our position without reservation.

David P



February 2019:

I’m Angela. I am the late Peter Wood’s niece. We met quite a few of your lovely staff who looked after my uncle with such wonderful care and respect. Mum, Dad and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. From the moment we arrived at your facility, your staff were amazing. A real credit to you all. It was plain to see that Peter felt very comfortable with you all and that you were one big family.
Your team really looked after him. We loved having your therapy dog Merlin visit. Uncle Peter loved animals so we are sure that he loved those visits.
With hugs and best wishes,
Angela.


Hello Kathy,

I've just spent the last few days with Mum and we had a wonderful time together.

I just wanted to say 'thank you'.

I had the chance to meet some of the carers and the people that Mum lives with and they are all such a lovely lot. I am so touched by the caring team you have there at Avonlea - my last day there I tried to say 'thank you for taking care of my Mum' to one of the staff that was just going off shift but I started welling up so I didn't try that again, I just said 'goodbye' to the carers when I left. I would have liked to have let them know that I am so appreciative of all they do for Mum - they are precious and very beautiful people. Thanks again.

Kind regards,

Karen Tippen.

August 2012.



My Mums needs changed last year and we found ourselves in the very daunting situation of looking for a new rest home that was tailored to meet mums needs.
Mum moved into Avonlea in March 2010, the staff and management of Avonlea made the transition from mums previous retirement home to her new home at Avonlea a very stress free experience for us.
They were very supportive during this time not only for my mum but also for me. Avonlea is a warm, clean and homely environment and provides mum with safe and reasonable care.
Mum loves her sunny bedroom with en suite and says she enjoys the meals; I have complete peace of mind that she is safe and well cared for.
I have always found the staff to be approachable, friendly and continually keep me updated regarding mums health. They always make me feel welcome when I visit mum and often invite me to stay and have a meal with my mum if I wish to.
Keep up the good work Avonlea


G. Patten
13/10/2010

Dear Jim

We wish to thank you and your staff for your superb care of our mother and mother-in- law Jessie Dobson over the last 18 months.
The concept of small homes ideally suited Jessie, giving her the independence of her own room in a warm, comfortable, modern environment.
The program of activities available for residents always impressed us. The staff in her home ''Rudo'' were always interacting with the residents in a caring, kind manner.
During Jessie's last days when her health was failing, the care provided by your staff was exceptional. She was comfortable and we were kept up to date with developments. We would like to thank Liz, Barbara, Kara and the rest of the team at Rudo.
We highly recommend Avonlea to anyone wanting Dementia Care for their family members. We are happy for you to refer anyone to us, wanting to know about our experience.
Sharron and Brian Tinetti
In September 2006 my Mum's Dementia condition had deteriorated to such an extent that she could no longer stay in the rest home she was then living in.
We had to find a home where she could be looked after and one that specialised in caring for those with more advanced Dementia. After looking at various places and listening to advice from other people we finally chose Avonlea. it appeared to offer the best care for Mum. We really like the idea of there only being 11 in the Aroha unit, it really seems to be more like a family than an institution.
My Mother is 88 years old and has been a Widower for over 17 years and is very independent. She was used to living alone and didn't take kindly to the fact that she was no longer capable of caring for herself. However over the last couple of years she has come to realise that she needs somebody there at all times of the day and night to care for her, and this is what she gets at Avonlea.
She enjoys walking around the gardens, going for outings and the entertainments that are provided each week, especially the musical entertainment. Each afternoon an activity person provides some sort of activity for all the occupants that can catch their interest and challenge them in some way.
I visit my Mother every week if I can and I am always greeted cheerfully and offered a cup of tea no matter the time of day and have enjoyed many afternoon teas there.
Sarah is the main Caregiver and she is very friendly and relaxed and is very helpful, listening to any concerns I may have. She has a good relationship with all the occupants and nothing seems to be a problem to her.
All in all, Avonlea provides the standard of care that we would expect from a professional and caring home for my Mum.
Carole Butson

Updated: 15 Aug 2023

Personnel
Personnel
Type Hours Per Week Status Details
Registered Nurse 50 Yes
Enrolled Nurse Yes
Healthcare Assistants/Caregivers Yes
Physiotherapist Yes Our Physiotherapist visits our residents weekly.
Diversional Therapist 60 Yes Our diversional therapists know each resident very well and know what works for each person creating meaningful activities to support creativity, socialisation, stimulation and fun as well as assisting residents in the daily running of their home.
Hairdresser 3 Yes Weekly
Podiatrist Yes 6 weekly
Dietitian as needed Yes Regular dietary advice
Kaumatua Negotiable
Other Personnel monthly Yes We have a family support group run by an independent facilitator. This is an opportunity for people to share their experiences with others who understand what it is like to have a loved one in care. Simon Hamley is our Education Coordinator.

