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Sunhaven

At a glance
Vacancy
Yes
Name
Sunhaven
Category
Psychogeriatric
Address
48A Sunnyvale Street
Bell Block
New Plymouth 4312
Postal Address
48A Sunnyvale Street
Bell Block
New Plymouth 4312
Region
Taranaki
Phone
View Phone Number
Email
View Email Address
Personnel
Manager
Natalie Fernandes
Owner
Bill Hamilton
Other services
Photos
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Testimonial Testimonial Testimonial
Visitors as usual (but not if you're unwell or recently returned from overseas)
The Management and Staff of Sunhaven aim to provide optimum care and ensure our residents may live in an atmosphere of respect and friendliness and have their physical and psychological needs met regardless of culture, creed or race, the same, as we would envisage for ourselves.
Service/Facility Details
Service/Facility Details
Detail Status
Contract with Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora Yes
Certification Yes
ORA Applies No

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Bed and Vacancy Details
Bed and Vacancy Details
Detail Status
Approximate number of beds at this level of care 26
Vacancy Yes
4
Impending vacancy Yes - vacancy for psychogeriatric be
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 Please enquire

Updated: 11 Oct 2024

Testimonials
Testimonials
26/03/2024

Hi Natalie

Bill was farewelled yesterday at 11am and Fr Tom spoke so lovingly of Sunhaven from the heart as I know it was a special place to him as well.
His simple explanation of Dementia was perfect Bill had instructed Brendon on exactly what was to be done and Brendon did a great job of honouring Bills wishes. My memories and Bills love got me through the morning .

Thanks to all staff who cared for Bill during his time at Sunhaven and esoecially those who were there on Wednesday. Nathaniel and Susan showed so much love and care as they tended to Bills final cares and dressed him beautifully . Awesome teamwork and I believe it was a first for Susan Elvis played in the background during farewell and think Bill had hand in it as favourite tunes played in appropriate moments ( he must have been timing it) even to Love me Tender( I generally left after it had played after visiting) this time it was Bill leaving and it came on as casket was lowered .

His last ride was in 1965 Pontiac Parisienne he would rather have been up front I know :-)

Thank you all, for the kindness and love shown to us both since day one at Sunhaven.

If I was 20 years younger I’d be dropping my CV in. Great teamwork and you all hold special place in my heart.
Baking will resume (it will take a while to adjust to a new normal). Mondays Thursdays and Fridays will be the hardest God bless you all

Much aroha Jacki

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1/02/2024

Thankyou Natalie for your kind condolences on John’s passing.
I sincerely thank you and your staff ,in particular Chrysell,Michelle, for the loving care you gave John for his many years with you at Sunhaven.
Sunhaven became his home and he was comfortable with you. Let us remember the good times ,the big smile and his laugh.
He certainly was a lovely ,special man.

Please would you share my appreciation for the wonderful care you provided.
Thankyou once again,
Sincerely with best wishes
Marlene Ridley

********************************************************************************************************************
29/1/2024
Hello Natalie,

Thanks to you and your staff for looking after Dad so well. He couldn't have been in a better place during his final months.

We have transferred $300 thru to the Sunhaven account, so staff can be shouted some treats in thanks and appreciation from us Lawns.

Thanks again
Ange
********************************************************************************************************************
Manager
Sunhaven Rest Home
48A Sunnyvale Street
Bell Block
New Plymouth

22 July 2022
Dear Natalie
RE: James and Letter to Lawyers.
Thank you and Bill so much for handling the situation with James and his belief that he had been the recipient of an inheritance from his aunty.
It has been a very difficult time for James as he believed there was this money available to him and it was not forthcoming.
How you sat down with him and discussed the situation so it could all be resolved in his mind so to keep him from severe distress has been amazing.
I will endeavour to follow up this next week so it all can be put to rest.
In the letter he wrote he vented at me as he has for years as he feels safe and knows he can do this with out any retaliation from my part. I have no issue with this as it is a release of anger, disappear and frustration at a life he does not really understand and a world he has never found a place in.
In this said letter he also vented at Bill Hamilton, whilst those who do not understand James, it may seem a bad reflection on Bill. However, in the world of James it is an acknowledgement that James feels safe and trusts Bill completely, and for James to have this trust and believe in Bill is amazing as James can be rather confronting at times.
Please pass on my thanks to Bill for his ongoing role in James’s life as he has broken through the barrier James has put up for his hole life to keep himself safe and this needs to be acknowledge. Bill has gone above the level of reasonable care to an exceptional level of care with regards to how he is supporting of James in his life journey.
I have been caring for James for over 25 years and since James has been at Sunhaven for the first time in his life I believe he feels safe. This statement is based on the fact that he does not just walk off as he would have done at any facility he has previously stayed at.
Thank you.
Kind regards
Mary Conaglen
(James’s sister and Welfare Guardian)

