SUPPORT, CARE & DIGNITY

living life a little alternatively

You know, we’re all a bit different; personalities, likes, dislikes, beliefs and backgrounds.

Knox Home is a little different too. But first and foremost, Knox is a care home and hospital community for elders and younger people who live with physical disability. Importantly though, we’re an Eden Alternative™ home. In 2014, we became New Zealand’s first home to be fully-registered.

The little differences you’ll find at Knox are the things that make a big difference to the lives of our residents.

Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital is a Charitable Trust with over 100 years of service to the Auckland community. We’re not a corporate. We don’t sell licences to occupy or anything like it. The Knox Home Trust Board simply continues to provide support, care and dignity to those in need, just the way founder Elizabeth Knox envisioned when she left her bequest in 1908.

What makes us so unique, is the way we provide superior care and attention to each and every unique individual. The ten principles of the Eden Alternative guide us to create a home where our residents love living, where families have confidence that their loved ones are safe, content and cared for, and where our focus is on combating loneliness, helplessness and boredom for enriched lives.

We recognise every day is a gift. Our mission is to make sure we add to the fulfilment and enjoyment of every single one.

Welcome to Knox Home.

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unique and loving it

SUPPORT, CARE & DIGNITY

Elderhood needn’t be a period of decline, rather an opportunity for continued growth and wellbeing

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The Eden Alternative is a fresh philosophy of personal, organisational and environmental transformation founded by Dr. William Thomas, a Harvard-trained physician.Since the late 1990s, it has been changing the way hospitals and homes are being developed and managed by progressive care organisations around the world.

The core concept of the Eden Alternative is simple: Care environments are habitats for human beings that should promote health, wellbeing and growth rather than facilities where the frail and elderly stagnate and decline.

The Eden Alternative shows us how companion animals, children and

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Knox is home to 200 subsidised and fee-paying private residents.

We offer rest home, hospital, young disabled, respite and palliative care as well as carer support and an interim care scheme.

We know residential care for elders and young disabled can be much, much more, so we aim to make sure it is at Knox. For a start, we’ve challenged the structure of traditional care homes and hospitals. We put our residents at the centre of everything we do.

Our Residents’ Committee provides residents the opportunity to discuss and review their needs and ideas, and action initiatives when appropriate. It is an effective and valuable part of Knox management submitting recommendations, ideas and initiatives to support the living requirements of residents.

Through this working partnership with residents and families, we support and enable residents to continue discovering their potential, consistent with principles of the Eden Alternative. Every day should be lived as fully as possible.

The Eden Alternative empowers residents, families and staff to make a better life

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our eden is yours

The genesis of the Eden Alternative One day in the mid-1990s, Dr. Bill Thomas, while making his nursing home rounds, came upon a woman with a rash on her arm. In his best doctor’s voice, he leaned down and asked her, “Hello, I’m Dr. Thomas, what can I do for you today?” He would never forget the beautiful blue eyes that stared up at him as she reached up to draw him closer. And he would never forget the words she whispered,

Doctor, I am so lonely.‘

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plants help in providing an opportunity for a meaningful contribution and care. Essentially, it contributes to preventing and eliminating the aged care plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom.

The Eden Alternative approach is encapsulated in ten principles that form part of a rigorous learning, implementation and registration process instituted by the international, not-for-profit Eden Alternative organisation.

Since adopting the Eden Alternative, we have experienced reductions in medication use, mortality, infections and staff turnover. Knox is much more lively and spirited. There is continuing evidence of more spontaneity, increased care and family engagement.

We’ve created a culture of warmth through empowerment and the developmentof teamwork

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Knox Home sits on an expansive site of landscaped gardens in a leafy corner of Epsom. We are close to both Manukau Road and Newmarket shops, restaurants and amenities.

There are six Knox ‘homes’ in a matrix linked for easy access to each other, home facilities and gardens. The homes are Kauri, Karaka, Kowhai, Rimu, Totara and Nikau House. It’s a very social environment where there’s plenty of interaction and support but allows privacy when its wanted.

While most of Knox was originally built in the 1970s, there has been, and continues to be, ongoing refurbishment and redevelopment of facilities.

We have several open plan resident

lounge/kitchen-dining rooms throughout Knox. These are comfortably furnished and equipped for residents to watch TV, entertain or be entertained in, take part in events or just relax.

