A new home for rural old folk

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 474, 23 February 1993, Page 6

A new home for rural old folk

Growing old can be very miserable. In rural areas growing old has often meant having to leave family, home, friends and everything that has been familiar over a lifetime. Not so any longer in Taihape. To this small town's credit Taihape now has its own home for the elderly, Ruanui House. Set above the hospital (so medical care is always available), Ruanui House overlooks the busy small town and its surrounding green hills. The Ruahine Ranges provide a picturesque backdrop. Many ex-Taihape people will have memories of Ruanui Maternity Hospital which was originally to be found opposite the recreation ground but which in 1951 was rebuilt just inside the Kiwi Road entrance to the public hospital grounds. This was the place everybody rushed to, often over many miles of winding unsealed country road to make sure they 'got there before the baby arrived'. Thirty-one years later, in 1982, Ruanui Maternity Annexe closed its doors and all mater-

nity cases went to a specially designed wing of the new public hospital (now known as the Rural Health Centre). The Ruanui Maternity Annexe building remained empty for 10 years and during that time provided the basis for a small town's dream, to provide facilities for its elderly and disabled. In 1989, under the leadership of Mr Noel Byford, local businessman and ex-mayor, a group formed to begin making this dream a reality. Three years later, at the end of 1992, Ruanui House proudly opened its doors to the public. Ruanui House is a community facility. It is a facility that the town can feel very proud of creating. Its prime objectives are that it provides a high standard of care for elderly people in a warm, secure and caring environment where physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs can be fulfilled. Custom built for this purpose, Ruanui House has all the modern facilities which enhance the quality of life of those who have been privileged

enough to reach their senior years. Individual bedrooms (some of which open into each other to accommodate married couples if required), have been designed to catch the sun and the view. Each is equipped with handbasin, vanity-unit and heating system. Four large lounges allow a variety of daytime activities, or privacy for those who wish it. There is a whanau/family visiting room capable of accommodating visiting relatives if necessary and a modern kitchen. All food is prepared on the premises and any kind of diet can be catered for. There are outdoor balconies, a paved courtyard area and pleasant garden walk-ways. Ruanui House provides 24-hour care. While it has been designed specifically with the needs of the elderly in mind (including those with alzheimers disease and other similar conditions), it can also provide for the disabled. Individual care plans are developed for each

resident to ensure individual needs are met. The atmosphere is warm and homely and the community caring and supportive. Visitors are always welcome and regular outings and activities

are organised. Ruanui House can provide for both long-term care and short stays. Sometimes this is necessary after hospitalisation or when a spouse or caregiver needs a break.

A flat rate of $460 is charged per resident per week. This covers all costs and is GST inclusive. For people who have fond memories of the area, those who have

friends or relatives here, or those to whom the peace and tranquillity of a rural environment appeals, see the advertisement in the public notices section of this paper.