During their latest visit to Enliven’s Huntleigh Home, The Whakaahuru Singers invited the residents to sit back and close their eyes while listening to their songs.
The group is unique in that the singers don’t mind if audience members fall asleep during a performance, they actually take it as a complement. The name Whakaahuru reflects the group’s gentle singing style, designed to soothe the listener.
Whakaahuru visits Huntleigh Home in Karori about four times a year and is one of the few groups in New Zealand that specialises in singing to comfort people in palliative care.
Enliven operations manager Suzanne Simpson says Enliven homes that provide hospital or palliative care – such as Huntleigh – develop specific activities programmes and individualised wellbeing plans for residents requiring that level of care. Whakaahuru is a part of that.
“We encourage everyone to continue with their hobbies and interests once they move in, so that makes for a diverse social and activity calendar at the home!”
Huntleigh Home provides both rest home and hospital level care so usually residents are aged over 65, but care can be provided for residents who are under 65.
Huntleigh also runs a ‘forever 50s’ programme for the younger residents. The residents in this group can focus on their own hobbies, which may differ from the older residents.
“It’s about continually adapting to meet the changing needs of our residents, whatever the age,” Suzanne says.
Huntleigh Home offers rest home and hospital care, short-term respite, health recovery care and a day programme. To learn more about the home or the elder-centred Enliven philosophy, visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call 04 464 2020.
