Weiti Care at Gulf Rise: A new benchmark in care

As Kiwis struggle to find quality aged care for loved ones, those living in North Auckland can breathe a sigh of relief. Metlifecare’s Gulf Rise on the Hibiscus Coast recently opened its doors to Weiti Care Home, offering 36 state of-the-art care suites, including 13 purpose-built dementia suites.

The boutique facility provides much needed care beds in the area, delivering premium rest home, hospital level and secure dementia care in a contemporary, family-friendly environment. Gulf Rise Operations Manager Jarrod Shearer says Metlifecare’s Weiti Care home will fill a critical gap, both within Red Beach and beyond.

“It’s exciting to be able to bring some much-needed high quality care suites to this part of Auckland,” says Jarrod. “As with much of New Zealand, we have an ongoing and increasing need for caring living options for older New Zealanders. Rest home and hospital level care is in high demand and dementia care is even harder to find in the area, so we’ll be meeting a significant need for the local community.”

And as the former Village Manager of Gulf Rise, it’s a community that is particularly close to Jarrod’s heart. “I have a deep connection with Gulf Rise. I opened the village, welcomed the first residents and have been part of the overall build programme for the village since it started. Seeing the care suites open was a huge milestone for the village and one that is deeply personal for me.”

The cutting-edge care home is the first care facility in the country to achieve a 6 Green Star Design certification by the NZ Green Building Council. Not only does it lead the way in sustainability (it’s designed to minimise energy consumption, water usage, waste generation and harmful emissions), but it provides a life-enhancing environment for those who live and work there – from better air quality and lighting right through to sound attenuation.

Packed with features designed to make life better, Weiti Care sets a new benchmark in both sustainability and care, providing a cut above from the traditional care home options. And for Gulf Rise Nurse Manager Jo Lochery, “it’s a career highlight”.

“It was very exciting our beautiful boutique care home,” she says. “With just 36 rooms spread over three floors, each floor has the feeling of a family space, and with communal lounges on each level it will never feel crowded. We also have a fully equipped kitchen in each lounge so we can offer special activities that other facilities can’t. For example, a resident could make their favourite scone recipe and share it with family and fellow residents for morning tea, while being safely assisted by our activities staff.”

Each of the 36 suites are modern and spacious, and include a kitchenette and ensuite, and some are large enough to accommodate couples. That means couples who are both assessed as requiring residential care at rest home or hospital level may remain together even if one of them needs hospital level care.

The ability to offer secure dementia care is another huge plus.

“New Zealand has an aging population and I know from the many enquiries we’ve had that families are really struggling to find quality care for their loved ones. We also know that dementia diagnosis are on the increase and dementia beds are hard to find, so being able to offer 13 rooms which all have access to safe outside space is very exciting for us.”

The ground floor dementia care suites (or memory loss suites) are designed to be safe spaces where residents are encouraged to reach their full potential, from bespoke facilities like the dedicated ‘quiet room’ through to specialised activities expertly crafted to meet the unique needs of each resident.

In addition to providing a level of care the community so desperately needs, Weiti Care will also bring clinical and village jobs to the Hibiscus Coast. It’s a win-win that both Jo and Jarrod feel incredibly proud to be a part of.

Adds Jo, “Seeing the building being built was quite special. We were so excited to see it grow and were thrilled to say ‘welcome home’ to our first residents last year.”