When Kowhainui Home Diversional Therapy Team Leader Frances Craven noticed the kindness being shared between residents in the Enliven home, she decided to celebrate it.
“I thought to myself ‘what do you call that in Māori?’ and it’s manaakitanga.”
Frances and other members of Kowhainui Home’s recreation team are now photographing instances of kindness or manaakitanga they see happening between residents or staff and residents.
“We thought we’d get a series of pictures together and put it up on the wall,” Frances says.
The approach aligns with Enliven’s cultural framework, which is based on Te Whare Tapa Whā.
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori health model developed by psychiatrist Sir Mason Durie. The model describes the cornerstones of Māori health and it is believed people will have optimal health when all needs are met under them, Frances says.
“It all comes down to enhancing the experience for the residents – that family and social wellbeing. They are family here and they contribute to each other’s wellbeing.”
Another practice that the recreation team has started documenting is that of whanaungatanga – or establishing connections with others.
Frances says this is an important connection – especially for the day programme clients that come in.
“When new attendees come in, we talk what we do and they can speak about what they’ve done in the past, and that can help to start build relationships and common interests.”
Frances says this approach is also a learning opportunity for many of the residents, who were not aware of the Māori terms for these actions.
“We’re encouraging it and adding to it.”
Enliven’s Kowhainui Home and Villages in Otamatea offer independent retirement living, rest home and hospital level care, as well as short-term respite, health recovery care and an engaging day programme. For more information call the friendly team on 06 349 1400 or visit www.enlivencentral.org.nz.
