Enliven Central

04/08/2025

Longview Home recently farewelled their Home Manager Noelette goodbye as she recently started her new role at Woburn Home 💙.

The Longview team have expressed their appreciation for Noelette’s time at the home and will be deeply missed by all!

The team celebrated her time with a lovely shared lunch for staff, a heartfelt ‘well wishes’, and some thoughtful gifts. There were plenty of photo opportunities as staff gathered to say goodbye and show their appreciation.

Stepping into her place, the Longview team were excited to welcome Arlyn as their new Home Manager (formerly their Clinical Nurse Manager). Priyanka has also taken on a new role as Nurse Manager, after previously working as their Clinical Coordinator.

So, a big congratulations to both Arlyn and Priyanka! We’re confident they’ll do a fantastic job and bring even more positivity to Longview!

02/08/2025

✨ Hearing Again, Living Again: How Your Support Changed Pam’s Life.

At Enliven Central’s Kōwhainui Home, 85-year-old Pam is once again part of the conversation — thanks to the generosity of those who supported our Enliven Winter 2024 Appeal.

After a series of health setbacks, Pam’s world had grown increasingly quiet. Her old hearing aids had stopped working, and with her declining vision, even written communication became nearly impossible. The cost of replacements was out of reach, and her daughter Mel admits they were at a loss.

“We didn’t know what we were going to do,” says Mel. “Then Kathy, one of the lovely Clinical Co-ordinators at Kōwhainui , told us there might be help available. We couldn’t believe our luck.”

Thanks to donations to our Winter Appeal, Pam received new hearing aids — and with them, a renewed sense of connection.

“They’ve been life-changing,” says Mel. “Mum can hear more clearly again. We can talk on the phone, enjoy conversations together, and she’s no longer stuck in silence or confusion.”

Pam recently celebrated a milestone birthday and, for the first time in years, could fully take part in the festivities — hearing friends and family, laughing along with jokes, and ordering confidently at cafés.

The advanced hearing aids automatically reduce background noise and focus on speech, enabling Pam to participate in group activities and one-on-one chats with her care team.

Mel says the difference is profound: “We can actually communicate again. It’s given us back a vital part of our relationship.”

Pam’s story is a powerful reminder of how small acts of generosity can lead to extraordinary change.

25/07/2025

🌸 Are you or somebody you know looking for making someone’s day brighter and more meaningful?

🌼 Do you enjoy activities, connecting with people, and indoor/outdoor fun?

Enliven are always looking for volunteers to help towards bringing connection, purpose, and fun into the lives of residents ❤️.

📞 Call 04 439 4900 to learn more.

24/07/2025

On June 7, Kowhainui Home celebrated World Chocolate Day by baking a fresh batch of chocolate muffins! Residents enjoyed mixing, stirring, and of course, tasting along the way 😋.

The Recreation room was filled with laughter and the delicious smell of chocolate as the team worked together.

Once baked, the muffins were shared over cups of tea, and warm conversation - a simple but sweet way to mark the occasion and enjoy each other's company.

20/07/2025

The role protein plays in older adults. Muscle mass starts to decrease by 50 years of age, sometimes younger in inactive people. This is why protein is important to maintain muscle mass as it contributes to healthy growth. Protein has also been shown to improve bone health and plays a role in healing skin tears and ulcers. Interestingly, research has shown that older adults who eat less protein lose independence faster than those who eat more.

The menus at Enliven are carefully crafted to ensure meals contain high protein levels, however encouraging people to eat the amount of protein recommended by the Ministry of Health can be difficult, especially for those who do not like milk or animal protein. Families can assist by giving advice to the staff about what high protein foods might appeal or by bringing gifts of high protein snacks rather than high sugar snacks.

Shop Enliven have various favours of protein fortified drinks to help people with dysphagia/swallowing difficulties to maintain energy, hydration, fibre, and protein. https://www.enlivencentral.org.nz/shop/all/protein-fortified/

Other gift ideas for a protein boost include:
• A jar of nut butter
• Home baked biscuits with added whey protein

Flavour Creations’ pre-thickened ready-to-drink Pro Range helps dysphagia sufferers maintain greater levels of hydration and energy. 24 pack.

16/07/2025

Our elegant Pashmina-style clothing protecter offers discreet, waterproof, and absorbent protection, combining fashion with function ✅.

Lightweight and comfortable for all day wear, it drapes beautifully like a classic scarf while keeping your outfit protected.

Available in various patterns and colours ❤️🩷🧡💛💚

All proceeds support our Enliven homes and services ❤️.