Even though all residents’ meals are catered for, they are free to prepare food or refreshments for themselves, fellow residents or their family with ingredients available in resident kitchens. Resident and staff barbecues are always popular too.

Knox ‘Street’ includes a shop with a small range of products available. There’s also a hairdressing salon, volunteer hub and Olive Café for the perfect place to catch up with friends and family.

We have the privilege of working in the place residents choose as their home… they do not come to live in our workplace

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Round the clock professional medical and nursing care The Knox nursing team receives direction and guidance from our Clinical Mentors with the support of the Nursing Care Director. Our medical team visit and review residents each day and provide any appropriate medical care.

Considerable emphasis is placed on maintaining excellent staffing levels to ensure the best possible care and for this reason average staff to patient ratios for hospital-level care are 1:5. Nurses actively participate in a continuing education and training programme.

Knox Home’s physiotherapy service focuses on improving residents’ strength and mobility. We believe both to be vital for our residents to have as much independence and activity as possible.

Rest Home CareKnox is home for our residents and we never forget that. Residents are encouraged to be as self-sufficient as possible within a warm, friendly, safe and well-supported environment; always knowing that they have ready access to comprehensive clinical services should they be required.

Care Partners focus their efforts on strengthening each person’s capability and independence. For example, facilities are available for residents to do their personal laundry, make a cuppa, bake a cake, or undertake a personal sewing project if they want to.

Pets are a feature at Knox too, as they are an important part of a resident’s life. And for avid gardeners or those who enjoy woodwork there are ample facilities, equipment and willing helpers to support these activities.

Hospital CareKnox Home and Hospital is recognised as a provider of high quality hospital care for people with high level health and care needs. Not only do residents have 24/7 access to the knowledge and expertise of Registered Nurses, they also benefit from input from the Knox Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy teams.

Young Disabled CareKnox has been providing care for younger people with physical disabilities for many years and add a huge amount to the Knox community. We provide physiotherapy, a well-equipped gymnasium, occupational therapy and easy access to meaningful activity.

Knox provides an environment where independence and continued community engagement are encouraged and supported.

Day VisitsKnox can also support those living at home. We offer flexible options for spending partial or full days in the friendly and supportive environment, of Knox Home. This provides elders with additional social contact, interest and activity to their days while allowing necessary time-out for those caring for them. Day visits can also be a helpful first step towards longer-term care.

Day visit fees are privately funded.

Respite CareThe respite care scheme is operated by the Manager for Respite Care, Older Peoples Health, Auckland Healthcare. It provides short term stays at Knox according to the needs of the client and the client’s caregiver at home.

Such clients enjoy all the advantages that long term residents including access to physiotherapy, participation in occupational therapy and visiting doctors.

Some respite care clients return regularly and soon see the facility as their second home. The staff warmly welcome their return and most enjoy the chance to again meet old friends among the residents.

Palliative CareKnox Home and Hospital has expertise in providing high quality palliative care. Knox Registered Nurses are trained in managing pain and other symptoms. Specialist palliative care nurses from the Auckland District Health Board and Hospice also work closely with our team.

Knox follow the Liverpool Care Pathway, an international gold standard for care of a dying person. Families of residents are made very welcome at Knox and are especially supported by the nursing team when their loved one is receiving palliative care.

Carer SupportCarer support is a scheme partially funded by the Ministry of Health to provide support to home caregivers. Generally, clients are eligible for 28 days care per year in a residential facility such as Knox Home. Such clients enjoy all the advantages that long term residents have.

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you’re at the centre of our care

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Knox life revolves around close and continuing contact with plants, animals and children

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When you enter Knox Home, you’ll see and feel a big difference. Knox is the residents’ home. There are many reasons, but one is our pets.

We have cats, dogs, aquarium fish and birds providing companionship and a wonderful focus for residents’ attention. Some residents have particularly close relationships with certain pets. Others are adopted by individual residents and some spend time with the wider community.

Knox has its own Mobility Dog, black labrador, Olive. She’s trained to help those with physical disabilities but we know she really adds to resident’s enjoyment of life by just being around.

We take any opportunity to invite

other pets of all sizes to visit Knox too as they make a great addition to the ambience of Knox. You are welcome to bring your pet with you.

