Radius Residential Care

Christchurch Earthquake Update

2011-06-14T13:31:00.001+12:00

Canterbury was again hit by a number of aftershocks yesterday affecting to a varying degree our facilities St.Ives, St. Helena’s, St.Winifreds and Elloughton gardens in Timaru.

Whilst staff and residents were unhurt, our buildings have sustained minor new damage consisting of superficial cracking. Liquefaction is evident in Christchurch.

All four facilities were diligent in effectively operating emergency procedures during (and immediately after) the aftershocks and have now returned to a mostly normal operation. Essential services such as gas, water and sewerage are being checked today. Access to drinking water and electricity is uninterrupted.

Communication throughout yesterday afternoon with our Support Office was sound. Supplies of food and medical supplies are not affected.
Our thoughts are with Residents, their Families and our Staff during this difficult time.

Earthquake Update

2011-03-04T14:43:00.005+13:00

Dear Residents, Families and Friends,

I visited Christchurch again this week, Wednesday 2nd March and provide the following update:

St Winifred's: St Winifred's have a few more cracks in some areas, none of which are structural.

The facility is running at full capacity with water, electricity, sewerage and a full staff compliment. Some staff have had difficulties in getting to work as a result of the location of their homes, the status of their homes or simply crossing town through the cordoned area. We have been assisting with this process and have been running and internal bureau among our three sites to ensure that we are staffing with full staff compliments.

St Helena's: St Helena's is in Barbadoes Street and is within the cordoned off area. The building itself has sustained virtually no damage as a result of the earthquake or any aftershocks subsequent.

The facility is operating with full services, electricity, water and sewerage are all operating as normal. We also have a full staff compliment at St Helena's.

There is difficulty in reaching the facility as it necessitates entering the cordoned off area. This area has had increasing security in the last week or so and has resulted in some staff being held at the checkpoints whilst their identities are verified and in some cases the Manager has had to leave the facility and come up to get the staff and to debate with the cordon patrols in order to get staff through. These issues are relatively minor given the extent of the damage in Christchurch. Staff are fully aware of the need to carry ID forms at all times and this added security has not affected our ability to provide high level care.

Despite being in the central city area, St Helena's has come out of the earthquake unscathed and for all intents and purposes is operating as normal.

St Ives: St Ives borders Vogel Street and River Road. River Road was extensively damaged in the quake and the wing nearest River Road has been damaged at this facility. On the day of the quake, residents were moved from that wing and have since been relocated to other facilities. All family members have been contacted to advise them of this move.

St Ives has limited water supply, electricity and sewerage services. The city council are continuing to work on the water supply issue and advise that we can expect full water supply to be reinstated as soon as repairs are completed. The difficulty with the water supply is that the main supply it runs alongside River Road and they are repairing damaged pipes as they come upon the damaged areas one, at a time, slowly moving towards our facility. The facility had three feeds that were capped on Vogel Street, they have been re-commissioned to provide the facility with water until the main River Road connection is restored. All staff and all residents are in good spirits and being well cared for.

I will be visiting Christchurch again next week and if the situation has changed again in any way I will update this report. Should you have any queries or wish to obtain additional information about a friend or family member, please don't hesitate to call us.

Regards,

Brien Cree

Christchurch Earthquake Update

2011-02-23T17:07:00.002+13:00

We have been able to establish limited contact with all three of our facilities in Christchurch and are happy again to confirm there have been no injuries of either staff or residents. The facilities effected are St Ives, St Helena's and St Winifred's.

We have been in contact with all our major suppliers who provide us with essential items such as food, medical supplies, sanitary and hygiene supplies, etc. In all cases these companies have put contingency plans in place to enable the consistent supply of their products to our facilities. Examples of this are our food supplier who has sustained damage to their warehouse in Christchurch, however is running trucks from their Dunedin supply centre daily. Another example is a medicine product supplier, again their warehouse has been damaged in Christchurch, however they are running trucks from Auckland, leaving every day in order for us to maintain a 24 hour order and supply process. The facilities were all well stocked and therefore there is no immediate concern regarding supply of any food items or necessary products.

At the time of this update, the three facilities were still without electricity, however the emergency lighting systems are all operable. The three facilities are also without water from the town water supply, however they all have access to emergency water supply sources.

The pharmacies that supply our medications have provided us with alternatives if required and we can confirm access to medications is not affected. We have canvassed our staff throughout the rest of the country to determine if people would be available to travel to Christchurch if required to assist and have had an overwhelming response from health care assistants, registered nurses and support staff. I am traveling to Christchurch tomorrow (Thursday 24/02/11) and will be able to provide a further update following that visit.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those in Christchurch.

Brien Cree
CEO

Orbiter September 2010

2010-10-15T04:05:00.001+13:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More residential

New dementia care centre gets big tick from Nita

2010-09-21T13:03:00.002+12:00

Te Awamutu Courier newspaper

21 September 2010

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Dementia needs on rise

2010-09-18T12:58:00.003+12:00

Waikato Times newspaper

18 September 2010

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Rest home back in NZ hands

2010-09-04T11:51:00.001+12:00

NZ Herald Business Supplement

4 April 2010

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On Rest Homes

2010-07-29T12:55:00.001+12:00

NZ Herald newspaper
29 July 2010

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Aged care: ensure a good match for your needs

2010-07-24T12:53:00.001+12:00

Northern Advocate newspaper
24 July 2010

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RADIUS NEWSROOM

2010-07-20T22:35:00.000+12:00

Welcome to the Radius Residential Care Newsroom.
Here you’ll find accurate up-to-date information and news relating to Radius Residential Care’s facilities and activities.

Media and company information, together with media releases and high resolution images, have been compiled to assist media when researching and writing news articles.

‘The Orbiter’ – a monthly newsletter compiled especially for Radius Residential Care residents also offers interesting information and reading entertainment.

