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9 hours ago - Christchurch
Grandparent Contact
“My daughter-in-law, my son etc. won’t let me see my grandchild. What can I do?”
“My son, my daughter-in-law are incapable of looking after my grandchild or grandchildren and I believe they are unsafe. What should I do?”
“What legal redress can I access to ensure their safety?”
“It’s so expensive, how can I afford legal representation? Can I get Legal Aid?”
Each of the above scenarios could run to a chapter in a family law text. For present purposes I intend to confine this article to some comment on the underlying legal position and signposting steps you can take to resume or improve contact, ensure grandchildren are safe and also explore opportunities for external funding (if you want legal representation and you do not have sufficient resources to fund legal representation).
Conventional wisdom of the importance of grandparents in a grandchild’s life is preserved both in underlying legislation and decided cases.
We live in a challenging environment complicated by the need to respond to Covid19 and the uncertainties and stresses that that creates virtually on a daily basis. Resilience is challenged and that in turn challenges the relationships we have with those who are near and dear to us, and sadly on occasion that leads to fall outs within families. Children can become the unintended victims in the sense that contact with important people in their lives (grandparents) can be diminished or in some cases cut off entirely because of adult issues.
It is reassuring to note that there are decisions of the Courts which recognise and affirm the importance of grandparents in a child’s life.
In the 2016 decision Sinclair v Hayden [2016] NZFC 3648 the Court helpfully confirms that the conventional wisdom that it takes “a village to raise a child”. Whilst parents retain the primary role in providing care for the children in making important decisions for them, the legislation (Care of Children Act 2004) recognizes at principle 5(e) that a child should “continue to have a relationship with both his or her parents, and that a child’s relationship with his or her family group, whanau, hapu or Iwi should be “preserved and strengthened”. That principle is the legislative pathway for grandparents seeking to establish a resumption of contact with their grandchildren where it has been cut off or frustrated at the outset.
The Act is effectively saying that it is a child’s right to have those relationships (i.e. contact with grandparents preserved and strengthened).
In Sinclair v Hayden Judge Russell commented that grandparents must not diminish or inadvertently affect the role the parents play in the child’s upbringing. Having said that however the Judge then offered this commentary on the importance of grandparents “….good grandparents can teach children much about life which the children’s own parents cannot. They come from a different generation, and can teach children matters from a different perspective than the child’s own parents”. In the particular case the Judge found that grandparents were positive role models.
In practical terms (if you find yourself if in the difficult situation of not being able to have contact with your grandchildren), then the first step is to go through a process called Family Dispute Resolution, or “FDR”. This is a mediation process and in Christchurch you can contact Family Works or Fairway Resolution to start the ball rolling. This is available in circumstances where you have tried to persuade your children to allow contact and they have either stopped contact or refused to engage with you. They will provide some in house counselling and discussions, and ultimately run a mediation, led by a professional in the area. FDR does involve an upfront fee from you, however depending on your circumstances it could be free, for everyone involved. The above providers provide funded services depending on your finances, and there are a number of other providers who also provide this service privately. If you approach your local provider they will be able to provide further information in that regard.
If that process is unsuccessful then you would need to apply for leave (section 47(e)) i.e. permission from the Court to commence your application. A new application motivated by a genuine interest in your grandchildren and a desire to have a meaningful relationship with them is likely to be granted. The application involves a formal application, an affidavit outlining particular circumstances of your case and your grandchild’s situation and what you want. It is served on the children’s parents who then get an opportunity to respond. A lawyer can in certain circumstances be appointed to ascertain the views of the children.
It is not unusual for that process to then take many months until you reach the point where you get a hearing. On the upside the majority of family law cases settle before a hearing is required. An application could be the spark that helps families engage and reach a satisfactory outcome.
If you have a concern that your grandchild is living in an unsafe environment and your efforts to engage with the parents have been rebuffed or ignored, then in the first instance you should contact Oranga Tamariki. It is a process known as making a referral. It is always a difficult decision for you to take but as you know from being a parent and (a grandparent), that often involves making difficult calls. You can contact Oranga Tamariki on 0508 326 459.
In circumstances where you do not have sufficient resources of your own, you can apply for Legal Aid. Again that process should be undertaken with your lawyer who will make an application and you should get a response within 1 -2 weeks which will tell you whether or not your application would be funded.
If you find yourself in the predicament above, then you should contact your lawyer to discuss what can be done. At Harmans we have a team of five lawyers in the family team who have a broad depth of knowledge in the area of family law. You can give either Harriet Daley, Mimi Simpson or Charlie Robson a call on 03 379 7835 to arrange an appointment to discuss your situation.
2 days ago - Christchurch
Camellia court offers a lovely facility in Papanui with outdoor area for the residents. We pride ourselves in our warm and family orientated environment and the passion and commitment of our staff to provide the best care possible to your loved ones.
During the difficult time over the recent lockdown we made sure to keep our families informed and involved as much as possible and provided our residents with an entertaining and fun environment which made the time fly past.
3 days ago - Invercargill
At level 2 we are still restricted in what we can do, but give us a call and we will see if we can assist you.
3 days ago - Auckland
Rosedale Village is for the 65+ and its well-appointed affordable accommodation is set amongst a well-established residential area in Albany which enjoys the backdrop of Bushlands Park. One of the benefits of living at Rosedale Village is the ability to choose the level of support you require.
4 days ago - Christchurch
My name is Carmen and I have been successfully operating Companion Care NZ as from 2011. I was born in Christchurch and have lived in the south of the city all of my life. I have always had a strong passion and have had several years’ experience supporting adults in the area of aged care and disabilities, including mental health, dementia, and health conditions. I have worked and trained in both the community, residential settings as a care giver and mental health support worker. Further to my training I am full licensed to carry passengers and police vetted in New Zealand with an up-to-date Saint John’s First Aid Certificate.
I have expansive experience, knowledge, and empathy of adult challenging life experiences. Therefore, I recognize the importance for social engagements and enhanced support to have a better quality of life. I value my client’s individuality and am passionate to ensure my clients feel special by having a positive active input in their lives. It is a privilege to work in this field and I find my work meaningful and rewarding.
I am married with two adult sons. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking especially up and around the Port Hills, cycling, gardening, travelling, movies and concerts.
The Team
Companion Care staff are carefully selected ensuring they are mature, fully trained, police vetted, empathetic to one’s needs and passionate in their desire to provide care and support to our clients.
1 week ago - Palmerston North
Take a look at our Dementia Education Video!! Listed under our Dementia Care (Secure Environment) section.
1 week ago - Palmerston North
Due to demand, we operate a waiting list. If you are interested in moving to Olive Tree, please make contact or visit us so we can register you on our waiting list.
1 week ago - Christchurch
We were proud and delighted for Somerfield to be winners of 2 awards in the Heritage Prestige Awards in 2021, One award for reducing our falls by 70% and One for our food moulds and Music therapy success. Our wonderful Support RN Lesley also a winner and our own Diversional Therapist Paula gaining runner up in their categories. A great team with well deserved outcomes.
1 week ago - Hamilton
August 2021
Hello everyone,
Spring is almost upon us, although this doesn’t always bring good weather as we know, but it feels good to have reached this time of the year.
Unfortunately, we have had another Covid lockdown. We should feel very fortunate for the free time we had prior to this, to have been able to move around and have holidays in this beautiful country.
Rest assured, we are all doing our very best to keep everyone safe and happy here at Brylyn.
The residents are content with their bingo twice a week, floor games and pampering activities. Mahi is also taking them out for fresh air. We have been using the lemons from our lemon tree in the garden and the staff are making nice lemon and honey drinks for the resident’s wellbeing every day.
The staff are looking out for each other too. They have been helpful and are doing well.
Our birthdays in the month of August were for Susan Harvey on the 2nd, Colin Brewer on the 28th and Annette Coombs on the 30th. A cake was made from our kitchen to share and to celebrate. Happy Birthday to you all!
