A suggestion at an earlier Residents’ Committee meeting had inspired staff and residents alike to research the traditions associated with Chinese New Year celebrations and the importance of the various customs and practices involved. 

Leading up to the event, residents then helped make the decorations which included over one hundred lanterns, origami rabbits and even a Chinese Lunar Calendar.

 

On the day, everyone was treated to a specially prepared lunch of pork in black bean sauce, lemon chicken, noodles with vegetables and steamed rice, with many residents choosing to use chop sticks, which they managed expertly!  Getting into the spirit of the occasion, staff, residents and family members wore red, which is highly significant in the celebrations, and each resident was gifted a red packet of confectionery – signifying prosperity – courtesy of the family of resident, Mrs Liu.

 

Commenting on the success of the event, manager, Jan Bicknell, said:

 

 

  

Selwyn Oaks Retirement Village comprises a 36-bed rest home, a 29-bed hospital and 16 independent living villas. It is owned and managed by The Selwyn Foundation, one of New Zealand’s largest, not-for-profit providers of services to older people and winner of the INsite magazine/New Zealand Aged Care Association 2010 ‘Overall Excellence in Aged Care Award’.

 

 

Pictured are: Back row (left to right), Mrs Annie Chappell (daughter of Mr Blinkhorn, seated); Jan Bicknell, Selwyn Oaks’ Manager; Sandra Sheene, Clinical Coordinator. Front row (seated): Selwyn Oaks’ residents: Mr Jack Blinkhorn, Mrs Elspeth Currie and Mrs Phillis Moyle.