For more information or for media enquiries please contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive
Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 304 2404
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@rrcl.co.nz

Carolyn Mackay
Personal Assistant to CEO
Ph (09) 304 2404
carolyn.mackay@rrcl.co.nz

Company Factsheet

2010-07-20T10:05:00.003+12:00

COMPANY FACTSHEET

When was Radius Residential Care established?
Radius Residential Care Ltd was established in 2003 in response to New Zealand’s growing demand for aged care and specialist health care services. The privately owned company was registered and incorporated in June 2003.

Who owns Radius Residential Care?
Radius Residential Care is a New Zealand owned and operated company. Chief Executive Brien Cree is both a director and majority shareholder in the business. Other private individuals also share a vested interest and minority shareholding in the company. The company was formerly owned and operated by Radius Health Group (Radius Pharmacy and Radius Medical brands) prior to a major shareholding buyout in April 2010. Radius Residential Care is proud to be a New Zealand owned and operated aged care provider.

Who manages Radius Residential Care operations?
Head office for Radius Residential Care is located in Auckland city. There are three board of directors who preside over the Company and a team of seven key executive managers who govern company operations. At each of the 21 Radius Residential Care facilities nationwide there is an appointed Facility Manager who oversees the day-to-day care delivery of residents. Chief Executive Brien Cree is responsible for more than 1200 Radius Residential Care managers, caregivers and nursing staff based in facilities across New Zealand.

How many Radius Residential Care facilities are there nationwide?
There are a total of 21 Radius Residential Care facilities conveniently located throughout New Zealand in city centers and country settings.

One of these facilities is a retirement village situated in Ohaupo (Radius Windsor Court), offering independent living options in town houses and services apartments.

The other 20 facilities are rest home hospitals offering a high level of daily care that includes long term, respite, palliative and other care options for both young and old or disabled peoples.

How many beds are there at Radius Residential Care facilities throughout New Zealand?
Radius Residential Care is New Zealand’s fourth largest provider of aged care and specialized residential health services, offering a total of 1425 beds in 21 rest homes and two retirement village facilities nationwide.
More than 33,000 elderly New Zealanders and their families are cared for by aged residential care providers each year.

How many staff and residents are there in Radius facilities?
Radius Residential employs registered nurses and qualified caregivers to provide a high level of care to residents. More than 1200 staff care for approximately 1400 residents in Radius facilities nationwide.

What qualifications do Radius Residential Care staff have?
All nurses at Radius Residential Care facilities are registered, qualified and trained professionals. Radius caregivers are also chosen for their industry qualifications and their dedication to residents' quality of life. Professional skills of nurses and caregivers are fine-tuned through in-house training programmes and a specially devised ongoing staff development plan helps ensure staff stay up to date with new developments in nursing care.

What levels of care and services do Radius facilities offer?
Radius Residential Care facilities offer a broad range of 24 hour / 7 days a week health care services for people whose physical capacity has diminished - both young and old:

Hospital care services including; long term, respite and palliative care as well as care for young disabled persons, care for dementia sufferers, hospice care and complex medical care. All hospital care services are fully accredited.

Rest home care services offered by Radius Residential Care are; long term, respite and palliative care as well as care for young disabled persons and dementia sufferers and day care options.

Retirement village services available are; weekly visits from house doctor, a visiting diversional therapist and podiatrist and respite and day care options. A registered nurse is always available and the villages are staffed 24 hours a day. Weekly activities and regular outings are also arranged by a full time activities co-ordinator.

Who do I speak to about availability of space or entry into a Radius facility?
When enquiring about availability, or to arrange a visit to any Radius Residential Care facility please liaise directly with the relevant Facility Manager. Alternatively, you can request a detailed information pack by contacting head office.

Is there any subsidized funding available for Radius Residential Care residents?
Financial assistance is often available in the form of a Residential Care Subsidy provided by the Ministry of Health and funded through the District Health Boards. The subsidy assists with the cost of contracted care for a client in long-term residential care in a hospital or rest home indefinitely. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the payment of Residential Care Subsidy to the hospital or rest home where the client resides. For further information please contact Work and Income NZ or the relevant Radius Residential Facility Manager.

For further information please contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 304 2404
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@rrcl.co.nz

Company Backgrounder

2010-07-20T10:05:00.001+12:00

COMPANY BACKGROUNDER

Radius Residential Care Ltd was established in 2003 in response to New Zealand’s growing demand for aged care and specialist health care services.

Formerly a subsidiary company of Radius Health Group (which includes Radius Pharmacy and Radius Medical brands), Radius Residential Care Ltd underwent a major shareholding buyout in April 2010 when the Company was restored to kiwi ownership from Radius Health Group’s foreign investors. The Company is now headed by Chief Executive Brien Cree; one of Auckland’s leading rest home and hospital property consultants with more than 20 years experience in the industry. Brien is one of three company directors and the majority shareholder in the business. Other private individuals also share a vested interest and minority shareholding in the Company.

Since its inception seven years ago, Radius Residential Care Ltd has grown from one rest home to now include 21 rest home and hospital facilities nationwide. Radius Residential also owns and operates a retirement village in Ohaupo.

There are more than 1400 beds available at Radius aged care facilities throughout New Zealand making Radius Residential Care New Zealand’s fourth largest provider of aged care services. Residents are cared for by qualified, compassionate caregivers, and registered nursing staff who provide a variety of specialised health care services.

Radius takes an innovative approach to health care that seeks to maintain and enhance the well-being, dignity and independence of both young and old residents.
Emphasis is placed on providing a high level of quality care that seeks to exceed the residents needs and expectations and to create a homely atmosphere and enhanced quality of life for people whose physical capacity has diminished.

For further information please contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 304 2404
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@rrcl.co.nz

CEO Biography

2010-07-20T10:02:00.001+12:00

Brien Cree - Biography

Brien Cree is Chief Executive of Radius Residential Care Limited, and is also a Director and Shareholder in the Company.