The resident surprise lunch this month on the 16th was from Jesters Pies - which seemed to be a winner with everyone. The pies were served with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy. This was followed by a pavlova made by Lin our chef.
The Bus trips went out on the Raglan Road and another trip to Cambridge and Lake Karapiro.
On Friday 27th we had a sing-along Happy Hour as we were unable to have an entertainer come in. The occasion was a happy one and a good time was had by all.
The weekend entertainers that came in at the beginning of the month were Louise, George, Charlie and Marlene.
Lisa had not been able to come in with Boomer on Wednesday afternoons before Covid lockdown, as she has been helping with calving at the farm. We look forward to seeing them both again. Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions and also brings Mitzi in. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Normally religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks by Reg, Jan, Len and David. We also thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises before morning tea. Bingo is held twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine when possible.
Feedback is always welcomed.
Keep well and be safe, until next month,
Regards
Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
July 2021
Hello everyone,
The end of July already with spring just around the corner, an uplifting thought. Roll on those warmer days!
Our birthdays in the month of July were for two ladies, Margaret Job on 22nd and Floss Dunkin on 31st. They each had a cake made from our kitchen to celebrate. Happy Birthday to both women!
We held the Resident meeting on the 15th and the ‘flu vaccinations were done on Monday 19th.
Tuesday 20th was our surprise lunch here for the residents. This month they had Pizzas from Dominoes followed by a Baked Custard Pudding with Doris Plums made by Lin, our Chef.
The Bus trips went out on the Raglan Road to see the Windfarms, to Temple View and Collins Road and then around the Hamilton Lake and also for some coffee trips.
Happy Hour was on Friday 30th. This month we were entertained by a new entertainer, Colin McClure, who did a sing-a-long which residents enjoyed.
The July weekend entertainers were George, Peter, Louise and Charlie and Marlene.
On Wednesday afternoons, Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.
Feedback is always welcomed.
Keep well and warm, stay safe, until next month,
Regards
Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
June 2021
Hello everyone,
We hope you enjoyed the long weekend, Queen’s Birthday and managed to get away for a break. We have had some wonderful winter days in between those bad weather ones, but that is winter!
Birthdays in June were all for the ladies - Clarice Best on the 12th, Janet Walker on the 24th and Zena Carr on the 25th and a Happy Birthday to the three of you.
Our surprise lunch was on Friday 18th when residents had a KFC Snack Lunch followed by a chocolate pudding made by Chef, Anna. The take-away is enjoyed and appreciated by our residents.
The Bus trip on 4th went to Chartwell for coffee and a muffin and on 11th went to St Andrews Golf Course to enjoy the view while having a cup of coffee and something to eat. The bus trip on the 24th also went to St Andrews Golf course for a snack and then to feed the birds.
On Friday 25th we celebrated Matariki with star biscuits for morning tea. The special lunch was cooked by Anna and enjoyed by all. Happy Hour followed with Charlie and Marlene.
We are up to date with both Covid vaccinations - it is good to have completed this.
The weekend entertainers this month were Gail, George, Charlie & Marlene, Peter and Louise.
On Wednesday afternoons, Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.
Feedback is always welcomed.
Keep well and keep warm, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
May 2021
Hello everyone,
We hope this newsletter finds you all well and keeping warm.
Our birthdays this month were for Reginald Reihana on 1st, Raymond Park on 20th and Thomas Wilkins on 28th. Happy Birthday to all.
We celebrated Mother’s Day on Friday 7th wearing something red or pink and starting in the morning with a lady from the Orchid Society, Diane Wilson, who came in to talk about orchid growing. Diane also let the residents touch and feel the plants which they enjoyed while she answered any questions they had. The dining room and tables were decorated with lots of pink, there were pink cupcakes for tea and pink pudding. After lunch the residents were entertained by Charlie and Marlene after which there was a special Mother’s Day cake for afternoon tea and each lady received a gift of a beautiful sun hat. It was a lovely day for all.
Our surprise lunch was on Wednesday 19th when the residents had Nando’s Chicken Tender Pieces with Chips and a pudding made by Lin, our chef, which was a Cranberry Pudding with a Sauce.
The Bus trip on 7th went to the Classic Car Museum, the Arboretum and to Temple View and on the 14th and 21st to the Classic Car Museum. Residents loved seeing the old products and cars bringing back old memories and a start of many discussions. The bus trip on the 28th went out for coffee at Chartwell.
Kent, was our new entertainer this month for Happy Hour on Friday 28th when residents enjoyed having their nibbles and drinks.
The weekend entertainers this month were Christophe, George, Charlie & Marlene, Peter and Louise.
On Wednesday afternoons, Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer. Boomer has become popular with our residents and staff and one can see his excitement when he comes in waiting to be made a fuss of. He celebrated his birthday this month with small cupcakes iced and with a ‘paw print’ on them, made by Lisa which she brought in for staff and residents to enjoy!
Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions and Cookie is welcomed too.
This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes and thank David too as he very kindly donated a new whiteboard. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine days.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
April 2021
Hello everyone,
I hope you are enjoying the lovely autumn weather we are having and that some of you have managed to get a break away before winter sets in.
Our birthdays this month and were for Christine West on the 11th, Mark Matthews on the 16th and Nina Taua on the 24th.
Our surprise lunch on the 15th was a McDonalds burger with chips and a drink and chocolate brownies for dessert from the kitchen made by Lin, our chef.
We have now organised a bus trip every week to enable each resident to get a turn to go on an outing. We will try to make the weekly trips to the same place for the month, weather allowing of course and if it is wheelchair friendly. This month’s trips went out to Hamilton Gardens, to Morrinsville and to the Taitua Farm then a countryside drive along Mason and Howden Roads, the Whatawhata Road and through Perrin Park in Te Kowhai.
We had Charlie and Marlene to entertain residents on 16th while some of the residents went on their bus trip.
Roy Sledger and Ian came in on the 23rd to talk about model trains. He brought in a model train display of a scene in Italy which was beautifully done to scale by himself and this and his talk was enjoyed by the residents.
A craft was done for Anzac Day where residents cut out and made poppies from felt, some poppies were painted and one of our residents sewed buttons on for some of the poppy centres. We then placed them on a board which was displayed on the dining room notice board which looked wonderful!
Reg came in on Sunday 25th and held an Anzac Service for our residents which followed with Anzac biscuits for afternoon tea.
Happy Hour was on the 30th with a new entertainer, Christophe, who played the guitar and sang and got the residents to join in on occasions.
The weekend entertainers this month were Louise, Gail, Charlie, Peter and George.
On Wednesday afternoons Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, who is very popular with our residents and staff, and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine.
Thank you to Mahi, Vidhi and staff for the wonderful photos that they take of all the events in our facility. Well done to you all - we love the photos.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
March 2021
Autumn is here and we are out of daylight saving; enjoy the months we have left of good weather before winter sets in.
The birthdays this month were for three of our gentlemen; Brian Dunkin on 12th, David Shrimpton on 27th and Snow Brown on 29th with cakes from the kitchen to be shared with everyone. Happy Birthday to you.
We had a cake for Floss and Brian to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary. Mahi arranged a special romantic lunch set out under the gazebo for them. Well done to the staff and Mahi.
On the 3rd we had another summer BBQ lunch but unfortunately the weather let us down in the morning so our residents had to eat in the dining room but still enjoyed the occasion.
Our surprise lunch on the 16th was a good occasion too; with fish and chips in individual boxes from the Seafood Bazaar (the fresh fish shop) and this was followed by homemade Banoffee Pie for dessert.
On St Patricks Day, staff and residents wore something green and we celebrated with Charlie and Marlene entertaining us. Staff got some of the residents up and dancing - it was a lovely happy event. Drinks were served at lunchtime with the meal followed with a green pudding.
The bus trip was out to Ngaroto Lake, Te Awamutu, on the 12th where the residents enjoyed sitting out in the sunshine by the water.
On the 26th we had Charlie from the Waikato Astrological Society who came in to do a talk on Rocket Engineering with visuals on the TV. This was followed by Happy Hour at 2pm with Gail, a country and western singer, who got the residents singing along with her.