Visit Shop Enliven https://www.enlivencentral.org.nz/shop/lifestyle/daily-living/pashmina-scarf-style-clothing-protector/

15/07/2025

No matter how much we love and care for someone with dementia, communication and understanding is often a struggle.

It is one thing to understand the condition, and another to understand the person ❤.

Presenter and founder, Jane Verity, is an international dementia expert passionate about emotional and psychological care. Drawing on 30 years of professional and personal experience, her approach highlights the potential and dignity within every person, reminding us that dementia doesn’t have to mean a diminished life.

Through empathy, compassion, and a focus on five key emotional needs, the Spark of Life Philosophy offers a fresh way of connecting and caring and to feel empowered with the tools and solutions to common struggles.

For more details and to secure your place, visit https://www.enlivencentral.org.nz/shop/dementia-support/spark-for-life-education/

14/07/2025

Huntleigh's Winter Ball was a plan for 2025 with the intention to have a memorable and fun night for residents and staff members ❄️💃❄️.

Winter isn’t the best time for outdoor activities, so they brought the fun indoors. For residents who have been to a ball, it was to reminisce those wonderful moments. For those who have never attended one, it was proof that it’s never too late! Staff members who’d never been to a ball, only witnessing them in movies, mentioned it was a wonderful experience for the first time. The excitement was noticeable!

Huntleigh's Winter Ball was said to be just phenomenal! From the gorgeous ball gowns, to the sparkling lights, residents walked so elegantly on the red carpet with pride and delight. The evening was filled with laughter, live music, dancing, and songs from the 50s to the 80s. Staff members who entertained everyone gave their own free time for the event. It was, indeed, Huntleigh's way of having an unforgettable
time together as a family!

07/07/2025

On July 2, Huntleigh Retirement Apartments opened their doors to the Karori community for a relaxed and welcoming Open Day 🎉.

The sunny crispy morning was a delight – making the warm fire in the lounge hard to resist ☺️. A warm cuppa, fresh scones, and good chats were a lovely addition ☺️☕.

The Open Day was a great opportunity to connect with locals in the Karori area, explore the apartments, and meet the residents. We know that residents were thrilled to meet the locals and show them what Huntleigh are all about 😎.

If you or somebody you know would like a look around Huntleigh Retirement Apartments, feel free to call Anna on 04 464 2020.

07/07/2025

On June 16th, Kowhainui Home was filled with laughter, community spirit, and the delicious scent of sizzling burgers during their special hamburger volunteers lunch 🍔

Residents and volunteers came together to craft their own burgers just the way they like them, with all the tasty trimmings and a whole lot of love.

But the treat didn’t end there! Each guest was gifted a jar of homemade carrot marmalade, lovingly prepared by our talented recreation team. Wrapped in charming fabric toppers and labelled "Made With Love," these jars were as delightful to look at as they are to taste.

It was a wonderful afternoon of connection, creativity, and good old-fashioned comfort food, a perfect way to celebrate the amazing volunteers and the joy they bring to Kowhainui every day 🩵🩵🩵

05/07/2025

Matariki at Kapiti Cottage✨

Many enjoyed dancing, the ukulele, laughs, stories, and plenty of delicious kai on a cozy rainy-day in! ☕

Nothing beats time shared with beautiful people in the best company – thank you to our wonderful team who helped put this together 🌟.

04/07/2025

June kicked off with a grand celebration for the King's Birthday, followed by Matariki 🎉🌟.

All Woburn areas hosted lively afternoon tea, and day support crafted a red decker bus from cardboard, while the rest home area buzzed with laughter at a King's Charles photo booth.

The hospital area joined in, draping lounges with royal portraits and hanging Union Jack flags at the court area. Every resident had enjoyed the first days of the winter celebration.

As days passed, they also celebrated the arrival of Matariki and all rooms were painted with anticipation. Everyone began the week with the resonant chants of Maori entertainers – the amazing tamariki from the local Kura performed an electrifying Kapa Haka where most of the residents stomped their feet and hands. It was the haka that shook each area. The children's dedication, energy and pride in sharing the culture left everyone in awe. From the day support, residents also performed the "poi" exercise.

As they continue to celebrate the event, residents also enjoyed the hangi lunch prepared by their chef and staff. The m***i day for staff also brought splashes of colour. Everyone honoured a tradition with vibrant decors, including woven harakeke stars, glowing 9 star clusters and traditional kowhaiwhai patterns. Every corner of the dining areas radiated festive cheers, uniting everyone in honouring ancestral traditions 🎉.