With more than 20 years experience in the aged care and rest home property sectors, Brien is highly regarded as a leader within the aged care industry with an in-depth knowledge of the market and issues affecting the elderly.

A former rest home owner/operator, Brien understands the rest home industry in terms of acquisition, development, financing and day-to-day operational management. He has a real affinity with the elderly and a passion to provide the very best residential care services for New Zealand’s aging population.

Formerly involved in property development and one of Auckland’s leading rest home property consultants, Brien joined Radius Health Group in 2003 and headed the new Radius Residential Care division with a focus to provide exceptional care and enhanced lifestyle to Radius residents. In April 2010 Brien instigated a major shareholding buyout of the Company restoring kiwi ownership from foreign Radius Health Group investors whilst also securing Brien a majority shareholding in the business.

Under Brien’s directorship, Radius Residential Care Ltd has experienced tremendous growth in recent years; starting with just one resthome in New Plymouth in 2003 to now include a total of 21 aged care facilities and one retirement village throughout New Zealand. Brien is responsible for more than 1,200 staff and over 1,400 residents.

Brien is also a respected board member of the New Zealand Aged Care Association and his professional opinion is actively sought on a broad range of issues affecting the elderly.

Brien lives with his family in Auckland and his interests include surfing, boating and fishing.

For further information please contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 304 2404
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@rrcl.co.nz

The Orbiter - June 2010

2010-06-16T17:44:00.003+12:00

Five dish out better fare

2010-06-14T12:50:00.001+12:00

Taranaki Daily News

14 June 2010

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Knit one, purl one

2010-05-10T12:14:00.001+12:00

NZ Herald - My Generation

10 May 2010

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Rural Retirement Haven In Ohaupo

2010-04-29T12:24:00.002+12:00

Waikato Times
29 April 2010

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Pain Remembered

2010-04-22T12:07:00.001+12:00

Western Leader

22 April 2010

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Aged care business back in Kiwi ownership

2010-04-17T12:47:00.001+12:00

NBR NZ Property Investor
17 April 2010

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Knitters aim to pull wool over African eyes

2010-04-17T12:05:00.002+12:00

Waikato Times
17 April 2010

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ANZAC War veteran remembers fallen comrades

2010-04-16T12:21:00.000+12:00

ANZAC Day marks a special day for Radius Taupaki Gables rest home resident William (Billy) Morel as he remembers those he went into battle with during World War II and who didn’t make it out.

It’s also a time for reflection as Billy recalls he himself very nearly didn’t make it back to New Zealand shores when he was badly wounded on the front lines.

The scars Billy bears are both physical and mental and every ANZAC Day he remembers his friends who fought and died alongside him on the front lines.

The 86 year old former war veteran now resides at Radius Taupaki Gables hospital where they take good care of him and his old battle wounds. To commemorate ANZAC Day Radius rest home staff have arranged for Billy to attend the Waitakere RSA service on Sunday 25 April.

At the tender age of 17 yrs Billy was one of New Zealand’s youngest members to sign with the army in 1941 and consequently embarked on the biggest battle of his life and for his nation. Billy served in the Army’s 24th Battalion regiment and braced front line warfare fighting the Germans in Italy and later served in Japan.

“I remember the day when I and 10 other soldiers were all badly wounded by the Germans. It was a hell of day and we were under attack from rocket propelled grenades. We saw what was about to happen and all ran back to the safe house desperately cramming in through the door. But none of us escaped injury”, says Billy who received horrendous shrapnel wounds all over his back.

“They transported me by American Free Ambulance to the south of Italy and I’ve never experienced such pain in all my life”, says Billy who has the scars to prove it. Unable to return to the front lines following two months recovery in hospital, Billy instead became a steward assisting senior officers based in Japan until the end of the war.

Billy then returned to NZ to milk cows on the family dairy farm at Waihi and later married and had four children.

Always upbeat and with a ready laugh, Billy is happy to share his war time stories but admits it was a difficult time where you couldn’t forge lasting friendships because more often than not your new mate did not make it back from the battle lines. And those are the people Billy and others will be remembering this ANZAC Day.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Linda Venables
Facility Manager Radius Taupaki Rest Home Hospital
Ph 412 6800
Cell 021 524 128
linda.venables@rrcl.co.nz

Rest Home Knitters Embrace Charity Drive

2010-04-12T12:20:00.000+12:00

Residents at Radius St Joans rest home and hospital in Hamilton are showing their support and superior knitting skills to help African newborn babies in need.

Six rest home lady residents have been eagerly knitting a range of brightly coloured infants ‘fish-n-chip’ garments that will used to cloth African newborns who are regularly sent home from hospital wrapped only in newspaper.

“Our Women’s Institute group wanted to help in some way and when we were advised of this tragic situation by the National Office we obtained specific knitting patterns in the hope that we could contribute and help make a difference”, says Glenys Holden, Motiviational Therapist at Radius St Joans rest home and hospital.

The rest home knitters are members of the Radius St Joans Women’ Institute and have knitted more than 50 jumpers already, with more already underway.

“This latest project is really neat and perfect for our members as we have several expert knitters. Our ladies also really enjoy putting their valuable skills to a good cause and having their handiwork admired – it’s also provides an opportunity for a good natter during our meetings too”.

The group has been an active member of the NZ Womens’ Institute for the past six years and is regularly joined by members of the Gordonton Women’s Institute group. Radius St Joans rest home and hospital is the only aged residential care facility in New Zealand to have a registered Federation of Women’s Institute group.

“We formed our group when some of the rest home residents advised us they were life long members of the NZ Women’s Institute Group and still wanted to participate in all the activities and social benefits the organization afforded them,” says Glenys who made arrangements to form the group.