There was an Easter craft morning with Mahi, where some of the residents painted and decorated eggs and the results were wonderful.
Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, on Wednesday afternoons and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions - both for dog therapy with our residents. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
The weekend entertainers this month were Louise, Gail, Charlie, and George.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. Thanks go to
David for doing the quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
February 2021
It is the end of another month and we are well into the new year. We have had wonderful long, hot summer days which we must make the most of with Autumn not far away.
The Birthdays that we celebrated this month with a cake from our kitchen were for Bruce Scott on the 14th and Pat Smith on the 18th where we all sang Happy Birthday to them. Our staff do a wonderful job of decorating the cakes too.
Valentine’s day was also a happy occasion in the facility and there was more cake!
We have resumed the foot spa treat for our residents as requested and which is appreciated and enjoyed by them.
Our three bus trips this month went to Hamilton Lake on 12th, 19th and on the 26th. Residents enjoyed getting out and about and were also treated to a McDonald’s ice cream.
Our surprise meal on the 17th was from KFC. Residents had a snack box each of chicken tenders and chips and a pudding made from our kitchen which was all enjoyed by all.
Peter Whalley entertained residents playing his guitar and singing at the Happy hour on Friday afternoon on the 26th. It is wonderful to hear everyone singing along and enjoying themselves.
Lisa comes in with her dog Boomer and Christine brings Cookie in, both for dog therapy with our residents -this service is much appreciated.
We always say a big thank you to our weekend entertainers who were Louise, Gail, Charlie, George and Peter.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David voluntarily comes in weekly to do quizzes for which we are most grateful.
There are daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
January 2021
We are well into the new year and hopefully all enjoying the summer weather. We can be grateful for being able to move around New Zealand, to have holidays within and to be able to be with our families.
Welcome to our new resident Marie Johansen, who we hope will be happy here with us at Brylyn.
We had three birthdays this month, Raymond Matson on 6th, Adrian Ngamotu on the 21st and Ian Birse on the 26th, Happy Birthday to our three gentlemen. Our chef provided a cake from the kitchen for morning tea to share with all the residents.
Raymond and Joyce celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on the 12th where they shared a cake from our kitchen with everyone. Happy Anniversary to them!
Peter Whalley was in on the 9th to entertain in the morning getting everyone to sing along with him and Happy Hour with snacks and drinks on the 29th with Charlie and Marlene entertaining and again there was good participation from our residents. A good time had by all.
Thank you to our weekend entertainers, Louise, George and Peter.
The bus trip this month was to Lake Karapiro – this was enjoyed by those who went there.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David voluntarily comes in weekly to do quizzes for which we are most grateful.
There are daily exercises and Bingo sessions twice a week, always popular with Ian Birse calling. Thanks again to Ian who is one of our residents.
We have games mornings and walks outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
December 2020
We hope you have had a wonderful festive season and here’s wishing you all the very best for 2021.
Birthdays for the month of December were for Robert Brough on the 12th, Lindsey Jordan on the 20th and Glenys Alexander on the 21st. A cake was provided from our kitchen for morning tea with all the residents.
Sadly, two of our residents passed away, our condolences go out to the families of Bruce Ogilvie and Lindsey Jordan.
We welcome Lena ‘Billy’ Phillips for a short stay with us.
Christmas decorations went up and on the 4th we took photos of our residents by our new Christmas tree with a copy given out to both residents and family. They are beautiful photos and well done to our caregiver, Vidhi, who did a splendid job!
Peter Whalley was in on the 9th to entertain in the morning getting everyone to sing along with him.
A morning tea was held on the 10th where we thanked our Volunteers and handed out gifts, not forgetting the two doggies that visit our residents, Boomer and Cookie. Some of our residents stood up to say their thanks including one of our Registered Nurses, Thelma. There as a delicious spread afterwards which turned out to be a good social event.
Entertainment with Charlie and Marlene went well on the 11th where they also got residents to join in and sing along. Charlie sang the favourites with some wonderful news songs, ending with a medley of well-known Christmas carols.
The bus trip on the 11th residents went to Palmers Garden Centre Café for coffee and cake and then a walk in the plants garden.
Our new vinyl was installed in the lounge and dining areas on the weekend of the 12th and 13th. This went well. We thank our residents and staff for their patience and understanding with this major disruption. The staff were amazing with serving meals in the rooms and taking extra care of our residents.
Residents went out in the evening on the 17th in two buses to see the Christmas lights. It is wonderful to see the effort that people make to decorate their houses and gardens.
We invited family to come in and join our residents for a shared family lunch. Staff put on a show, dancing to ‘Jingle Bells’ and then showed a video they had made of all the residents doing dance movements to the same song; an occasion enjoyed by all. Well done staff!
On the 24th we had our Christmas Happy Hour with Glen Carley entertaining. Residents were given their Christmas presents and photos from Brylyn by Santa with staff dressing up in ‘mufti.’
We had a special Christmas menu for lunch on Christmas day:
Starter: Italian Antipasto Platter: Prosciutto, Salami, Ham, Blue Cheese, Aged Cheddar Cheese, Brie Cheese, Grapes, Olives and Crackers. Prawn Twisters & Lemon Pepper Squid.
Mains: Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce & Gravy. Roast Turkey with Cranberry Jam. Roasted Vegetables -Baby Potatoes, Golden Kumara and Carrots. Fresh Mini Bread Rolls.
Green Salad – Mesclun, Rocket, Tomato, Capsicum, Alfalfa served with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing.
Dessert: Christmas Pudding and Custard. Mini Lemon Curd Tart. Mini Peach & Passion Fruit Tart.
L & P came in on the 31st to entertain our residents for the last day of the year with some wonderful music and singing.
Our religious service is held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David comes in weekly to do quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo sessions twice a week which draws a big crowd. There are games mornings and walks in the fresh air and sunshine. Thank you to our weekend entertainer, Louise.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
November 2020
We are well into spring with summer just around the corner and on the countdown to Christmas!
Our Christmas decorations are up making the facility look very festive.
We welcome our new resident from Christchurch, Ashley Connor, and hope he will be happy here with us. Ashley celebrated his birthday on the 10th with a cake from our kitchen to share with all our residents. Happy Birthday Ashley!
On Friday 13th we had Peter Mudie and his wife in to talk about Bonsai growing where they also displayed some bonsai trees and in the evening the staff celebrated Diwali. We provided Indian food and some staff brought in Indian desserts. There was dancing and the occasion was enjoyed by both residents and staff.
Our surprise lunch on 25th was Kentucky Fried Chicken (Chicken and Chips in individual boxes) and served with rolls, followed by Brandy Snap and Toffee Sauce pudding.
Happy Hour on the 27th was a joyous ‘singalong’ occasion with Tipene while he sang and played his guitar with a good variety of songs.
Some of the residents went for a van drive on 30th to the Jukebox Diner Cafe for coffee and a scone.
Our religious service is held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David comes in weekly to do quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo sessions twice a week which draws a big crowd now. There are games mornings and walks in the fresh air and sunshine. Our weekend entertainers were Charlie, George, Wendy, Peter and Roy.
Just a friendly note that if you are visiting on the weekend of the 12th and 13th of December, we are having new floor vinyl fitted in the lounge and dining room. There will be major disruptions and noise and no entry around that area. Thank you for understanding while this is being done.
Every year we cook a special Christmas lunch here for our Residents and just a friendly reminder that we will be unable to accommodate any family to join us as the facility is full. Good news though that we are full!
Please can you let us know, once you have made your arrangements, if Mum or Dad will be in or out for lunch on the 25th and what time you will pick them up. Thank you.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifr Slement and all at Brylyn.
October 2020
We are having such lovely warm spring days, it is certainly good to be out of winter and almost into summer!
This month we celebrated birthdays with a cake from our kitchen for morning tea for Ross Roulston on the 4th and Wayne Rolton on the 23rd – Happy Birthday to both gentlemen.
