My last day in New Zealand was spent in Auckland. Google Maps was once again my savior as it pointed me toward the best way to get up to the North Shore Hospital for my last interview. I chose an express bus from the airport and short walk to the hospital (50 minutes). As usual, I had extra time and stopped for a date scone and my last flat white. I was rewarded for my efforts by the time I spent with a very experienced clinician who has implemented exactly what I would like to do in Vermont. What a way to finish up!
I’ve started to sort my interview data and get it ready for input into the HyperResearch program. This sabbatical has certainly accomplished the intent of “learning something new” and the learning is far from over. Thank you for following this blog, my first, and I hope it gave a favor of this research project and the lovely country of Aotearoa. Now my work clearly lies ahead… analyses and dissemination with the help of my colleagues Dr. Betty Rambur, Lori McKenna, Dr. William Pendlebury and Dr. Michael Lamontia.
E noho ra! (Maori goodbye)
Lesley took me to a facility which had senior apartments, rest home care (assisted living), and a dementia unit all on the same campus. In the dementia unit, the staff is able to call on the nurse practitioner for assistance with problem-solving behavioral issues and medications changes as needed. The facility had lots of outdoor space, gardens and even a nesting quail. A near-by kindergarten was visiting and sharing arts and crafts time with the residents. Our last stop was a 16 bed acute care gero-psych ward which is used for stabilization before placement elsewhere. That facility was equipped with all the physical features necessary, but clearly the most important component was the caring staff. Now I have a better sense of dementia care in this part of the world thanks to a lovely colleague who shares a similar passion.
My wellness activities for this week include: more swims in the 50 meter pool that is now right across the street from me, a spin on an Onzo bike since I have finally have borrowed a helmet, time on the Meridian Wind Sculpture Walkway, and one more yoga class in the beautiful Space studio high on Mount Victoria overlooking the Wellington harbor. Lucky me!
If you want to see an interesting depiction of life for 19thcentury Scottish settlers here – rent The Piano (1993) from Amazon. It’s a dark story of all the hardships that a “mail order bride” (Holly Hunter, Academy Award Winner) faced but the scenes of the Tasman Sea and the rainforest are spot on. This movie gives a hint to the hardiness of the modern-day Kiwi’s.
From Greymouth we travelled up the coast by bus to the Pancake Rock or Punakaiki. A paved trail takes you to spectacular layers of stratified limestone that line the coast. The attention paid to NZ’s natural treasures is impressive and well-maintained and signed trails make these special places very accessible. Another example of this is Abel Tasman National Park. The Department of Conservation has created an impressive network of “tracks” with the Coastal track noted for some of NZ’s best scenery – golden beaches, clear blue water, and lovely vistas through thick bush. With kayaking, birding, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and boating options, this park is inviting all ages and abilities. I wish I could do further research regarding Kiwi’s love of the outdoors and being fit and active. Now I’m on a 3 hours ferry boat ride back to the North Island looking forward to one more week of work before my return to Vermont.
Climbing out of town toward the Akaroa bush reserves via quiet back streets and dirt trails, we were quickly by ourselves despite the crush of people debarking a very large cruise ship at the town’s wharf. As we walked past a beautiful home, we were greeted by a woman coming out of her driveway to take her dogs for a walk. She asked if we were out for a walk and we answered with a compliment of her lovely village and an expression of sorrow for New Zealanders about the recent shooting. At that point, she invited us in to see her gardens.
Her house was previously the home of a French consulate who requested to retire to Akaroa after her service was done. Jacqui and her husband were able to purchase this incredible place which had extensive gardens and an amazing view of the Akaroa Harbor. It was definitely one of the most beautiful homes I have ever been in. When we explained our research to Jacqui she was kind enough to share her recent caregiving experience and give us even more insight into dementia care in NZ. What a lovely lady, we are so thankful for her invitation into her home and her life. This chance encounter provided us with another unique voice of a New Zealand family carer.
Several things are strikingly different in a country naïve to gun violence. First, people are not numb to this news, they are hurt, angry and want to do something to express their sorrow. So many people have come to the street across from where we are staying to lay flowers and leave signs or other objects, pray and sing. Now that display stretches is 3-4 blocks long and 6 feet deep. Hymns and Maori singing can be occasionally heard. Media coverage from around the world is set up here. The Prime Minister has assured her country that gun laws will be changed in 10 days’ time and there will be a day of national mourning. We were told that when President Trump asked Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern what he could do, she replied “have sympathy and love for all Muslim communities”. The sign pictured below captures the spirit of New Zealand – a unique and diverse land of many people. A tragedy witnessed…
on Rolleston Street Christchurch
Regarding requesting an interview of busy healthcare professionals– persistence counts. One office was contacted six times and then came through with two interviews for us. The snowball effect definitely pays off as each interviewee was asked to recommend others for us to contact. Lastly, finding a practice manager who has experienced Alzheimer’s Disease on a personal level can open many doors.
Regarding money management – Wire transfers of funds are a nightmare when in a different time zone and date – avoid at all costs. Out of country debit cards are treated like credit cards here in New Zealand so there is no option to select debit or credit. Finally, American Express is NOT preferred and many shopkeepers will tell you exactly why – too many fees and policy changes for them. So don’t believe the ads, bring cash and a debit card and a back up credit care.
Wellness activities are essential to keeping the team going– For example, riding up in the Cable Car and walking down to the city for 40 minutes through the lovely Wellington Botanical Gardens with my team and my brother. A lovely hike along the rugged coast also keeps our spirits high.
Once in Wellington, Betty and I had an orientation day of busing around, New Zealand lawmaking (included a tour of the “Beehive”), and an Ethnic Food Fair at the local school with Indian, German, Hangi, Chinese, Mexican, Cambodian, African, Middle Eastern, Pacific Island, Somali and Greek dishes. This gives you a good idea of the diversity in Wellington; I wish I could share the tasty treats!
My wellness activity for today… a nice swim in one of the many pools in Wellington. Did you know that all children are required to learn how to swim in grade school here? A smart idea for this beautiful island nation; the investment in their swimming pools is evident everywhere. Happy me!
Here are a couple of things that I have noticed from my time in waiting rooms: No one wears white coats, the GPs “room” there own patients and the nurse consultation rooms are usually right off the waiting room.
The best thing about my bus ride today was the second practice that I visited was on the other end of the #1 bus route. A 51 minute straight shot to a lovely little beach neighborhood. Bonus – it was a double decker bus. Of course I had a picnic lunch and then my snack treat – a flat white and Anzac biscuit. During my snack break, I watched a procession of school kids heading for the beach with their hats and towels and teachers. It seems a bit chilly to me but there they go. I’m starting to love my routine here.