The Radius St Joans Women’s Institute regularly meet once a month within the rest home and also has some outside members who are part of the group. New members are always welcome to join and there’s much friendship, laughter and fun while indulging in a delightful afternoon tea put on by the rest home, says Glenys.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Glenys Holden, Motivational Therapist
Radius St Joans rest home and hospital
Ph (07) 855 5701
maree.hart@rrcl.co.nz

Expansion on agenda for Radius

2010-04-09T11:58:00.003+12:00

Taranaki Daily News

9 April 2010

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Kiwi buys back Radius rest homes and hospitals.

2010-04-08T12:17:00.003+12:00

Kiwi ownership has been restored at NZ’s fourth largest rest home and hospital provider Radius Residential Care following a major shareholding buyout last week.

Auckland businessman and long time shareholder and director of Radius Residential Care, Brien Cree increased his 20% ownership stake in the company to 57% giving him majority control and ownership of the business. Cree is CEO of Radius Residential Care and together with CFO Suzanne Recchia, sourced private investors to purchase the remaining shareholding balance to help facilitate a complete buyout.

The return to kiwi ownership comes in the wake of news that many of NZ’s primary aged care providers are selling out to offshore investors and most are already majority owned by foreign shareholders.

Radius Residential Care was formerly a privately owned subsidiary company of Radius Health Group, which also includes Radius Medical and Radius Pharmacy companies. Prior to the buyout Radius Health Group shared a 67% majority stake in the Residential Care business together with foreign investment bank Kuwait Finance House.

Cree says Radius Health Group was looking to “restructure its balance sheet” and he saw an opportunity to regain control from majority shareholder Kuwait Finance House whose “primary interests were not fully committed to NZ’s aged care sector”.

Radius Residential Care has 21 aged residential rest homes and hospitals nationwide and one retirement village in Hamilton. The company employs approximately 1,200 staff and has total revenues in excess of $60m.

ENDS

For further information contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 304 2404
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@rrcl.co.nz

Seventy Years of Being There

2010-03-25T08:45:00.003+13:00

Taranaki Daily News
25 March 2010

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Rest Home To Open For Public

2010-03-25T08:35:00.003+13:00

Timaru Courier Newspaper
25 March 2010

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MARCH ORBITER MAGAZINE

2010-03-18T09:02:00.002+13:00

Read the Orbiter Online here:

Singing Jockey Reaches Milestone

2010-03-10T08:31:00.003+13:00

Northern Advocate
10 March 2010

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Rest home to celebrate 81 year old record artist resident

2010-03-08T08:28:00.000+13:00

Rest home to celebrate 81 year old record artist resident

Popular country and western tunes will resonate at Whangarei’s Radius Oakhaven Home this week as the rest home celebrates 81 year old Richard Gould’s recorded country music album.

Talented country and western singer and Radius rest home resident Richard Gould is set to celebrate his recorded music album “Let’s Go Country”
50 years on from when he first recorded his LP vinyl album.

The popular country and western album was a big success and included catchy tunes of the day such as Guitar Boogie, No one will ever know and Yesterday’s Girl.

Small in stature but with a big voice Richard was renown as the “singing jockey” and combined his day job of riding champion racehorses with his love of music, regularly singing and playing the guitar at taverns and music events in his hometown of Christchurch. In the early 1960’s Richard was approached by Christchurch record company Robbins Recording to produce a country music album in association with back up vocalists ‘The Country Cavaliers’.

Richard’s debut as a recording artist was a welcome addition to the New Zealand music scene at a time when the majority of recording companies seemed preoccupied with commercial pop music and appeared to have lost interest in promoting and encouraging homegrown talent.

“We had great fun producing that album,” says Richard whose incredible musical repertoire includes playing the mandolin, accordion, mouth organ, concertina, guitar and piano which he taught himself how to play in an astonishing three months.

“I really enjoyed entertaining the crowds and getting everyone’s feet stomping to the tunes of the day – it was a real buzz”.

Having been described as a man of many talents, Richard has led a varied and interesting life serving as the youngest member of the RSA in the merchant navy during the war and as a jockey, salesman, shop proprietor, motor mechanic, radio technician, magician, commercial fisherman and now music record artist.

In the early 1980’s Richard moved north to settle in Whangarei with his wife of 23 years Terry, and found work with NZ Towel Services and later as a commercial fisherman. Never without with his prized guitar it wasn’t long before Richard formed a small band ‘The Raumanga Country Group’ entertaining at various events and local Whangarei rest homes.

Richard now resides at Radius Oakhaven Home and although he is unable to sing the songs that once made him so popular he is very much looking forward to reminiscing those good old days as the rest home celebrates everything country and western.

ENDS

For more information or images please contact:

Helen Franklin, Facility Manager Radius Oakhaven
Ph (09) 437 3933
helen.franklin@radiushealth.co.nz

Radius rest homes out west are simply the best

2010-02-25T09:04:00.003+13:00

Western Leader Newspaper
25 February 2010

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Rest Home Couple Celebrate 70 Years of Wedded Bliss

2010-02-23T08:27:00.000+13:00

Rest home couple celebrate 70 years of wedded bliss

Not many couples can say that their marriage has “gone platinum” but Jack and Waveney Plumtree of New Plymouth have achieved just that: tomorrow they celebrate their platinum wedding anniversary and a remarkable 70 years of marriage.

Married in 1940 at New Plymouth’s Whitely Church, the Plumtree’s have enjoyed a long and cherished marriage for more than seven decades and are looking forward to celebrating their special milestone anniversary tomorrow at Radius Thornleigh Park rest home where they both now live.

The Plumtree’s who do everything together also believe that being compatible and supporting each other is vitally important for a successful marriage.

Companionship is important says Jack and the happily married couple now reside at Radius Thornleigh Park rest home which they choose because they were able to stay together and get the help they need as well as share a room.