We say thanks to Len who plays the piano for the hymns in the religious services with Reg and Jan and thanks to David who takes religious service and does a quiz with the residents on alternative weeks.
To make it easier for our residents to vote, the ‘special voting box’ was organised here at the facility during the month which proved to be a success.
Residents loved the bus drive on the 9th out to Woodlands and then to Jasen Park. Our second drive of the month on Friday 30th was out to the Punnet café in Tamahere for coffee.
On the 14th was our surprise meal and this time it was ‘take out’ pizza followed by a delicious fresh fruit salad and cream. This monthly event proves to be popular with our residents and keeps them guessing as to what the meal could be!
Neil Curgenven came in on the 16th and gave an interesting talk about the styles of housing in Hamilton going right back in time to the present day. We will certainly get Neil back at a later stage as he has much more to share on various subjects.
Happy hour was on Friday 30th when we were entertained by Charlie and Marlene – a fun time was had by all.
Bingo remains popular as does the games mornings. Residents are taken outside to enjoy the warm weather days as much as possible. They did a little bit of gardening using the New World miniature potting of the vegetable seeds, had an exercise session outside and went for walks too.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
September 2020
It is just wonderful to be back at level 1.
We are well into the second half of the year and spring is in the air with some wonderful warm days.
This month we celebrated birthdays for Olive Begley on the 14th, Joyce Park on the 18th and Ian Stewart on the 21st with a cake baked in our kitchen - a happy birthday to you all.
On the 1st we had our spring day celebration with everything yellow. For morning tea we had yellow cupcakes, afternoon tea a yellow cake, at lunch there was a yellow dessert, cold drinks, serviettes and placemats! It turned out to be a lovely sunny day too which was a bonus.
We had a Father’s Day event a little earlier on the 3rd where we purchased a special morning tea cake, gave out gift bags with a shower and a shaving gel in each and then for all the residents, a small chocolate. The men all sat together at one table. “Parkie” (Raymond Park) cut the cake. After lunch we had the ‘Father’s Day’ Happy Hour. In all it was a special day.
We have had the religious services resumed with Reg and Jan and with David too, who also does a quiz with the residents.
Tipene entertained at our Happy Hour with his wonderful array of songs. Residents are very happy too to have our weekend entertainers back. On the weekend after lockdown we had George and Roy in to entertain.
The monthly surprise lunch meal was held on the 17th with a meal of pies, chips, peas and gravy. The pies were from Jesters, followed by a new dessert, Banoffee pie. This occasion always goes down well with our ‘family.’
We have introduced a small ‘shopping’ cabinet in the reception area for residents to view and purchase any toiletry items they may need or cold drinks and snacks.
We are getting a good turnout for the Bingo and games mornings, and with some of the lovely winter days we have had the staff have taken residents outside to enjoy the sunshine - there is nothing like fresh air and feeling the sun on our bodies.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
August 2020
It was so wonderful to have life back to normal even if it was for a short time and to be out of the Covid-19 lockdown. Unfortunately, we are experiencing another lockdown and being a rest home, we have your family and loved ones in our best interest and have therefore stopped all visitors coming in for the present.
We are well into the second half of the year and spring is in the air with some wonderful warm days.
Birthdays this month were for Susan Harvey on the 2nd, Colin Brewer on the 28th and Annette Coombs on the 30th. Happy Birthday to you.
Before the lockdown we had:
Jan and her dog, Macey, from the SPCA, come in for a visit. Residents always love the interaction with the dogs.
We had our religious services and the quizzes with David.
There was entertainment on the weekends by George, Peter and Wendy.
Some of our residents went on the bus outing to Morrinsville on the 7th to spot all the ‘cow’ icons in the streets and to take photos.
The trainee Occupational Therapists were doing well and enjoyed being with our residents, hopefully we can get them back soon.
The surprise lunch meal was on Friday 21st when we had a movie morning to watch “Young at Heart” followed by Fish, Chips and Salad packed as a ‘take out’ meal in take-away containers followed by an ice cream sundae. Residents were pleasantly surprised and extremely happy not to miss their Friday ‘fish and chips.’
We are getting a good turnout for the Bingo and games mornings, and with some of the lovely winter days we have managed to take some of our residents outside to enjoy the sunshine - well done Mahi.
Keep well and stay safe, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
1 week ago - Hamilton
August 2021
Hello everyone,
Spring is almost upon us, although this doesn’t always bring good weather as we know, but it feels good to have reached this time of the year.
Unfortunately, we have had another Covid lockdown. We should feel very fortunate for the free time we had prior to this, to have been able to move around and have holidays in this beautiful country.
Rest assured, we are all doing our very best to keep everyone safe and happy here at Brylyn.
The residents are content with their bingo twice a week, floor games and pampering activities. Mahi is also taking them out for fresh air. We have been using the lemons from our lemon tree in the garden and the staff are making nice lemon and honey drinks for the resident’s wellbeing every day.
The staff are looking out for each other too. They have been helpful and are doing well.
Our birthdays in the month of August were for Susan Harvey on the 2nd, Colin Brewer on the 28th and Annette Coombs on the 30th. A cake was made from our kitchen to share and to celebrate. Happy Birthday to you all!
The resident surprise lunch this month on the 16th was from Jesters Pies - which seemed to be a winner with everyone. The pies were served with mashed potatoes, peas and gravy. This was followed by a pavlova made by Lin our chef.
The Bus trips went out on the Raglan Road and another trip to Cambridge and Lake Karapiro.
On Friday 27th we had a sing-along Happy Hour as we were unable to have an entertainer come in. The occasion was a happy one and a good time was had by all.
The weekend entertainers that came in at the beginning of the month were Louise, George, Charlie and Marlene.
Lisa had not been able to come in with Boomer on Wednesday afternoons before Covid lockdown, as she has been helping with calving at the farm. We look forward to seeing them both again. Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions and also brings Mitzi in. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Normally religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks by Reg, Jan, Len and David. We also thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises before morning tea. Bingo is held twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine when possible.
Feedback is always welcomed.
Keep well and be safe, until next month,
Regards
Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
July 2021
Hello everyone,
The end of July already with spring just around the corner, an uplifting thought. Roll on those warmer days!
Our birthdays in the month of July were for two ladies, Margaret Job on 22nd and Floss Dunkin on 31st. They each had a cake made from our kitchen to celebrate. Happy Birthday to both women!
We held the Resident meeting on the 15th and the ‘flu vaccinations were done on Monday 19th.
Tuesday 20th was our surprise lunch here for the residents. This month they had Pizzas from Dominoes followed by a Baked Custard Pudding with Doris Plums made by Lin, our Chef.
The Bus trips went out on the Raglan Road to see the Windfarms, to Temple View and Collins Road and then around the Hamilton Lake and also for some coffee trips.
Happy Hour was on Friday 30th. This month we were entertained by a new entertainer, Colin McClure, who did a sing-a-long which residents enjoyed.
The July weekend entertainers were George, Peter, Louise and Charlie and Marlene.
On Wednesday afternoons, Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.
Feedback is always welcomed.
Keep well and warm, stay safe, until next month,
Regards
Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
June 2021
Hello everyone,
We hope you enjoyed the long weekend, Queen’s Birthday and managed to get away for a break. We have had some wonderful winter days in between those bad weather ones, but that is winter!
Birthdays in June were all for the ladies - Clarice Best on the 12th, Janet Walker on the 24th and Zena Carr on the 25th and a Happy Birthday to the three of you.
Our surprise lunch was on Friday 18th when residents had a KFC Snack Lunch followed by a chocolate pudding made by Chef, Anna. The take-away is enjoyed and appreciated by our residents.
The Bus trip on 4th went to Chartwell for coffee and a muffin and on 11th went to St Andrews Golf Course to enjoy the view while having a cup of coffee and something to eat. The bus trip on the 24th also went to St Andrews Golf course for a snack and then to feed the birds.
On Friday 25th we celebrated Matariki with star biscuits for morning tea. The special lunch was cooked by Anna and enjoyed by all. Happy Hour followed with Charlie and Marlene.
