A family with a difference

Ranui Care Home celebrates 50 years!

For 50 years Ranui (being the Māori word for ‘a place in the sun’) has been the home for a lot of older people. While many things have changed over those years, one thing remains the same, it is a place where older people have always been at the heart of Ranui, being cared for by a hard-working and dedicated team of professionals.

Ranui started as a 30-room rest home that opened in 1973. The first three residents moved in before the formal opening in March when 18 women and one man were calling Ranui home.
A fun fact – during construction a time capsule was placed between Rooms 31 and 32 and there it remains today!

Ranui has been managed under the auspices of several managers including Reay Allen (1977-1994), Mavis Thornton (2001-2021) and is currently managed by Leigh McLeod.

At the time of Ranui’s opening, strict rules were in place and residents were only allowed to bring a knee rug and clothing – how times have changed! Home is where the heart is, meaning residents are encouraged to bring their precious and special mementos, helping create a place of cherished memories, familiarity and security.

Manager, Leigh McLeod, says Ranui has seen a lot of changes over the years as the need for hospital-level care has grown, but it is the Ranui ‘family’ that is integral to the aged care facility.

“The beautiful people who call Ranui home, including their families, become our family and all of us welcome them and care for them with pride and kindness. This includes our carers, nurses, kitchen staff, cooks, housekeepers, laundry staff, and the maintenance, gardening, activity and admin teams, and of course not forgetting our cat Nugget, and dog Duke.”

Banner photo: Resident Liz Duggan cutting the Ranui birthday cake

Photo (below): Current and previous managers of Ranui (from left: Leigh McLeod, Mavis Thornton, and Reay Allen)

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