“This was the ideal place for us, the staff here at Thornleigh Park are marvelous,” say Jack and Waveney.

The couple met in 1934 when Waveney, a former clothing shop assistant would walk past Jack’s work each day on her way home. A former builder, Jack plucked up the courage to ask her if she would like a lift home and the rest is history.

Before they married Jack had volunteered for the army and served during World War 2 in the campaign of England, Greece, Crete and the western dessert and came home with the 1st Furlow draft.

“It was hard being a newlywed and away from Waveney but our love endured and I returned home in 1944,” says Jack. Waveney and Jack had an only son and now have two grand children and seven great grand children who all live in New Plymouth and regularly visit.

The Plumtree’s intend to celebrate their special day tomorrow with family and friends at Radius Thornleigh Park. As recognition of their milestone anniversary they have also received letters from HM The Queen, the Governor General and Prime Minister John Key.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Leah Corkill, Facility Manager Radius Thornleigh Park
Ph (06) 7583642
Cell 021 534 227leah.corkill@radiushealth.co.nz

A Sobering Thought at 104

2010-02-16T08:57:00.003+13:00

Whangarei Leader Newspaper
16 February 2010

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Oldest Resident Set to Celebrate 104 years

2010-02-10T08:23:00.001+13:00

Oldest Resident Set to Celebrate 104 years

Mary Young is having a party tomorrow and she certainly has something to celebrate: she is turning an incredible 104 years of age.

Mary intends celebrating her historic birthday and remarkable old age with a special cake at Radius Potter Home in Whangarei where she now resides.

Born on 11th February 1906 Mary is the oldest rest home resident at Radius Potter Home and believes that the secret to her ripe old age and good health is a life lived according to good Christian Principles. Mary believes that you can’t beat good old fashioned values and that a good philosophy to live by is “Do unto others as you would be done by”.

Exercise is also important for good health says Mary who has never suffered ill health and loves to garden and used to play plenty of tennis, golf and bowls with her late husband Charlie Young. Mary can also attest that she has never once smoked or drunk alcohol and although now blind and deaf she stills listens to the radio and goes for regular walks through the corridors and gardens at Radius Potter Home.

The youngest of 10 children, Mary (nee Stevens) was born in Mangatapere and attended Whangarei Girls High School before marrying electrician Charlie Young. The couple later went farming in Ruakaka and ‘kept the home fires burning’ during the war years. They had a daughter Jill who now lives in Kaikohe with her husband Bruce Gillies. In 1943 the young couple moved back to Crystal Springs in Mangatapere where Mary became a key advocate in keeping the local Mangatapere church alive and her husband continued to farm the family’s jersey dairy cattle. Mary has three grandchildren and four great grandchildren whose lives she follows with great interest.

“It was a good honest farming life lived to the full” says Mary.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Jenna Adams, Assistant Facility Manager Radius Potter Home
Ph (09) 438 2668
jenna.adams@radiushealth.co.nz

Rest Home Launches Exclusive Staff Benefits Card

2009-12-17T09:19:00.000+13:00

Rest Home Launches Exclusive Staff Benefits Card

Christmas has come early for more than 1200 Radius Residential Care aged care employees who were today presented with an exclusive staff benefits card giving access to a variety of major retailer’s products at discounted prices.

The special ‘Radius Staff Benefits Card’ is a new company initiative that enables valued employees to redeem 5 – 40% discounts on products at retailers such as Bunnings Warehouse, Beaurepaires, Guthrie Bowron and Queen B Linens.

“Radius is delighted to be able to offer this new exclusive staff benefits card to our valued employees. It’s a small way of giving thanks for the tireless work they do caring for the elderly and disabled in our 22 rest home hospital facilities across New Zealand”, says Brien Cree, Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd.

Radius Residential Care is the only major residential care provider to offer a staff benefits card and Brien says the Company is continually looking for ways to give back to valued employees.

“These cards can be used by Radius employees and their families and friends and offer some great savings. And each year the retailers will be different so there will be discounts available on a huge variety of products,” says Brien.

The special benefits card was co-ordinated with the help of the Christian Supply Chain – a registered charitable trust that brokers preferential pricing and discounts for members.

“The new staff benefits card allows Radius to support not just our people but also give to the charitable trust so it’s win-win for everyone”, says Brien.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 20280
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz

Radius Rest Homes Celebrate Health Care Assistant Day

2009-11-30T09:16:00.000+13:00

Radius Rest Homes Celebrate Health Care Assistant Day

Hundreds of Radius Residential Care Health Care Assistants were recognized and celebrated on Friday with a special day commemorating their invaluable role and dedication to helping care for New Zealand’s quickly amassing elderly and disabled population.

The inaugural Radius Residential Care Ltd ‘Health Care Assistants Day’ was a company driven initiative aimed at celebrating the role of more than 750 professional Health Care Assistants who work in 22 Radius rest home and hospital facilities nationwide. A special ceremonial morning tea and presentation of certificates and chocolates where presented to Health Care Assistants in each Radius Residential Care facility.

“This is our first health care assistant’s day and Radius wanted to give recognition to our many valuable team members who dedicate their life and work to helping care for our residents,” says Brien Cree, Chief Executive of Radius Residential Care – New Zealand’s third largest provider of aged care.

“We really appreciate the dedication, patience and hard work involved with being a health care assistant. At Radius our people are more than just caregivers – they are professional health care assistants who have undergone essential training so they can deliver the highest standard of care to our many residents”.

“Our people are passionate about providing exceptional quality care and we wanted to express our sincere thanks by marking a special day all for them. It is truly an honour to have them part of the Radius team,” says Brien who acknowledges that being a Health Care Assistant is not an easy job.

Radius Health Care Assistant’s daily duties involve a range of responsibilities including helping to dress, feed and bath residents. They also co-ordinate fun activities and take residents for walks and bus trips and other outings.

