Focus on improving care for sight-impaired residents recognised

Peacehaven manager Ronette Bolivar’s commitment to improving the care of sight-impaired residents has been recognised.

Her willingness to listen and implement changes for the benefit of residents saw Ronette awarded “A Blind Bit of Difference” certificate from the Association of Blind Citizens NZ, Southland branch last week.

The certificate is awarded to groups or individuals who have done something to support blind, low vision and deaf/blind people.

Carolyn Weston, who is the chairperson of the Association of Blind Citizens NZ, Southland branch, came to Peacehaven care home for respite care following an injury. During her stay, she talked to Ronette about how staff could better support and care for blind and sight-impaired residents.

Carolyn said Ronette had been very interested in learning how residents’ experience could be improved.

Ronette arranged for Carolyn and two other members of the Southland branch to hold an education session for staff around the needs and care of blind and sight impaired residents.

“Not only did Ronette notify staff of our workshop, but she went out of her way to make sure staff came,” Carolyn said.

“Without Ronette’s help, we would not have been successful in this workshop.”

The workshop educated staff on the importance of introducing themselves when entering the residents’ rooms, explaining to residents what they were going to do to care for the resident and how to sight guide a mobile resident.

Ronette said staff had taken Carolyn’s concerns seriously and had wanted to learn how to improve the way they cared for residents with sight issues.