We are up to date with both Covid vaccinations - it is good to have completed this.
The weekend entertainers this month were Gail, George, Charlie & Marlene, Peter and Louise.
On Wednesday afternoons, Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.
Feedback is always welcomed.
Keep well and keep warm, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
May 2021
Hello everyone,
We hope this newsletter finds you all well and keeping warm.
Our birthdays this month were for Reginald Reihana on 1st, Raymond Park on 20th and Thomas Wilkins on 28th. Happy Birthday to all.
We celebrated Mother’s Day on Friday 7th wearing something red or pink and starting in the morning with a lady from the Orchid Society, Diane Wilson, who came in to talk about orchid growing. Diane also let the residents touch and feel the plants which they enjoyed while she answered any questions they had. The dining room and tables were decorated with lots of pink, there were pink cupcakes for tea and pink pudding. After lunch the residents were entertained by Charlie and Marlene after which there was a special Mother’s Day cake for afternoon tea and each lady received a gift of a beautiful sun hat. It was a lovely day for all.
Our surprise lunch was on Wednesday 19th when the residents had Nando’s Chicken Tender Pieces with Chips and a pudding made by Lin, our chef, which was a Cranberry Pudding with a Sauce.
The Bus trip on 7th went to the Classic Car Museum, the Arboretum and to Temple View and on the 14th and 21st to the Classic Car Museum. Residents loved seeing the old products and cars bringing back old memories and a start of many discussions. The bus trip on the 28th went out for coffee at Chartwell.
Kent, was our new entertainer this month for Happy Hour on Friday 28th when residents enjoyed having their nibbles and drinks.
The weekend entertainers this month were Christophe, George, Charlie & Marlene, Peter and Louise.
On Wednesday afternoons, Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer. Boomer has become popular with our residents and staff and one can see his excitement when he comes in waiting to be made a fuss of. He celebrated his birthday this month with small cupcakes iced and with a ‘paw print’ on them, made by Lisa which she brought in for staff and residents to enjoy!
Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions and Cookie is welcomed too.
This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes and thank David too as he very kindly donated a new whiteboard. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings, crafts and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine days.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
April 2021
Hello everyone,
I hope you are enjoying the lovely autumn weather we are having and that some of you have managed to get a break away before winter sets in.
Our birthdays this month and were for Christine West on the 11th, Mark Matthews on the 16th and Nina Taua on the 24th.
Our surprise lunch on the 15th was a McDonalds burger with chips and a drink and chocolate brownies for dessert from the kitchen made by Lin, our chef.
We have now organised a bus trip every week to enable each resident to get a turn to go on an outing. We will try to make the weekly trips to the same place for the month, weather allowing of course and if it is wheelchair friendly. This month’s trips went out to Hamilton Gardens, to Morrinsville and to the Taitua Farm then a countryside drive along Mason and Howden Roads, the Whatawhata Road and through Perrin Park in Te Kowhai.
We had Charlie and Marlene to entertain residents on 16th while some of the residents went on their bus trip.
Roy Sledger and Ian came in on the 23rd to talk about model trains. He brought in a model train display of a scene in Italy which was beautifully done to scale by himself and this and his talk was enjoyed by the residents.
A craft was done for Anzac Day where residents cut out and made poppies from felt, some poppies were painted and one of our residents sewed buttons on for some of the poppy centres. We then placed them on a board which was displayed on the dining room notice board which looked wonderful!
Reg came in on Sunday 25th and held an Anzac Service for our residents which followed with Anzac biscuits for afternoon tea.
Happy Hour was on the 30th with a new entertainer, Christophe, who played the guitar and sang and got the residents to join in on occasions.
The weekend entertainers this month were Louise, Gail, Charlie, Peter and George.
On Wednesday afternoons Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, who is very popular with our residents and staff, and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. We thank David for doing our quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine.
Thank you to Mahi, Vidhi and staff for the wonderful photos that they take of all the events in our facility. Well done to you all - we love the photos.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
March 2021
Autumn is here and we are out of daylight saving; enjoy the months we have left of good weather before winter sets in.
The birthdays this month were for three of our gentlemen; Brian Dunkin on 12th, David Shrimpton on 27th and Snow Brown on 29th with cakes from the kitchen to be shared with everyone. Happy Birthday to you.
We had a cake for Floss and Brian to celebrate their 68th wedding anniversary. Mahi arranged a special romantic lunch set out under the gazebo for them. Well done to the staff and Mahi.
On the 3rd we had another summer BBQ lunch but unfortunately the weather let us down in the morning so our residents had to eat in the dining room but still enjoyed the occasion.
Our surprise lunch on the 16th was a good occasion too; with fish and chips in individual boxes from the Seafood Bazaar (the fresh fish shop) and this was followed by homemade Banoffee Pie for dessert.
On St Patricks Day, staff and residents wore something green and we celebrated with Charlie and Marlene entertaining us. Staff got some of the residents up and dancing - it was a lovely happy event. Drinks were served at lunchtime with the meal followed with a green pudding.
The bus trip was out to Ngaroto Lake, Te Awamutu, on the 12th where the residents enjoyed sitting out in the sunshine by the water.
On the 26th we had Charlie from the Waikato Astrological Society who came in to do a talk on Rocket Engineering with visuals on the TV. This was followed by Happy Hour at 2pm with Gail, a country and western singer, who got the residents singing along with her.
There was an Easter craft morning with Mahi, where some of the residents painted and decorated eggs and the results were wonderful.
Lisa comes in with her dog, Boomer, on Wednesday afternoons and Christine brings her dog, Cookie, in on other occasions - both for dog therapy with our residents. This service from the Canine Friends Pet Therapy is much appreciated.
The weekend entertainers this month were Louise, Gail, Charlie, and George.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks. Thanks go to
David for doing the quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
February 2021
It is the end of another month and we are well into the new year. We have had wonderful long, hot summer days which we must make the most of with Autumn not far away.
The Birthdays that we celebrated this month with a cake from our kitchen were for Bruce Scott on the 14th and Pat Smith on the 18th where we all sang Happy Birthday to them. Our staff do a wonderful job of decorating the cakes too.
Valentine’s day was also a happy occasion in the facility and there was more cake!
We have resumed the foot spa treat for our residents as requested and which is appreciated and enjoyed by them.
Our three bus trips this month went to Hamilton Lake on 12th, 19th and on the 26th. Residents enjoyed getting out and about and were also treated to a McDonald’s ice cream.
Our surprise meal on the 17th was from KFC. Residents had a snack box each of chicken tenders and chips and a pudding made from our kitchen which was all enjoyed by all.
Peter Whalley entertained residents playing his guitar and singing at the Happy hour on Friday afternoon on the 26th. It is wonderful to hear everyone singing along and enjoying themselves.
Lisa comes in with her dog Boomer and Christine brings Cookie in, both for dog therapy with our residents -this service is much appreciated.
We always say a big thank you to our weekend entertainers who were Louise, Gail, Charlie, George and Peter.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David voluntarily comes in weekly to do quizzes for which we are most grateful.
There are daily exercises and Bingo twice a week with games mornings and walks outside to take in the fresh air and sunshine.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
January 2021
We are well into the new year and hopefully all enjoying the summer weather. We can be grateful for being able to move around New Zealand, to have holidays within and to be able to be with our families.
Welcome to our new resident Marie Johansen, who we hope will be happy here with us at Brylyn.
We had three birthdays this month, Raymond Matson on 6th, Adrian Ngamotu on the 21st and Ian Birse on the 26th, Happy Birthday to our three gentlemen. Our chef provided a cake from the kitchen for morning tea to share with all the residents.
Raymond and Joyce celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary on the 12th where they shared a cake from our kitchen with everyone. Happy Anniversary to them!
Peter Whalley was in on the 9th to entertain in the morning getting everyone to sing along with him and Happy Hour with snacks and drinks on the 29th with Charlie and Marlene entertaining and again there was good participation from our residents. A good time had by all.