“We wanted to actively recognise the contribution made by our health care assistants in this valuable role and this special day will be a regular annual event,” says Brien.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 20280
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz

A Century for Rusty

2009-11-22T09:10:00.008+13:00

The Tribune Newspaper
22 November 2009

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Celebrating 100 year birthday milestone

2009-11-16T14:39:00.001+13:00

Celebrating 100 year birthday milestone

Ken Bishop is having a party tomorrow and he certainly has something to celebrate: he is turning 100 years of age.

Ken intends celebrating this landmark day and his remarkable old age with a special cake and the company of fellow resident friends at Radius Peppertree Care Centre rest home in Palmerston North.

Born on 17th November 1909 Ken is the oldest rest home resident at Radius Peppertree Care Centre and believes that the secret to long life is plain old hard work.

Ken also thinks that honesty, kindness, peace and harmony has helped him to achieve 100 years of age – as well as a whisky a day to keep him physically healthy he says.

Ken grew up in the small farming village of Makotuku 12miles east of Dannevirke and remembers a good honest farming life lived to the full.

“At the age of 10 it was my job to milk 10 cows each day. I left school at 14 years of age and drove a team of horses. I continued farming for many years then served as a soldier based in New Zealand during World War II,” says Ken who has a son in the South Island and two daughters now living in Australia.

“We worked and played hard and always kept busy. One of my hobbies was racing pigeons – I did have a few good birds back then”, says Ken who comments that younger people today have too much time on their hands and too many temptations unlike the old days.

Ken continues to maintain a good outlook on life and enjoys the activities and friendship of fellow residents at Radius Peppertree where he now resides.

“The staff are all very kind and supportive and I’m looking forward to celebrating my birthday tomorrow”.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Christine Scott, Radius Peppertree Care Centre
Ph (06) 353 0004
radiuspeppertree@radiushealth.co.nz

Radius Scoops Excellence Award

2009-10-29T14:41:00.000+13:00

Radius Scoops Excellence Award

Two Radius Residential Care rest home facilities have scooped ‘Excellence in Food Safety’ awards at the 2009 Food Safety Awards held in Hamilton yesterday.

Radius Maeroa Lodge and Radius St Joans Care Centre were selected from more than 750 food operators to receive the awards that recognize a standard of excellence in management and maintenance of a registered food premises.

The Hamilton City Council Food Safety Awards is an annual event and acknowledges recipients who maintain a standard of excellence in their food premises above the standard required by legislation.

A total of 75 excellence and 60 merit awards were presented to food operators such as takeaway and delicatessens, restaurants, dairies and supermarkets at a ceremony held at the Claudelands events centre.

“Radius are delighted to win the food safety excellence award again. This is the third time that our aged care facilities have won this award and it’s great!” says Steven Heesen, Radius Residential Care Operations Manager.

“We take food safety, presentation and preparation very seriously and our kitchen team is vigilant about food preparation within the rest home and it’s great that this is recognised by way of the awards”.

Food operators are assessed randomly throughout the year by Council food inspectors and evaluated in accordance with their food handling practices, cleanliness, staff training and sanitized work environment.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Steven Heesen
Operations Manager - Radius Residential Care
Cell 021 585 974
steven.heesen@radiushealth.co.nz

Market Day at Thornleigh Park.

2009-10-17T17:00:00.000+13:00

Here's some video of our great Market Day at Thornleigh Park:

Radius Residential Care extends contract with Vodafone

2009-10-13T09:21:00.000+13:00

Radius Residential Care extends contract with Vodafone

Fixed line and broadband added to mobile phone contract

Radius Residential Care, part of the Radius Health Group, has extended its contract with Vodafone from a mobile-only service to include both fixed line voice and broadband connections.

Radius Residential Care is the third largest aged care provider in New Zealand with 22 rest homes scattered around New Zealand and communication between each facility and head office in Auckland is vital, says chief executive Brien Cree.

“When reviewing our telecommunications Vodafone stood out from the rest by offering us flexibility and a tailored package that suited our business operation best” says Cree.

“Most of our calling is between head office and the residential facilities so Vodafone built a package around that calling profile to suit our business.”

Cree says Radius Residential Care has around 60 to 70 mobile users already with Vodafone and the company will add both land line and broadband services as well.
“That’s probably another 140 lines. From there we’ll look at our hosting and online services next year with a view to moving those over to Vodafone as well.”

Cree says Vodafone’s team was open to a conversation about how Radius works, instead of trying to shoe-horn the company into a “one size fits all” standard model.

“Offering us discounted international calling, for instance, wouldn’t be a big draw card because we make so few calls overseas.”
“We weighed up all the options and alternate suppliers did offer us discount calls across the entire group. But their complex calling structure, rebates and rates didn’t appeal as much as getting a better price up front from Vodafone.”
Radius Residential Care forms a major part of the Radius Health Group along with Radius Pharmacy and Radius Medical.

- ENDS -

For further information contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive
Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 20280
Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz

Paul Brislen
External Communications Manager
Vodafone New Zealand
Mob 021 721 337
Email paul.brislen@vodafone.com

New E-Health Taken Up

2009-10-06T14:09:00.001+13:00

INsight Newspaper
Oct/Nov issue Vol 4 issue #1

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Radius Leads the Way in Rest Home Food Service

2009-10-05T14:00:00.004+13:00

Catering Plus Magazine
Oct/Nov issue Vol 12 #5

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106 Year old man celebrates International Older Persons Day

2009-10-01T14:36:00.000+13:00

106 year old man celebrates International Day of Older Persons
- Whiskey, honey & fish are secrets to long life -

Dudley Sainsbury has something to celebrate: today is International Day of Older Persons and at the ripe old age of 106 he believes this is his time to party.

Dudley intends celebrating this landmark day and his remarkable old age with a special cake and the company of fellow resident friends at Radius Lexham Park rest home in Katikati. He might also have a whiskey or a beer but won’t decide which until the time – when you’re 106 there’s no rush he says.