*********************************************************************************************************************
Manager
Sunhaven Rest Home
48A Sunnavale Street
Bell Block
New Plymouth

15th June 2022

Dear Natalie

Appointment: James Conaglen

Today I finally had success getting James to his optometrist appointment which I have been trying to achieve for many years prior his residing in your care.

When prior appointments had been made, he would cancel on me when I arrived to pick him up. No offers of bribes or discussion would change his mind about attending the appointments.

Today I picked him up at the agreed time and once again he started to raise his voice and to get very stressed and refusing to attend appointment.

With the intervention of two of your staff members the angry outburst from James resulted in the situation been quickly deescalated, resulting in James being more receptive to discussions with regards the appointment. (Sorry I have forgotten the two staff members names even though they are always to been seen on any visits I make to see James.)

Please do pass on my thanks to your caring and capable team for how they care and support not only James but myself as well. As I often say to my friends he is so well looked after and in the best physical and mental state I have ever known him to be in.

Thank you.

Kind regards

Mary Conaglen
(James’s sister/EPOA)
*********************************************************************************************************************

13/2/14

Good morning Hillary, Natalie and Bill,

It is now 2 weeks since Dad ( Brian ) has passed. Hard to believe. Thank you so much for attending Dad's funeral, the family really appreciated your attendance.

We miss the ever so dedicated RN's, Sue, Trish, Janita, Ru ( hope I haven't missed anyone), and the hardworking caregivers. Linda the cook, Suzie the cleaner, and the laundry ladies. We just miss you all.

How are Dad's friends, Ron, Robert, and Father also all the others. We miss them lots.

We miss the antics, the noise, the laughter, the tears, and watching the nurses work so hard.

Sadly, we also missed out sitting on Bill's new benches with Dad.

Sunhaven became part of our family for 9 months whilst caring for our much loved father. You accepted him and his behaviours, cared for him as if he was your own.
To this we are truly grateful.

We will come and visit sometime soon.

Regards and God bless
Gwenda, Coral, Beverley, Laurene, Gary and Dawn.


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18/10/13

Good morning Natalie and Sher

Our special Dad, Brian Ogle, has now been at Sunhaven for 6 months. During this time the family have found the care and love towards Dad exceptional.

He is accepted for whatever mood he presents. He is always clean and dressed nicely and all his cares attended to daily . His room is kept clean and tidy and we love how his rugs are draped over his chair or bed.

The nurses and caregivers are outstanding, never rushing with Dad, and always aid and support him with love and passion.

The family are really appreciative in making Dad comfortable, and value the friendliness and care from management and all staff.

Mum struggles to come to terms with being separated from Dad. However she's very appreciative of his care and respects she still has Dad to talk to and hug.

We now look forward to celebrating Dad's 90th birthday on 29th November.

Gwenda

************************************************************************************************************************

11 June 2011


TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN



RE:- THE LATE BETTY BEGG – THE CARE PROVIDED BY “SUNHAVEN” REST HOME



It is with pleasure and gratitude that I commend “Sunhaven” for the genuine care help and understanding which was afforded my ninety one year old mother, during her six year stay at “Sunhaven”. Mum had a lovely sunny room which was made to feel like home in so many ways. Her clothes were laundered and Mum always looked clean and tidy. The food was always home made and when ever I was there at meal times, it looked very tasty. The chef always seems to go that extra mile looking after individual needs with care and satisfaction.



The respect and dignity shown over the years to Mum, by Cher and all of the staff, has been a comfort to me and I am sure was acknowledged

by Mum in her own special way.



Alzheimer’s is a frustrating disease for the patient and equally sad for the family. Your patience through this protracted period

was truly appreciated.



Such was the love and support shown, we elected to have mum stay at “Sunhaven” rather than transfer to the hospital for her final days.

I could feel the genuine love for mum from, the caregiver’s, nurses and administration staff in mum’s final day.