Staying busy and engagedWe know having purpose is essential to human wellbeing.

The Eden Alternative encourages an environment in which the unexpected and unpredictable can take place. There is something different happening at Knox every day and there is always the opportunity to do other things our residents enjoy and find meaningful.

We also have group activities including crafts, concerts, exercise, housie, board and word games and bowling, among others.

We make every effort to assist residents to pursue any activity they wish inside or outside Knox Home.

We arrange events like dances, competitions, theme days and celebrations around major calendar events. Regular outings are also made to a wide range of destinations such as art galleries, museums, the zoo, beaches, shopping and much more.

Tasty and nutritious mealsOur chef and catering team takes great pride in delicious meals they prepare to meet resident’s diverse dietary needs. The menu is reviewed regularly with resident’s input, and provides variety and choice including the ability to meet specific dietary requirements.

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your home is complete at knox

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Our incredible Knox volunteersWe have a fantastic group of volunteers who help out at Knox.

The residents truly love volunteers and the special skills, support and personalities they all bring. We know that many firm friendships and bonds are created, contributing to a richer life for both residents and volunteers.

Other considerations

Church worshipResidents have the opportunity to attend a church service at Knox Home each Wednesday but arrangements can also be made for attendance at other church services.

Advocacy

An independent advocate is available to support residents through personal issues or concerns. This is a free service.

FeesResidents are income and asset tested by Work and Income NZ and may be eligible for partial or full subsidies.

If you, or someone you care for are interested in rest home care and are unsure about how to access it, or the impact on your finances, you will find helpful information on the Auckland District Health Board website adhb.govt.nz/seniorline/

Nikau House is Knox Home’s 60-bed premium hospital-level care facility opened in 2014.

Nikau House is a unique way of living in hospital care with homely surroundings and features. Knox provides residents with just the right level of care and support so they can continue to be as independent as possible while continuing to enjoy life.

Nikau House consists of four households each with its own open plan kitchen and lounge which are furnished very comfortably including a cosy fireplace.

Every resident has their own bedroom with ensuite bathroom within a family-like home community.

Residents have full use of the kitchen to prepare refreshments, snacks or even full meals if they choose - just as they would in their own homes. They can socialise around the dinner table with other residents as a group or they can invite their own families or friends in to share. Residents’ meals are still catered by the Knox chef and delivered to their house.

Nikau House has certainly been designed with maximum flexibility of space in mind and we’ve used dementia design audit tools as a baseline. This has ensured suitability for a full range of residents. There has been substantial design input by Knox Home staff including cutting-edge bathroom innovations with

unparalleled accessability.

We’ve made light and bright indoor spaces, views, gardens and easy access to the outdoors a priority. Nikau House is serviced by lifts between the two floors. Each lounge and dining room opens or looks onto beautifully landscaped, north-facing gardens and views of Mt St John and Mt Eden.

There has been considerable thought applied to the design of the gardens including the addition of an oversized exterior chess set. Many bedrooms have commanding views around this charming corner of Epsom.

Not only are the facilities outstanding, but each Nikau household has a

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Premium hospital-level care in four households providing opportunity for new ways to support residents

the hospital you call home

devoted team including Registered Nurse Clinical Mentors and Care Partners who have a close and integral knowledge of each resident, their likes and dislikes, their individual needs and personal health and well-being.

We are confident that Nikau House is Auckland’s most unique hospital-level care environment available today.

Ours is a high quality team of professionals committed to enhancing the lives of our residents.

We expect and receive a high level of performance from them and know our unique Eden Alternative environment brings out their best.

We ensure...we work as a team

we embrace change with optimism

we promote well-being

we reciprocate care

we are hardworking and productive

we are reliable

we are curious and innovative

we laugh and have fun.

Please let us know if we can answer any questions you may have.

We look forward to welcoming you to Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital.

Residents can continue to enjoy everything they did in their own homes, and often much more

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Knox really has a great team

We would love you to join us

SUPPORT, CARE & DIGNITY

SUPPORT, CARE & DIGNITY

10 Ranfurly Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023

PO Box 74060, Market Road, Auckland 1546

Telephone 09 523 3119

info@knox.co.nz

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unique and loving it

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