Born on 15th June 1903 Dudley is the oldest rest home resident at Radius Lexham Park and quite possibly the oldest person in New Zealand says the national office of Births, Deaths & Marriages.

Dudley’s not sure what the secret to long life is but suspects his sweet tooth may have had something to do with it. He has regularly enjoyed a big dollop of plain old clover honey in his cup of tea for as long as he can remember.

“We used to buy bucket loads of the stuff from a local bee keeper and my father would have a big spoonful of it in his cuppa every day”, says his daughter Jean who regularly visits her dad at the Radius rest home where he has been well cared for over the past six years.

“Dad also loved his regular whiskey in the evening and a smoke on his pipe, as well as devouring kippers by the plateful. But he never ate junk food”, attests his daughter Jean.

Dudley also kept physically fit by walking hills on the family farm and mentally by playing chess.

An Englishman, Dudley was born in London and has survived two World Wars and more than a century of global events. He immigrated to New Zealand in 1956 with his wife Martney and one of his three daughters to go dairy farming in Apata, south of Katikati.
Youngest daughter Jean remembers her father living a quiet humble life on the farm and enjoying his evening whiskey or beer.

And with Thursday being International Day of Older Persons, Dudley’s plans are the same as they have been for the last century – an intent to have a quiet drink with friends to celebrate.

ENDS

For further information or images please contact:

Julie Turnbull
Facility Manager, Radius Lexham Park Home
Ph (07) 549 1015
Cell 021 393270
julie.turnbull@radiushealth.co.nz

Revolutionary new e-health technology adopted in Radius rest homes

2009-09-28T14:41:00.000+13:00

Revolutionary new e-health technology adopted in Radius rest homes

Radius Residential Care rest homes are among the first in the country to employ a new e-health technology initiative that is revolutionizing the way doctors can access rest home patient clinical notes.

The leading edge computer technology system ‘NZHealthNet’ enables doctors to remotely link into their patients medical notes when attending rest home patient care appointments.

Doctors can easily refer to and update clinical patient notes, order laboratory tests, write referrals and print prescriptions with NZHealthNet - all without the need to carry confidential patient records during routine visits to rest homes.

“One of the main benefits of this new e-health technology is that patient safety is improved due to doctors having real time access to patient records and data. And for rest home patients the new technology will allow them all the benefits of a regular GP visit but without leaving the comfort of their own surrounds“, says Kirsten Stone, CEO Rotorua General Practice Group (RGPG) who have developed the new technology.

Radius Glenbrae Estate was the first rest home to adopt the new technology which was implemented by RGPG onsite last week. Other rest homes within the wider Rotorua region are also expected to become ‘online’ before the end of the month.

“Radius Residential Care is really excited to be leading the way with this innovative new technology in rest home care. Patient safety and continuity of care are paramount and this new technology offers both residents and visiting doctors accurate and up to date information right when they need it”, says Brien Cree, CEO Radius Residential Care.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Brien Cree
Chief Executive Radius Residential Care Ltd
Ph (09) 353 2028Cell 021 955 769
brien.cree@radiushealth.co.nz

Rest Home Embraces Fashion Week

2009-09-25T14:34:00.000+12:00

Rest Home Embraces Fashion Week

A catwalk fashion show showcasing rest home residents’ designer talent and lots of comedy was hosted yesterday at Radius Taupaki Gables rest home in support of Air New Zealand Fashion Week.

Ten elderly catwalk model residents aged 70+ years strutted their stuff on a makeshift catwalk showcasing a variety of clothing, hats and shoes.

Wheelchairs, walkers and walking sticks became fashion accessories for models as they pranced and danced down the catwalk much to the delight of fellow residents, friends and family.

Rest home staff also joined in the fun showing off a special collection of designer nursing outfits and wearable “trash” art. A comic new Radius nurse uniform was also launched at the event much to the delight of male residents who commented that it was “quite a bit racier than what the nurses currently wear”.

A collection of bridal dresses and a mock wedding march on the catwalk were highlights, as were the beach boy models in Hawaiian shirts followed by island dancing.

“We wanted to do something special to celebrate New Zealand fashion week and the Radius fashion show was a great success with a variety of different outfits modeled by residents and nursing staff. It was heaps of fun - there was much laughter and dancing and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it!” says Linda Venables, Facility Manager who extended a special thanks to the Salvation Army and private individuals who provided clothing for the show.

The event was well attended by more than 60 friends and family of Radius Taupaki Gables rest home and is anticipated to become a regular annual event.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Linda Venables
Facility Manager Radius Taupaki Gables
Ph 021 524 128
linda.venables@radiushealth.co.nz

Course teaches food preparation for elderly

2009-08-24T11:36:00.010+12:00

Hawkes Bay Today
24 August 2009

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Radius leads the way in rest home food service

2009-08-17T11:51:00.000+12:00

Radius leads the way in rest home food service

New Zealand’s third largest aged care provider, Radius Residential Care is setting a new standard in rest home food service by rolling out a nationwide initiative aimed at upskilling catering staff.

It is anticipated that more than 40 food service staff working in 22 Radius Residential Care facilities nationwide will undergo future training to complete the Food Services Residential Programme, which forms the basis of the National Certificate in Hospitality Entry Skills.

“The course is the first of its kind to be initiated in the aged care sector, and Radius is leading the charge and amongst the first in the residential care organizations who has completed the programme”, says Steve Hanrahan, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Standards Institute (HSI).

A 20 hour training programme facilitated by HSI over a two month period was recently completed at Radius Hampton Court in Napier. Programme participants learned the importance of food health and safety as well as how best to prepare food for the elderly and to enhance food presentation.