It just felt like a large extended family saying goodbye to a well loved Mum.



I have know hesitation in recommending “Sunhaven” for your dearly loved family member to be cared for.



“They really care”



“Many thanks”!



Carol Campbell (Daughter)

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Personnel
Personnel
Type Hours Per Week Status Details
Registered Nurse Yes 24 hours/day
Nurse Practitioner Yes Clinical Manager on site Mon-Friday and is on call on weekends.
Healthcare Assistants/Caregivers Yes
Physiotherapist Yes Available on request
Occupational Therapist Yes Use TDHB
Social Worker (on site) Yes Use TDHB social workers
Diversional Therapist No We have an Activity Officer whois currently doing his D.T papers. He after the recreational side of the programme and draws up a plan to keep our residents stimulated.
Activities Co-ordinator Yes We have an activities programme for our residents listed out weekly. Residents are encouraged to participate in activities. This is subject to change depending on the residents
Hairdresser Yes
Podiatrist Yes
Dietitian Yes
Accredited Visitors Negotiable
Kaumatua Yes We have kaumatua who visits every fortnight. We have connection with the local Marae, should any resident want to go and visit.
Chaplain/Spiritual Advisor Yes can be arranged
Other Personnel Yes We have a Pasifika representative Siniva Isaia who is available to come and visit or talk to any resident. She has visited us and is happy to be the contact person.

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Respite, Carer Support or other Short Stay
Respite, Carer Support or other Short Stay
Respite, Carer Support or other Short Stay Status Details
Respite Yes
Carer Support Yes
Other Short Stay Programme Yes
High Care Needs Yes
Booking can be made in advance Yes We also take emergency bookings

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Specialities or Areas of Expertise
Specialities or Areas of Expertise
Specialities or Areas of Expertise Status Details
Oxygen Management Yes
Bariatric (Care of the very overweight) Yes can discuss prior to admission
End of Life/Palliative Care Yes
Wound Care Yes
Diabetic Care Yes
Continence Advice Yes
ACC Rehabilitation Yes
Infection Control Yes
Surgical Followup Yes
Psychiatric Care Yes
Clinical Management Yes

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Features
Features
Feature Status Details
May Bring Own Furniture Yes Personal effects that may help alleviate the confusion and so benefit the resident are encouraged, e.g. Photos, pictures and ornaments.
Single Rooms Yes Nearly all residents have their own room and designed in such a way that most rooms have ranchsliders.
Alcohol Permitted Yes Depending on individuals routine/past habits etc
Pets In Residence No At present we have no pets in residence but we have had in the past.
Negotiate To Bring Own Pet Yes
Phone Access In Own Room Yes can be arranged with a cost. Portable phone available.
Cater for under 65 yrs with Disability Yes
Lounges/seating areas Yes
Gay / LGBT IQ Friendly Yes
Provide End of Life/Palliative Care Yes
Day Programme for day stay clients Yes
Outings Yes Sunhaven has a program of activities run by an Activity officer overlooked by D.T throughout the year. The Activities Person arranges outings as part of the program. Consent is obtained before residents participate in this aspect of the program. Families are encouraged to join in if they wish to.
Whānau Room No We provide an area for those people who wish to spend a relaxing private time with their loved one away from others.
Māori Kaupapa Yes Follow our policy
Residents Committee No Our residents in Dementia and Psychogeriatric care are unable to attend meeting but the residents in our Pschiatric unit do have meetings every month.
Newsletter Yes
Policy for management of challenging behaviour Yes
Confused Residents Yes
Smokers Room Yes Smoking is allowed in designated area only. Residents are supervised at all times and are not allowed to carry matches, lighters or cigarettes or other devices that could cause harm.
Smoking Permitted Yes Visitors who wish to smoke must do so outside the premises. Please check with staff first before giving residents cigarettes and matches/lighters and check with staff for the location of smoking areas.
Semi-Secure Yes Full secure 2 metres high fence right round the facility.

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Special Features
Special Features
Sunhaven prides itself that its Philosophy offer Residents the opportunity to retain their freedom and wander safely, and uses minimal medication and no physical restraint.

The extended family are encouraged to participate (but not expected to) in the ongoing clinical, social and cultural support of the residents.

We are providing the following for your information.


MAKING A CHOICE AND A DECISION

Choosing a Specialised Facility that will meet all your relative’s needs can be a difficult task.

