Quality Care for Southland’s Seniors Recognised

The commitment of Enliven’s staff in providing the best care possible to their residents has been highlighted with all four of its care homes achieving top marks following recent intensive and comprehensive audits.

“This result demonstrates our facilities as exemplars in the aged care sector,” Presbyterian Support Southland chief executive Matt Russell said.

The success of the audits was even more pleasing given the challenging environment over the past three years, which could be characterised as the most difficult period for the sector because of resourcing shortages, the global pandemic and funding, he said.

“Despite the workforce challenges, we are building resilience and service delivery to be proud of.”

Auditors BSI Group New Zealand completed three certification audits and one surveillance audit of Enliven Southland’s care homes against the Ngā Paerewa Health and Disability Services Standard 2021, which started with a certification audit of Resthaven Village in August last year.

The audit team looked at all levels of the organisation from the way residents are cared for and the programmes offered to governance and clinical diligence across all levels of care at Vickery Court, Peacehaven Village, Resthaven Village and Walmsley House.

The audit also had a strong focus on ensuring positive outcomes and achieving pae ora (healthy futures) for Māori.

The auditor’s report stated – “there are quality systems and processes being implemented. Feedback from residents and family/whānau were positive about the care and the services provided.”

Not only did Enliven pass each of the four audits with all standards met, but audits of Peacehaven Village and Walmsley House identified initiatives which went above and beyond what was required, demonstrating Enliven was not just meeting the standards, but was always continually improving its services for the benefit of its residents.

Peacehaven exceeded expectations in two key areas and Walmsley House in one.

As a result, both homes have received 4-year certification, the maximum certification length.

Enliven director Carol Riddle said the result gave the team confidence it could grow to meet the increasing care needs of its residents who were coming into care with more complex health conditions.

“This achievement has taken an absolute team effort from everyone…and shows how invested our staff are in providing the best care possible for our residents.”

As part of Enliven’s contractual obligations with Te Whatu Ora, its care homes are audited every 12 months to four years depending on the findings of the previous audit.