“New Zealand’s Health and Disability Commissioner already sets a high standard for the production of safe and nutritious meals. But Radius is keen to develop this further and create a real understanding amongst catering personnel so they become passionate about delivering a product with creativity that pleases not just the pallate but also the eye,” says Steven Heesen, Radius Residential Care Operations Manager who is a member of the HSI' s Food Services Sector Committee and has many years experience in the hospitality sector.

Steven also acknowledges that meal times in aged care facilities are a major focal point amongst residents and something they look forward to each day.

“Radius recognizes that food quality, service and presentation are becoming more and more important with the growth and demands in our industry. The Food Services Residential course, created inconjunction with HSI, addresses the specific needs of rest homes and we feel it is important to upskill our staff to be able to deliver more choice and well presented meals to our residents”.

“The aged care industry accounts for a very large section of the hospitality industry and Radius is proud to be paving the way and setting the benchmark with this new training programme”, says Steven.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Steven Heesen
Operations Manager - Radius Residential Care
Ph (09) 353 4276
Cell 021 585 974
steven.heesen@radiushealth.co.nz

Alison Thompson
HSI Training Advisor- National Clients
Ph (09) 589 1357
Cell 0274 300 485
alison.thompson@hsi.co.nz

Aged care hospitals just what doctor ordered

2009-08-08T14:01:00.003+12:00

New Zealand Herald
8 August 2009

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Lexie's glad to be on mend at home

2009-07-14T16:37:00.002+12:00

Katikati Advertiser
14 July 2009

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Image Library

2009-07-03T04:02:00.000+12:00

Click to enlarge or right button 'save link as'.

RESIDENT & FAMILY TESTIMONIALS

2009-07-03T02:21:00.001+12:00

Radius Heatherlea, New Plymouth
I would like to thank you and your staff for the excellent care that has been given to my father during his time at Heatherlea. Every time I have visited I have been impressed by the natural, loving, compassionate attitude and care given by all of your staff to both resident and visitors alike. I realise that the job you and your staff perform is often challenging and difficult, particularly in the secure unit, yet I have always found your staff to be cheerful, helpful, patient and compassionate. Thank you to all of your staff.

Alec Messenger

Radius Lester Heights, Whangarei
It is with gratitude our family extend our most sincere thanks. We hope you realise just how much you made her [Gwen] feel secure and cared for at all times. Whenever faced with enquiries or phone calls from family members such occasions were always handled with courtesy and understanding to the extent the enquirer felt reassured and appreciative of the advice received. On each occasion the response was sympathetic and reassuring and from now on will be the benchmark for any similar future experiences.

Sincere thanks, Gwen’s Family

Radius Lexham Park, Katikati
Julie what a great team you have! Bruce and I together with the Auckland family wish to sincerely thank you all for the wonderful care given to our dear Jack for the time he was with you. He loved you all. Thank you for the personal care and attention you gave him. You all did a brilliant job. The lovely nurses in the hospital wing – thank you all for the way you cared for dear Jack. Thank you too for the marvellous support you showed the family, so very much appreciated. The kitchen, staff, cleaners, fellow residents you were all his friends. A big thank-you to you all.

Sincerely, Raewyn Hutton

Radius Fulton Care, Dunedin
I would like to thank each and everyone of you for your loving care given to me while I was in Fulton Home. The friendship shown to me was so warm and kind, I cam home feeling so much better for knowing you all. God bless all of you.

In friendship, Lillian Bedford.

Radius St Ives & St Helenas, Christchurch
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board / Management and staff for allowing and organising the luncheon out fro Fathers Day on Friday 5th September 2008. This was attended by approximately 12 male residents from St Ives & St Helenas. This outing was really enjoyed by all, I am sure are all starters to go again. Thank you comes from all who attended.

Russell Campbell
Resident St Helenas

Radius Lexham Park hosts concert for ailing pup mascot

2009-06-23T16:27:00.000+12:00

Katikati Advertiser
23 June 2009

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Rest home residents rally for dog

2009-06-12T11:36:00.003+12:00

Rest home residents rally for dog

Residents at Lexham Park Home, Katikati are hosting a concert performance for friends and family on Tuesday 23rd June to help raise funds for their impaired pet dog.

Beloved one-year old golden Labrador “Lexie” requires surgery in both hind legs to correct a condition know as ‘patella dislocation’ where the knee joint slips out of position and makes it difficult for the puppy to walk.

Lexie, named after his home Radius Lexham Park rest home, was diagnosed with the condition last month by a local vet who can perform the surgery at a cost of $2400. Patella dislocation can occur at random in any dog and in some cases veterinarians recommend surgery to correct it. With surgery, it is expected that Lexie would make a full recovery and be able to continue to provide much-loved companionship and animal therapy to elderly residents at Radius Lexham Park Home.

“Lexie is so adored by all the residents at Lexham Park Home, and we are desperately trying to fundraise the necessary money to get his surgery done as quickly as possible. He’s not in any pain but being such a young dog this is really debilitating and will affect his quality of life so we want to do everything we can to help him,” says Julie Turnbull, Radius Lexham Park Home Facility Manager.

“Family and friends are invited to our free concert on Tuesday 1:30pm at Lexham Park Home - it will be a fun filled few hours of entertainment, with skits performed by the staff, our resident singing group and some local performers who will provide some light hearted laughs in the lounge room. Lexie of course will be the star of the event and afternoon tea will also be provided. We hope to get a good turnout and raise the much needed money for poor Lexie”, says Julie who hopes that visitors to the rest home’s concert will donate a gold coin on entry for Lexie’s surgery.

Radius Residential Care Ltd has kindly donated $500 already and local Katikati businesses have also offered their support by donating small items to a luxury hamper raffle. Radius Lexham Park Home residents have also donated what funds they can afford.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Julie Turnbull
Facility Manager, Radius Lexham Park Home
Ph (07) 549 1015
Cell 021 393270
mailto:Julie.turnbull@radiushealth.co.nz