The time of decision to put your family member into care can be heartbreaking especially for a husband or wife who have been together for many years. There is a grieving process, which can be slow, progressive or rapid.

The transition from home to full time care is very upsetting to the family, but often less so for a person who has advanced dementia. We find that these people get along suprisingly well together, they talk to each other and organise some of their own activities, even though the activities may be continually repeated.

Each person admitted to care may have a behaviour that is socially unacceptable, and it is impossible to teach new tasks or ways to behave appropriately. With this in mind, each person should be accepted as they are, at their own level, maintaining as much independence as is within their capabilities.

You will probably have many questions to ask about the quality of life and care the folks receive while in care, about the standard of accomodation, service and food, the number of staff on duty, how medical services are assessed and lots more questions.

Collecting a comprehensive Social History, of values and interests for each Resident, enables a greater individualisation of approaches and possible intervention that might bring pleasure and minimise stress.
Coming to terms with the devastation of a Dementia diagnosis is not easy for friends, relatives and whanau. Our expert team is well qualified to support you.

The person who comes to live at Sunhaven usually will be different from the one the family used to know,but with your information, support and assistance we will endeavour to care for them as you would wish. They are all especially individual, as they were in society, but due to their Dementia their behaviour has become difficult for them to be cared for at home.

FEEL FREE TO VISIT US ANY TIME OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO COME AND VISIT US:

As this is our residents “home” it is courteous to make a time that is convenient to our residents for you to visit.

Contact the facility and arrange to discuss your needs with the Manager, Licensee/Director or Care Manager. Allow yourself enough time to have a good look around, as you are about to make a very important decision.

Have a list of questions if you wish. Our management team are very skilled in caring for persons with dementia and can provide support at this time

You may feel more comfortable bringing someone with you when you visit.



A MESSAGE ON BEHALF OF PEOPLE
WITH DEMENTIA


* We forget instructions and do not understand what you expect us to do

* We may say “yes” and then do not act as you have asked

* We may be in pain but we cannot tell the people at the right time and we do not remember to ask for pain relief

* Most of the time we do not know where we are

* We do not understand what the bell is for. We cannot remember where the bell is anyway – however many times you explain

* When in the toilet, we sometimes cannot remember why we are there

* We cannot remember instructions, so please do not leave us alone in strange places

* We feel the need to go to the toilet but cannot remember to ask for help at the right time

* In our confusion, we may try to find a familiar place and get into trouble

* We cannot cope with more than one piece of information or one instruction at a time

* Making choices from several alternatives, such as a menu, is beyond our ability

* Please find a simple way to get information

* We may need reminding over and over again about things which others remember after one instruction. For example, we may need to be told every time where there is a meal to be eaten

* We are not acting in a confused way to be deliberately annoying. We have lost the ability to remember things and we often feel lost in places which are strange to us

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT OUR POLICY AND SERVICES PLEASE REQUEST OUR NEW RESIDENTS INFORMATION PACKAGE.

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Interests & Activities
Interests & Activities
Recreation and diversional therapy are an important part of life for residents at Sunhaven. It is important to us, at Sunhaven, that our residents retain their dignity and freedom of choice, so although they are all encouraged to take part in an activity, they still have the right to say no. Support from Age Concern,Alzheimer,s society, Art, BBQ, Bowls, Bingo, Board games, Books, Breakfast in bed, Cards, Concerts, Craft, Dancing, Entertainers, Gardening, Happy Hour, Music, Outings, motivational and diversional therapy activity programme, picnic facilities, walks are part of our daily routine at Sunhaven.
Sunhaven offers large landscaped gardens, which are secure, and provide residents with a tranquil setting that they are free to wander in and enjoy at any time.