Thank you to our weekend entertainers, Louise, George and Peter.
The bus trip this month was to Lake Karapiro – this was enjoyed by those who went there.
Religious services are held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David voluntarily comes in weekly to do quizzes for which we are most grateful.
There are daily exercises and Bingo sessions twice a week, always popular with Ian Birse calling. Thanks again to Ian who is one of our residents.
We have games mornings and walks outside to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
Keep well everyone, stay safe, until next month,
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
December 2020
We hope you have had a wonderful festive season and here’s wishing you all the very best for 2021.
Birthdays for the month of December were for Robert Brough on the 12th, Lindsey Jordan on the 20th and Glenys Alexander on the 21st. A cake was provided from our kitchen for morning tea with all the residents.
Sadly, two of our residents passed away, our condolences go out to the families of Bruce Ogilvie and Lindsey Jordan.
We welcome Lena ‘Billy’ Phillips for a short stay with us.
Christmas decorations went up and on the 4th we took photos of our residents by our new Christmas tree with a copy given out to both residents and family. They are beautiful photos and well done to our caregiver, Vidhi, who did a splendid job!
Peter Whalley was in on the 9th to entertain in the morning getting everyone to sing along with him.
A morning tea was held on the 10th where we thanked our Volunteers and handed out gifts, not forgetting the two doggies that visit our residents, Boomer and Cookie. Some of our residents stood up to say their thanks including one of our Registered Nurses, Thelma. There as a delicious spread afterwards which turned out to be a good social event.
Entertainment with Charlie and Marlene went well on the 11th where they also got residents to join in and sing along. Charlie sang the favourites with some wonderful news songs, ending with a medley of well-known Christmas carols.
The bus trip on the 11th residents went to Palmers Garden Centre Café for coffee and cake and then a walk in the plants garden.
Our new vinyl was installed in the lounge and dining areas on the weekend of the 12th and 13th. This went well. We thank our residents and staff for their patience and understanding with this major disruption. The staff were amazing with serving meals in the rooms and taking extra care of our residents.
Residents went out in the evening on the 17th in two buses to see the Christmas lights. It is wonderful to see the effort that people make to decorate their houses and gardens.
We invited family to come in and join our residents for a shared family lunch. Staff put on a show, dancing to ‘Jingle Bells’ and then showed a video they had made of all the residents doing dance movements to the same song; an occasion enjoyed by all. Well done staff!
On the 24th we had our Christmas Happy Hour with Glen Carley entertaining. Residents were given their Christmas presents and photos from Brylyn by Santa with staff dressing up in ‘mufti.’
We had a special Christmas menu for lunch on Christmas day:
Starter: Italian Antipasto Platter: Prosciutto, Salami, Ham, Blue Cheese, Aged Cheddar Cheese, Brie Cheese, Grapes, Olives and Crackers. Prawn Twisters & Lemon Pepper Squid.
Mains: Roast Lamb with Mint Sauce & Gravy. Roast Turkey with Cranberry Jam. Roasted Vegetables -Baby Potatoes, Golden Kumara and Carrots. Fresh Mini Bread Rolls.
Green Salad – Mesclun, Rocket, Tomato, Capsicum, Alfalfa served with Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing.
Dessert: Christmas Pudding and Custard. Mini Lemon Curd Tart. Mini Peach & Passion Fruit Tart.
L & P came in on the 31st to entertain our residents for the last day of the year with some wonderful music and singing.
Our religious service is held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David comes in weekly to do quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo sessions twice a week which draws a big crowd. There are games mornings and walks in the fresh air and sunshine. Thank you to our weekend entertainer, Louise.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
November 2020
We are well into spring with summer just around the corner and on the countdown to Christmas!
Our Christmas decorations are up making the facility look very festive.
We welcome our new resident from Christchurch, Ashley Connor, and hope he will be happy here with us. Ashley celebrated his birthday on the 10th with a cake from our kitchen to share with all our residents. Happy Birthday Ashley!
On Friday 13th we had Peter Mudie and his wife in to talk about Bonsai growing where they also displayed some bonsai trees and in the evening the staff celebrated Diwali. We provided Indian food and some staff brought in Indian desserts. There was dancing and the occasion was enjoyed by both residents and staff.
Our surprise lunch on 25th was Kentucky Fried Chicken (Chicken and Chips in individual boxes) and served with rolls, followed by Brandy Snap and Toffee Sauce pudding.
Happy Hour on the 27th was a joyous ‘singalong’ occasion with Tipene while he sang and played his guitar with a good variety of songs.
Some of the residents went for a van drive on 30th to the Jukebox Diner Cafe for coffee and a scone.
Our religious service is held twice a month and a religious discussion in the alternate weeks.
David comes in weekly to do quizzes. We have daily exercises and Bingo sessions twice a week which draws a big crowd now. There are games mornings and walks in the fresh air and sunshine. Our weekend entertainers were Charlie, George, Wendy, Peter and Roy.
Just a friendly note that if you are visiting on the weekend of the 12th and 13th of December, we are having new floor vinyl fitted in the lounge and dining room. There will be major disruptions and noise and no entry around that area. Thank you for understanding while this is being done.
Every year we cook a special Christmas lunch here for our Residents and just a friendly reminder that we will be unable to accommodate any family to join us as the facility is full. Good news though that we are full!
Please can you let us know, once you have made your arrangements, if Mum or Dad will be in or out for lunch on the 25th and what time you will pick them up. Thank you.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
October 2020
We are having such lovely warm spring days, it is certainly good to be out of winter and almost into summer!
This month we celebrated birthdays with a cake from our kitchen for morning tea for Ross Roulston on the 4th and Wayne Rolton on the 23rd – Happy Birthday to both gentlemen.
We say thanks to Len who plays the piano for the hymns in the religious services with Reg and Jan and thanks to David who takes religious service and does a quiz with the residents on alternative weeks.
To make it easier for our residents to vote, the ‘special voting box’ was organised here at the facility during the month which proved to be a success.
Residents loved the bus drive on the 9th out to Woodlands and then to Jasen Park. Our second drive of the month on Friday 30th was out to the Punnet café in Tamahere for coffee.
On the 14th was our surprise meal and this time it was ‘take out’ pizza followed by a delicious fresh fruit salad and cream. This monthly event proves to be popular with our residents and keeps them guessing as to what the meal could be!
Neil Curgenven came in on the 16th and gave an interesting talk about the styles of housing in Hamilton going right back in time to the present day. We will certainly get Neil back at a later stage as he has much more to share on various subjects.
Happy hour was on Friday 30th when we were entertained by Charlie and Marlene – a fun time was had by all.
Bingo remains popular as does the games mornings. Residents are taken outside to enjoy the warm weather days as much as possible. They did a little bit of gardening using the New World miniature potting of the vegetable seeds, had an exercise session outside and went for walks too.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
September 2020
It is just wonderful to be back at level 1.
We are well into the second half of the year and spring is in the air with some wonderful warm days.
This month we celebrated birthdays for Olive Begley on the 14th, Joyce Park on the 18th and Ian Stewart on the 21st with a cake baked in our kitchen - a happy birthday to you all.
On the 1st we had our spring day celebration with everything yellow. For morning tea we had yellow cupcakes, afternoon tea a yellow cake, at lunch there was a yellow dessert, cold drinks, serviettes and placemats! It turned out to be a lovely sunny day too which was a bonus.
We had a Father’s Day event a little earlier on the 3rd where we purchased a special morning tea cake, gave out gift bags with a shower and a shaving gel in each and then for all the residents, a small chocolate. The men all sat together at one table. “Parkie” (Raymond Park) cut the cake. After lunch we had the ‘Father’s Day’ Happy Hour. In all it was a special day.
We have had the religious services resumed with Reg and Jan and with David too, who also does a quiz with the residents.
Tipene entertained at our Happy Hour with his wonderful array of songs. Residents are very happy too to have our weekend entertainers back. On the weekend after lockdown we had George and Roy in to entertain.
