Services

At Sprott House we offer various services

Levels of Care

Rest Home Level Care (Stage 2)

Care needs are assessed and professionally managed by a mix of registered and enrolled nurses and caregivers under the guidance of experienced care managers (who are also registered nurses). We undertake to meet age related physical, intellectual, emotional social and safety needs of residents. We provide an activity programme designed to engage residents and promote a sense of community.

Hospital Level Care (Continuing Care)

We offer specialised care for residents who need 24/7 nursing care because they have age related problems. Special care needs are professionally managed by a team of registered and enrolled nurses and caregivers under the guidance of experienced care/unit managers. Care is supervised and delivered by nurses and caregivers who are trained, experienced and competent in delivering these services. Staffing numbers reflect good practice guidelines and the skill mix is relevant to the resident’s care needs.

We undertake to meet age related physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and safety needs of residents. Staff receive on going education and training through our in-service education sessions and training programmes.

Dementia Specific Care (Stage 3)

We provide specialist care for older people who have been assessed for needing dementia specialised care/interventions. We follow an internationally accredited Spark of Life approach led by a Unit Manager who is an Occupational Therapist. Care is supervised and delivered by nurses and caregivers who are trained, experienced and competent in delivering these special services under the guidance of the Clinical Services Manager. Staff are supported through appropriate dementia specific education and training programmes ensuring that they are competent to provide the specialised care required by our residents in a safe and timely manner.

Respite Care

Sometimes it is hard for carers to admit they need a break, but doing so from time-to-time is important as it allows the carer to better support themselves and the person they are caring for.

Respite care provides carers with a temporary rest while the person in their care continues to be looked after in a safe environment.

Use of respite support may be planned so that respite care is accessed on a regular basis for a pre-arranged time period, or it may also be unplanned; respite is available in times of emergency when there has been an unforeseen event.

Respite care can be booked at Sprott House up to six months in advance allowing plenty of time for carers to plan the break. Emergency respite is subject to bed availability, but with designated respite beds available, there is a high likelihood that this can be accommodated.

Respite services are offered for all levels of care including hospital and palliative. Take a break knowing that your loved one is in extremely capable hands.

If you wish to download a request form, click Respite Booking Request Form.

Medication

Medications are controlled by nursing staff and kept to a minimum in consultation with our doctors and pharmacist. Medication is strictly monitored and the competencies of the staff rigorously tested to ensure that medication is administered safely and correctly.

Quality Assurance

Sprott House has an ongoing Quality Assurance Programme to make sure we maintain the highest standard of care possible. If you have any suggestion or comments you wish to make about our service, please let us know.

Settling in Period

New residents can have a one-month assessment period to ensure suitable placement. If in our opinion the resident is not happy or suitably placed, then we will discuss alternative arrangements with the resident and/or theirrepresentative.

Mealtimes and Dietary Requirements

Breakfast: 7:30am to 8:15am

Breakfast is served in the resident’s room; it can consist any of the following: bran flakes, porridge, Weetbix, cornflakes, muesli, toast with marmalade, honey etc. and a hot or cold drink.

Morning Tea: 10:00am to 10:30am

Comprises a hot or cold drink and either a savoury or sweet muffin, cake or slice. It is served in the resident’s room, the dining room or lounge depending on the whereabouts of the resident or their preference.

Dinner: 12:00 midday

This is the main meal of the day served in the various dining rooms located throughout the facility or in the rooms of residents if that is their need or preference. It includes a main, dessert and a hot or cold drink.

Afternoon Tea: 3:00pm

Comprises of a hot or cold drink and either a savoury or sweet muffin, cake or slice. It is served in the resident’s room, the dining room or lounge depending on the whereabouts of the resident or their preference.

Tea: 5:00pm

This meal is served in the various dining rooms located throughout the facility or in the rooms of residents if that is their need or preference. It is a light meal consisting of a savoury dish or sandwiches with soup, a fresh fruit dessert, and a hot or cold drink.

Supper: 7:30pm

Tea or coffee or Milo, with a sandwich if desired, which is served in the dining room or resident’s room as required.

All Day: Tea, coffee and cold drinks are available as required.

We cater for residents who require special diets; diabetic, weight reduction, low salt and high calcium diets are provided as required. We try very hard to cater for all likes and dislikes!

