Kate Apanui had never pictured herself moving to a rest home. But the moment she laid eyes on Masterton’s Kandahar Home, she knew it was the right place for her.
“When my daughter first suggested I consider moving to a rest home, I was pretty against it to be honest, but I agreed to take a look around a few of them. It turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me.
“When I first came to visit Kandahar, I instantly fell in love with the grounds, they’re so beautiful. Then I met the people, who were all so nice and considerate, and the staff were very supportive. It felt like home.”
Since moving to the Enliven home late last year, Kate has found many ways to embrace life at Kandahar Home.
“I love it here! There’s always something to do and people to speak to, you’re never lonely. I take part in the home’s recreation programme every day, and I also go to the church service offered on Sundays.
“The staff have also got me into sharing some of the things I’m involved with outside of the home, like what I’ve learnt at [Māori health provider] Hauora. I’ve have taught some of that here – just a bit of poi work and a few action songs, it’s been fun,” she says.
Kandahar Home Manager Peter Newman says creating an environment in which residents feel comfortable and able to be themselves is a vital part of Enliven’s elder-centred philosophy.
“We recognise that just because a resident has changed address, it doesn’t mean his or her personality has changed,” says Peter.
“All of us want to live somewhere we feel loved, supported and able to be ourselves, and we love being able to help residents like Kate live life with such energy and enthusiasm.”
Kandahar Home offers rest home and hospital care, short-term respite and health recovery care and a day activity programme. To learn more about life at Kandahar Home visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz or call the friendly team on 06 370 0447.