The monthly surprise lunch meal was held on the 17th with a meal of pies, chips, peas and gravy. The pies were from Jesters, followed by a new dessert, Banoffee pie. This occasion always goes down well with our ‘family.’
We have introduced a small ‘shopping’ cabinet in the reception area for residents to view and purchase any toiletry items they may need or cold drinks and snacks.
We are getting a good turnout for the Bingo and games mornings, and with some of the lovely winter days we have had the staff have taken residents outside to enjoy the sunshine - there is nothing like fresh air and feeling the sun on our bodies.
Keep well everyone, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
August 2020
It was so wonderful to have life back to normal even if it was for a short time and to be out of the Covid-19 lockdown. Unfortunately, we are experiencing another lockdown and being a rest home, we have your family and loved ones in our best interest and have therefore stopped all visitors coming in for the present.
We are well into the second half of the year and spring is in the air with some wonderful warm days.
Birthdays this month were for Susan Harvey on the 2nd, Colin Brewer on the 28th and Annette Coombs on the 30th. Happy Birthday to you.
Before the lockdown we had:
Jan and her dog, Macey, from the SPCA, come in for a visit. Residents always love the interaction with the dogs.
We had our religious services and the quizzes with David.
There was entertainment on the weekends by George, Peter and Wendy.
Some of our residents went on the bus outing to Morrinsville on the 7th to spot all the ‘cow’ icons in the streets and to take photos.
The trainee Occupational Therapists were doing well and enjoyed being with our residents, hopefully we can get them back soon.
The surprise lunch meal was on Friday 21st when we had a movie morning to watch “Young at Heart” followed by Fish, Chips and Salad packed as a ‘take out’ meal in take-away containers followed by an ice cream sundae. Residents were pleasantly surprised and extremely happy not to miss their Friday ‘fish and chips.’
We are getting a good turnout for the Bingo and games mornings, and with some of the lovely winter days we have managed to take some of our residents outside to enjoy the sunshine - well done Mahi.
Keep well and stay safe, until next month
Regards from Jennifer Slement and all at Brylyn.
1 week ago - Dunedin
Enquire now for a copy our ever changing monthly activities programme
1 week ago - Gisborne
The Kiri Te Kanawa Retirement Village residents are all looking forward to our first birthday celebrations on 11 November 2012.
1 week ago - Gisborne
The Kiri Te Kanawa Retirement Village residents are all looking forward to our first birthday celebrations on 11 November 2012.
1 week ago - Auckland
Our Village Newsletter “State of Grace” can be viewed on this link (in blue).
This sunny spacious two bedroom sunsoaked corner apartment is a must to view. Elevated with views and fabulous indoor outdoor flow.
No need to compromise on space in this large three bedroom townhouse. Tucked away in a private garden setting but close to all amenities...this is a rare opportunity.
Yes you can retire in style in one of Aucklands most sought after villages in this lovely two bedroom townhouse and it won't break the bank. Give Bronwen a call to view this townhouse and a tour around our delightful village.
1 week ago - Dunedin
Read our latest newsletter here - our summer newsletter is due out in November - check back then for an update!
1 week ago - Dunedin
A copy of our monthly activites calender is available on request
1 week ago - Dunedin
Our Village Newsletter 'Frances Hodgkins News' can be viewed on this link.
Please note: you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your system to read this.
1 week ago - Hamilton
Read our latest newsletter here - our summer newsletter is due out in November - check back then for an update!
1 week ago - Tauranga
Serviced apartment available now
1 week ago - Whangarei
A recent visit by a Dixieland Jazz Band had everyone's toes tapping to the lively music and old songs which everyone knew!
1 week ago - Whangarei
In the midst of Winter we imagined travelling to a tropical island - complete with costumes to convince ourselves of the warm tropical sun!
1 week ago - Whangarei
Opening Mid 2009
1 week ago - North Shore
The first stage of independent apartments have sold out and the second stage are selling now.
1 week ago - AUCKLAND
Please come and have a look round, we will be happy to show your our Facility.
Call Debbie on 09 837 2533 to arrange a visit.
1 week ago - Whangārei
Kia Ora friends & whanau of Alternative Care Northland - GREAT NEWS - Bookings are now being taken for Aroha house Respite vacancies - contact Donna 021 774586 for further information
2 weeks ago - Taupo
Our facilities are available to assist with short term care needs over the Holiday period
If you are going on holiday and are worried about the care needs of your loved one during this time, Monte Vista offers short-term care services to assist you. Our short-term residents can expect to enjoy the same great service as any of our other residents, including a full meal service, activities, clinical, and household services.
Because many healthcare staff are on leave during the Holidays (they’re only human, after all!), sometimes there may be some frustration in trying to access healthcare services during this time. If this is the case, then we may also be able to assist.
Not sure if we can help? Give us a call on 0800 00 55 11 and we’ll try our best to assist.
2 weeks ago - Auckland
If your patient has short or long term term equipment needs, we offer a comprehensive range of RENTAL products.
0800 115 222
2 weeks ago - Auckland
Smart Express are able to complete house moves at Alert Level 3. We adhere to all health and safety protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health to ensure we are keeping you and our teams safe. For a quote, call us today - Auckland 09 22 22 555 - Hamilton 07 22 22 555 - Tauranga - 07 22 20 555
2 weeks ago - Auckland
Spring is finally here! It’s a great time to get the garden tools out of the shed and get a head start on planning and creating your fabulous spring garden.
Plant new perennials like Petunia, Federation Daisies, Impatiens, Geraniums. Take care with tender plants in cold districts and wait until the danger of frosts are over.
Complete pruning of Hydrangea and Roses. Prune deciduous trees straight after flowering.
Feed roses, trees, shrubs and flower beds then mulch with Tui Mulch & Feed.
To protect roses new growth from pests and diseases, spray regularly with a certified organic liquid fertiliser.
Prune passionfruit vines by removing some of last seasons excessive growth remembering that they fruit on last year's growth.
Spuds for Christmas! Place your seed potatoes on a tray in a sunny position for at least a month before planting. When the sprouts on the seed potatoes are 2 to 4cm long, plant out in the garden in a large plastic pot, or in a planter in a warm and sheltered position.
Plant Strawberries, blueberries, brambles and rhubarb for delicious crumbles and pies.
Feed berry vines, citrus and fruit trees with Palmers Citrus Fertiliser or a liquid organic fertiliser.
Complete your vegetable garden prep by digging in plenty of quality compost.
Now is the perfect time to sow new lawns. We have a great range of lawn seed from hardwearing for playground areas to easy care options. Spray now for Onehunga weed and broadleaf weeds with a turf or prickle weed killer and be pickle free this summer.
2 weeks ago - Auckland
Spring is finally here! It’s a great time to get the garden tools out of the shed and get a head start on planning and creating your fabulous spring garden.
Plant new perennials like Petunia, Federation Daisies, Impatiens, Geraniums. Take care with tender plants in cold districts and wait until the danger of frosts are over.
Complete pruning of Hydrangea and Roses. Prune deciduous trees straight after flowering.
Feed roses, trees, shrubs and flower beds then mulch with Tui Mulch & Feed.
To protect roses new growth from pests and diseases, spray regularly with a certified organic liquid fertiliser.
Prune passionfruit vines by removing some of last seasons excessive growth remembering that they fruit on last year's growth.
Spuds for Christmas! Place your seed potatoes on a tray in a sunny position for at least a month before planting. When the sprouts on the seed potatoes are 2 to 4cm long, plant out in the garden in a large plastic pot, or in a planter in a warm and sheltered position.
Plant Strawberries, blueberries, brambles and rhubarb for delicious crumbles and pies.
Feed berry vines, citrus and fruit trees with Palmers Citrus Fertiliser or a liquid organic fertiliser.
Complete your vegetable garden prep by digging in plenty of quality compost.
Now is the perfect time to sow new lawns. We have a great range of lawn seed from hardwearing for playground areas to easy care options. Spray now for Onehunga weed and broadleaf weeds with a turf or prickle weed killer and be pickle free this summer.