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Specialities or Areas of Expertise
Specialities or Areas of Expertise
Specialities or Areas of Expertise Status Details
Oxygen Management Yes
Palliative Care (Contracted) No .
End of Life/Palliative Care Yes our clinical team is trained and experienced in Palliative care. We are guided by Te Ara Whakapiri - Principles and guidance for the last days of life.
Wound Care Yes Our registered nurses care for wounds and refer for specialist advice as necessary.
Diabetic Care Yes Our registered nurses provide guidance in the care of people with diabetes. We have regular inservice education on diabetes
Continence Advice Yes Each person is assessed for continence needs. Our registered nurses have experience in continence matters.
Stomal Therapy Yes Our registered nurses give instruction with stomal care. We have regular inservice education on stomal care.
Stroke Rehabilitation Yes Please consult our Clinical Manager.
Tracheotomy Care Yes
Spinal Injuries Care Yes Please consult our Clinical Manager.
Infection Control Yes We have an infection control team. We work with an advisor for special assistance.
Surgical Followup Yes
Clinical Management Yes Armie Abalos our Clinical Manager leads our team of Registered Nurses and Care Givers.
Other Specialties Yes

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Features
Features
Feature Status Details
May Bring Own Furniture Yes We encourage people to bring familiar items and belongings to help make ones room feel more homely. Pictures for the wall and favorite furnishings go a long way in helping a person to feel settled and comfortable
Single Rooms Yes
Alcohol Permitted Yes In consultation with Registered Nurse.
Pets In Residence Yes Please discuss with Operations Manager Daphne.
Negotiate To Bring Own Pet Yes Please discuss with Operations Manager Daphne
Phone Access In Own Room No We have portable phones that are residents can use to receive calls. People may also arrange to have their own phones installed. Please discuss with or Operations Manager Daphne.
Resident can adjust heating in own room Yes We have under floor heating, heat pumps and cosy gas fires. Wall heaters in the bedrooms are adjustable.
Lounges/seating areas Yes
Provide End of Life/Palliative Care Yes
Outings Yes We often go on van adventures to different parts of Christchurch and its surrounds. This is of course Covid-19 levels dependant
Residents Committee Yes Residents meetings are held each month.
Newsletter Yes
Policy for management of challenging behaviour Yes
Confused Residents Yes
Smoking Permitted Yes Smoking permitted in the outside area only.

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Special Features
Special Features
Each small and homely unit at Avonlea, has an open plan theme with a lovely kitchen.

People are encouraged and able to contribute to the running of their home. Helping with the dishes, wiping down the benches, baking and cooking as well as helping out in the garden if they wish.



We are committed to quality, individualised care. Our home is our residents home. We care for them with the respect, love and care that they all deserve and that you are relying on.

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Interests & Activities
Interests & Activities
At Avonlea we create a loving, warm and homely atmosphere where each person is supported to experience each moment richly.

We encourage and support resident's involvment in activities, from house hold and garden tasks through to games, art, outings,gardening, music and baking to name but a few.

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Languages Spoken
Languages Spoken
Language Status Details
English Yes
Fijian Indian Yes
Filipino Yes

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Religious/Spiritual Affiliations
Religious/Spiritual Affiliations
Religious/Spiritual Affiliations Status Details
Inter denominational Yes

Updated: 11 Mar 2022

Credentials & Membership
Credentials & Membership
Credentials & Membership RC Status Details
National Certificate in Diversional Therapy Yes
Other details No Our Education Coordinator Simon Hamley is a trained instructor for Management of Actual or Potential Aggression (MAPA) from the Crisis Prevention Institute.

Updated: 11 Mar 2022


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