Resident Meetings

We encourage all residents to participate in these meetings and have their say regarding facility matters. The meetings will be announced and minutes of these meetings displayed on the residents information board.

Spiritual and Cultural Needs

We will assist residents who want to attend church services. Church volunteers are invited to visit residents and bring in communion for residents who wish to receive it. Services are also conducted in-house by volunteers from nearby churches. Kaumatua are welcome to visit or conduct prayer meetings for interested residents.

Resident Advocacy

All residents, their families and whānau who wish to obtain the services of an advocate at any time will be referred to the Health Advocacy Service (Office of the Health and Disability Commissioner) or local Age Concern representatives.

Interpreter

If residents for whom English is a second language are having difficulty understanding any written documents or verbal conversation, we will be happy to arrange an interpreter.

Safety and Security

We comply with all health and safety legislation. There is easy access from the inside to outside areas which reduces the likelihood of falls and accidents. Showers, toilets and bathrooms all have handrails to assist residents and to make them feel secure. Though risks are actively minimised, it is impossible to totally prevent falls or accidents; because of this we have identified hazards in and around the facility that could occur (please ask if you like to know which hazards we have identified) and have procedures in place to minimise such risk.

Staff are given ongoing education and training in all aspects of dealing with the older person to provide a safe and secure environment; they are well trained in the use of all equipment in relation to people with specific needs or disabilities.

At night all external doors are locked for resident and staff safety; people have to ring a bell to be let in after hours. We employ a security company to patrol the grounds during the night and security cameras are installed in the grounds and buildings.

Laundry

All items belonging to a resident must be named appropriately and especially anything which is to be washed on Sprott House premises. Laundry marker pens have been used previously, with variable results, and it is our strong recommendation that iron-on labels (which we have trialled successfully) be used on all items of clothing. An information pamphlet outlining the purchasing options can be obtained from Main Reception.

Mail

Mail will be delivered to residents Monday to Friday. Residents can buy stamps from, and post items in, the front office in the administration area of the building.

Telephones

Residents can arrange to have a telephone in their rooms at their own cost. Otherwise local telephone calls can be made from the Wing offices or from the Quiet Room; toll calls can be made from the office but at a cost to the resident.

Computer Access Points

Residents can arrange to have a computer access point fitted into their rooms at their own cost. Wifi is available throughout Sprott House by accessing a code issued at the Main Reception; codes are issued on a month by month basis.

Television

Televisions are situated throughout the facility in the lounge areas. Residents may have a television in their rooms, however, if the resident has a hearing difficulty it would be appreciated if the resident is provided with headphones so that they can enjoy TV without upsetting other residents.

Recreational Activities Programme

We believe that by keeping the mind and body active, a better quality of life is maintained for residents. Entertainment, recreation and activities based on ability are facilitated for that purpose. A wide range of activities is provided. Weather permitting, outings are organised. It is the residents’ choice whether or not they participate in activities, though participation is actively encouraged. We employ a Recreation Manager to manage the activities programme and have two activities staff providing activities across the facility.

Medical and Allied Services

Doctor

Doctor’s visits 1-3 monthly depending on the level of medical oversight required by the resident. Residents also have access to medical attention when clinically indicated, or in an emergency. The cost of this service is included in the fee (extra visits requested by residents/relatives are at the resident’s cost).

Residents entering Sprott House may choose to keep their own GP or move to our contracted GPs from the local Karori Medical Centre. Residents registered with the contracted doctors have access to a daily weekday clinic. If a resident elects to use their doctor of choice rather than the contracted service, any charges made in excess of the fee charged by the contracted service will be applied to the resident.

Should urgent medical attention be required at night or during the weekend, the on-call doctor from the Accident and Urgent Medical Centre Services will attend or tender advice.

Specialist Appointments

On occasions it may be necessary for the resident to attend specialist, x-ray, medical centre, dentist, hospital and other appointments. We encourage families to continue to take their relatives to these appointments. If no one is available we will organise supervision of the resident.

Social Workers

Should any resident require the services of a social worker, this can be arranged.

Hairdresser and Beautician

A hairdresser is available on-site every Tuesday and Wednesday and beautician every month to attend to the hairdressing and beauty needs of residents; charges are very reasonable.