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Additional Information
Additional Information
Topic Details
What's included in your fees and what's not HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? The fees may vary. Ask our Facility Manager who will give you all the necessary information as there will be set policies on how much your fees will be, how they will be charged etc You may qualify for a subsidy which is paid to Sunhaven by the government. The Clinical Co-ordinators/Facility Manager will also be able to explain how these are granted and provide you with the latest brochure from the government. APPLYING FOR A SUBSIDY Arrangements for subsidies through the Government Funding Agency sometimes take time. It is advisable that you let the Clinical Co-ordinators/Facility Manager know as soon as possible of impending arrivals. You are responsible for the payment of fees from the date of entering Sunhaven. There is usually a period of delay before the subsidy payments are made to Sunhaven and the payment of your pension to you is stopped. As pension payments make up part of your fees, you will be requested to sign an authority that will forward your pension payments to Sunhaven. This also have a delay so you must make a manual cheque payment of your pension until WINZ has actioned your pension to Sunhaven PRIVATE FEES On admission fees are to be paid within 14 days in advance then an automatic payment is to be setup every 14 days thereafter. Fees are charged from the day of admission to the day of discharge and in some cases the day after discharge. Fees may vary on the subsidy that we receive. The Facility Manager will be able to assist you with this. In addition you will be charged for any disbursements incurred by you if they have been paid for by Sunhaven. You are advised that the total fees and disbursements are your responsibility and, as stated above must not extend beyond 14 days. It is very important if you are a private payer that you ensure that you are fully aware of the amount of funds you are able to keep before you apply for a subsidy as sometimes you can be disadvantaged if you are not fully informed SUBSIDISED RESIDENTS All residents on a subsidy have their fees automatically direct credited to Sunhaven’s account every 14 days. You are given a comfort allowance every 14 days. This is automatically direct credited to your own bank account, or, in some circumstances, to Sunhaven’s Residents trust Account. Sunhaven is responsible to pay all your primary health care costs but is not necessarily responsible for all medical care or costs incurred by Residents. However, should you prefer alternative medicine options or a General Practitioner who charges in excess of our contracted General Practitioner these additional costs will be your responsibility. YOUR ABSENCE FROM THE FACILITY Should you be absent from the home due to admission to hospital, or away on holiday or absent for any other reason you will continue to be charged the current weekly fee in order to hold your room. Should you allow Sunhaven to use your room for an alternative care resident, then your weekly fee will be negotiated.
Staffing qualifications and details Our Registered Nurses are dedicated to caring for people with dementia, as are our caregivers, and we provide holistic individual care. We pride ourselves in having some of the best trained and dedicated staff in Taranaki. We have a regular NP, so changes in medical needs are diagnosed quickly. We have visits from psycho geriatrician, hair dresser and a podiatrist. We have specialised staff for laundry, household cleaning and cooking.
Details about meals Meals are prepared by our experienced cooks, who always try to please our residents and cook their favourites. Our menus are audited regularly by our dietetic advisor, who ensures we meet the expected nutritional standard. Meals are usually consumed in the dining room but we meet the needs of our residents and if that means feeding them food while they are in their room or wandering then that is what we do. If our residents do not wish to have their meals at specific meal times we accommodate them by offering it to them at a later time.

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Languages Spoken
Languages Spoken
Language Status Details
Afrikaans Yes
Arabic Yes
Czechoslovaki Yes
Deaf Blind Sign Language Yes can be arranged
English Yes
Fijian Yes
Fijian Indian Yes
Filipino Yes
Gujarati Yes
Hindi Yes
Interpreter Yes
Kannada Yes
Malayalam Yes
Māori - Te Reo Yes
Marathi Yes
Nepali Yes
Punjabi Yes
Samoan Yes
Tagalog Yes
Tamil Yes
Telugu Yes
Urdu Yes

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Religious/Spiritual Affiliations
Religious/Spiritual Affiliations
Religious/Spiritual Affiliations Status Details
Anglican Yes can be arranged
Non denominational Yes Church services and visits from various churches are encouraged, but should you require additional religious considerations (i.e. Communion), these can be arranged with the Clinical Manager, Facility Manager or staff.
Presbyterian Yes can be arranged
Roman Catholic Yes
Seventh Day Adventist Yes can be arranged

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Ethnic Diets
Ethnic Diets
Ethnic Diet Status Details
Other Yes We do boil ups and used to do samoan chopsuey to residents on their request. Some staff bring in Ethnic food to celebrate Ethnic days which is encouraged as our residents love to participate in the staff occasion.
Vegetarian Yes

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Distances
Distances
Location Distance Details
Public Transport 0.50 Km Buses
Shops 0.50 Km Parklands, Warehouse, Superette, takeaways, gym, pub
Parks 0.50 Km Beach 1 km away , plus other parks closer
Library Bell Block Library is very close to the facility

Updated: 9 Sep 2024

Credentials & Membership
Credentials & Membership
Credentials & Membership RC Status Details
Care Association New Zealand Yes
National Certificate in Diversional Therapy Yes
Police checked Yes
Care Association New Zealand

Updated: 9 Sep 2024


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