Welcome to winter in Gisborne from the team at Leighton House
As the temperatures dropped, Gisborne revealed a quieter, more peaceful beauty. The crisp air, stunning coastal vistas, and golden winter sun make this season a special time to experience the East Coast’s magic. Whether it’s cosying up at a local café, exploring breathtaking coastal walks, or witnessing the first sunrise in the world, winter in Gisborne is nothing short of enchanting. Bundle up, embrace the season, and enjoy the serene charm of winter in our slice of paradise!
Over the cooler months our residents have enjoyed live music as well as baking, van outings, indoor bowls, brain games, flower arranging and other crafts. Last week our Activities Team even hosted a karaoke afternoon – where Rodney, our Operations Manager was invited to sing!
Over the last couple of months, we have enjoyed some fantastic celebrations as Leighton House continues its commitment to supporting individuals within our home and the wider community.
Our dedicated Activities Team put together a delightful Easter trolley, beautifully decorated and brimming with colourful Easter eggs. This thoughtful gesture brought joy and festive cheer to everyone, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere for the occasion.
Our residents celebrated Mother’s Day with a high tea. It was a truly delightful occasion for our wonderful mothers to connect, share stories, and celebrate motherhood together. Some of their family members also came to join in the celebration.
Residents created beautiful stars in celebration of Matariki, which we displayed at the entrance and throughout the facility. Our Activities Coordinator shared the meaning behind the Matariki stars and their significance. In the afternoon, our residents also enjoyed a lively happy hour, complete with a sausage sizzle.
To prepare for winter respiratory illnesses, our staff and residents received flu vaccinations in April and May. Additionally, some residents received COVID-19 vaccines on April 5. For those who had a COVID infection in the past six months, a second batch of COVID vaccinations is scheduled for July.
Our new Operations Coordinator, Rodney started working at Leighton House. He says, “The staff are warm, friendly and supportive. No two days are ever the same. I always look forward to starting my day, eager to see what activities are planned for our lovely residents. They stay busy with engaging routines, making each day lively. It’s wonderful to be back in healthcare”. We are very fortunate to have had Rodney join our team.
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome other new team members too. They are Simranjeet who joins us as a Caregiver; Poonam who joins us as a Caregiver, Home Assistant and Kitchenhand; Alfonso who joins us as a Home Assistant, Kitchenhand and Relief Cook; Di who joins us as a casual Home Assistant and Kitchenhand; and Melanie who joins us as a Home Assistant and Kitchen Hand. A warm welcome to everyone. Please feel free to say hello when you see them around our home.
Recently, we also bid a heartfelt farewell to Preet. Her commitment, empathy, and professionalism have impacted our team and enriched the lives of our residents. We wish her all the very best as she starts a new chapter in her nursing journey.
It is that time of year again and we invite you to join us for our Mid-Winter Family Gathering on Wednesday the 23rd of July, from 2-4pm. Come and enjoy a wonderful afternoon filled with laughter, connection, and seasonal festivities. There will be delicious treats, fun activities and a chance to create lasting memories with loved ones. We would love to see you there!
Ka Mahuta a Matariki i te pae, Ka Mahuta o tatou tumanako ki te tau.
When Matariki rises above the horizon, our aspirations rise to the year ahead