2 weeks ago - Christchurch
Intuitive, simple to use and fully-featured video magnifier with a brilliant image quality in a compact and portable design!
3 weeks ago - TEST SITE ONLY
We are so proud to announce the arrival of our new webpage Making Life Easier. This page has all the support and services you need to help you life your best life. There is also a useful Knowledge Lab that we are constantly updating. Have a look and let us know what you think.
3 weeks ago - Auckland
In a world that rushes by too fast, we like to focus on creating experiences with our clients. It's important to take time to appreciate the journey and savour the simple things in life that help us all to feel good. We aim to leave a smile on every client's face after a trip. Pre-bookings required.
3 weeks ago - Tauranga
Receive a 10% discount off Inspire Real Estates competitive fees or choose a marketing and move package starting at $3000 in value.
3 weeks ago - Auckland
In a world that rushes by too fast, we like to focus on creating experiences with our clients. It's important to take time to appreciate the journey and savour the simple things in life that help us all to feel good. We aim to leave a smile on every client's face after a trip. Pre-bookings required.
3 weeks ago - Christchurch
We often hear when people are faced with the overwhelming task of clearing out a family member home, they often will get a skip in.
When the team at Estate Matters start work on an Estate Clearance they try to sell as much as possible and all 100% of the proceeds go to the client or Estate. Unsellable items are donated to local charities. We love to recycle as much as possible we hate items ending up in the landfill.
There are amazing local charities that need household items that help local families or to sell in their charity shops and donate food to the City Mission food bank.
If you have an Estate to clear and don't know where to start or if are downsizing your home. The girls at Estate Matters can come out and have a chat on how we can help you and your family.
Give us a call today for a free estimate.
3 weeks ago - Auckland
Welcome to our fabulous modern home, creating a social interacting environment of happy independent persons who have the opportunity to have the freedom to continue inhouse & community activities as desired.
Personal choices in their care & well being has great importance in our everyday routines.
The open environmental areas both inside & out creates space to all individuals whether requiring mobility aids or not, no stairs or steps, wide corridor areas & large ensuites are exceptional.
4 weeks ago - Whangarei
Please check it for regular COVID-19 Updates www.homesupport.co.nz
4 weeks ago - Auckland
Scott Holland Healthcare is a duly certified home and community support company- NZS 8158:2012
4 weeks ago - Auckland
Browse our website for our full range of products that can make your life easier, especially in these times of lockdowns and uncertainty. If you are confined in your home, you want to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible
Our Lift Chairs are designed to be the ultimate in lift chair comfort, style and performance. Available in several beautiful fabrics and styles to fit any décor, Kiwi Lift Chairs also have a 2-year limited warranty. The state-of-the-art lift system utilized in Kiwi Lift Chairs will recline you further than any other lift chair. Plus, Kiwi Lift Chairs are equipped with an emergency battery backup should the power fail in your home.
The KiwiC1 is a 3 position, petite to small lift chair with fully removable upholstery components, (Please note: the 3 position is a full recline chair.)
The KiwiC6 Infinite position, medium to large chaise lounge chair with fully removable upholstery and dual motors which enable independent recline/ footrest function
The KiwiD30 is a 3 position, medium to large chaise lounge chair.
For those sunny days when you are able to get outside, wear your mask and get out on a mobility scooter from us that fits your requirements and terrain
4 weeks ago - Whakatane
A wonderful world living in Ohope Beach care with the gorgeous Ohope beach 3 minutes away!
St John's volunteer group assisting us with spontaneous activities
Come and dance with us during our morning exercises
We have a Ohope Beach choir that sing with all the Residents in secure wing every day in the afternoon
We are currently making a sensory garden in the secret garden
4 weeks ago - Whakatane
We have a beautiful deck under a sail which our Residents have many daily activities on
i think the most important fact are, that our incredibly caring staff care for all our Residents with such compassion and devotion on a daily basis
St Johns volunteer group are giving great joy to everyone with many spontaneous activities
We are creating a sensory garden for all residents in the secret garden.
4 weeks ago - Gisborne
Tairawhiti-Gisborne Total Mobility vouchers are working well in Tairawhiti.........Driving Miss Daisy Tairawhiti is an essential service provider and is operating in this Level 4 status our country is currently in Please phone 8688081 or 021 503 816 to discuss your requirements with Monica how we can help. Mobility vehicle available if required for wheelchair travel.
4 weeks ago - Palmerston North
A great range of new kitchen gadgets including easy slicers, double handled mugs, non-slip chopping boards, Touch & Go openers, Tipping Kettles
4 weeks ago - North Shore
Our all-in-one community includes specialised dementia care
Aria Bay is a community for over-65s where you may not have to change address as your needs change. We offer independent living in boutique apartments, assisted living in serviced apartments, and supported living and care, including specialised care suites and a sunny courtyard garden for residents with memory loss.
For more info call Sharon on 0800 202 220 or 021 618 913 or visit ariabay.co.nz
4 weeks ago - North Shore
Our all-in-one community includes specialised dementia care
Aria Bay is a community for over-65s where you may not have to change address as your needs change. We offer independent living in boutique apartments, assisted living in serviced apartments, and supported living and care, including specialised care suites and a sunny courtyard garden for residents with memory loss.
For more info call Sharon on 0800 202 220 or 021 618 913 or visit ariabay.co.nz
4 weeks ago - Tauranga
Hello we are so proud and happy to be a part of the Eldernet family and look forward to offering an amazing service to families.
We have incredible caregivers available to help you or your loved one and we make this even easier with an app where you can say what help you are needing, and choose a caregiver that best suits you. The caregivers have a profile that showcases their skills and interests and you can actively choose a caregiver that would be a great match for you. If you have elderly parents that you can't get to, (especially at the moment) you can pop into the app and have a look for a caregiver for them. Having peace of mind that you can book and re-book the same person to provide consistency and stability for your loved one is also important. We are all about respectful relationships and making sure people feel heard, loved and respected. If you would like to know more please check our website www.dynamiccaregivers.co.nz or call Kerri on 0272 699 669 anytime.
4 weeks ago - Te Kauwhata
An increasing number of Auckland Villages and Rest Homes are identifying a need for a Chaperone service, for residents attending hospital or specialist appointments.
Working alongside you, we're delighted to provide this vital service, escorting folk, wherever they need to go.
We're happy to assist with dressing, if necessary, with taking detailed notes and meeting with your staff or family members after the appointment, if required.
By using YOUR ATTENDANT you'll maintain maximum staffing levels and be assured of a highly professional, caring companion service.
Call Diane on 09 4192000, for more information.
4 weeks ago - Christchurch
Retirement Unit Surrender Consultancy (RUS consultancy) specialises in providing assistance or management on the surrender of occupation rights/licences for retirement village units, we are an alternative service to engaging a lawyer.
In most cases with the right assistance and guidance the surrender of your Occupation right can be done without the costly legal bills and that is where RUS Consultancy comes in. We have the experience and skills necessary to make handling your own transaction easy. Our service enables the retirement unit occupant, their family or power of attorney to handle the surrender without the need to instruct expensive lawyers, we also provide a management service where we takeover and handle your transaction from start to finish if you prefer.
The founder of RUS Consultancy is legally qualified and has a wealth of knowledge on statutory supervisor requirements and procedures as well as vast experience in dealing with village solicitors and their representatives. We believe that the surrender of a retirement unit can be done efficiently and affordably without the large legal bills. We are open and transparent about out costs, and we guarantee our fixed fee.
We are a registered Associate member of the Retirement Village Association NZ.
4 weeks ago - Dunedin
Now that we are at Alert Level 4, we cannot have funerals or viewings, but can offer other options. Hopefully we will soon be able to move down the levels and provide more support for grieving families.
2020 gave our team a whole new set of technology challenges. The experience gained from running simulcast funerals with on-line audiences and remote tributes, is helping us provide options in 2021.
Please contact us directly for more information.
284 Keyes Road
New Brighton
Christchurch 8083
Postal Address
PO Box 18603
New Brighton
Christchurch 8641
