Care without conditions: Christchurch Methodist Mission
In an aged care community, ceiling hoists become a holy grail, ensuring the smooth, safe transfer of residents to and from bed. What happens when such crucial specialised medical equipment is not funded by Te Whatu Ora?
WesleyCare, a branch of the Christchurch Methodist Mission, is a not-for-profit providing care to people transitioning from living in their own home to a more comprehensive support environment. For many, that means high dependency or mobility limitations. Ceiling hoists cater to that. These hoists provide a gentle way of transferring someone – keeping both resident and staff members safe. “It’s a dignified way of managing their care,” says manager Donna Coxshall.
Of 108 rooms at WesleyCare – where rooms range from rest home and hospital level care to respite and palliative – just 25 are fitted with ceiling hoists. “Residents are coming in older and more frail, most requiring a ceiling hoist at some point,” Donna explains. More and more hoists are needed, yet these systems are expensive, costing about $7500 to install in a single room. Systems for all the remaining hospital rooms at today’s price would cost just under $400,000.
Charging just modest room prices, the team relies on external support and donations.
MISSION FUNDRAISE!
The Christchurch Methodist Mission has launched an appeal to raise the funds for extra ceiling hoists that assist with providing high quality care. “Funding pressures in aged care are ongoing, as everyone is aware,” says Donna. “Because we are not-for-profit, we need to fundraise for the equipment we use.” With the city’s support, her goal of fitting all 108 rooms with ceiling hoists is possible.
For its 60-year history, WesleyCare has always been grounded in its generous community. It was thanks to the kindness of others leaving a gift to the Mission in their will that enabled WesleyCare’s rebuild in 2015, introducing a modern facility with spacious rooms, ensuites and beautiful gardens. Yet the need doesn’t stop there – donations remain key in funding equipment like ceiling hoists, air mattresses and specialised shower chairs. CMM executive director Jill Hawkey says “Even a very small gift can make a significant difference to the care that WesleyCare is able to provide. It can purchase a piece of equipment that we wouldn’t otherwise have – something that makes everyone’s day easier. A gift in your will, regardless of size, can make a substantial difference to the lives of our residents.”
With a resident-centric approach, Donna’s team is committed to providing the highest possible care. “This is their home. It’s not a business. It’s about us meeting their needs,” Donna says. “We always respect their dignity and the rights of our residents,” detailing residents’ involvement in their care plans and regular opportunities to provide feedback to management.
Donna hails from a life of service in aged care and community care leadership, from managerial positions at Healthcare NZ to private retirement villages. Her morals are grounded in family, community, and giving back – the perfect alignment for her role at WesleyCare.
She acknowledges the dedication and professionalism of her team when noting the low staff turnover – a telltale sign of a healthy work environment and great management. From residents to their families and beyond, each interaction is anchored in the charity’s values.
DONATE NOW
CMM runs an ongoing appeal for funds to buy urgently needed ceiling hoists and other specialised medical equipment for WesleyCare hospital rooms. Ceiling hoists enable gentle, respectful transfers to and from bed, especially for residents with high dependency or mobility limitations. These systems are expensive, costing about $7500 to install in a single room. Systems for the remaining hospital rooms at today’s price would cost just under $400,000. If you are able to help, please select WesleyCare Ceiling Hoists from the Donate menu at www.mmsi.org.nz.
