Auckland
Mercy Parklands – The world first Spark of Life Centre of Excellence
Years of Centre of Excellence Certification:
- 2014
- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
Mercy Parklands Aged Care Facility is a not for profit organisation owned by the Sisters of Mercy in Ellerslie, Auckland. It is a community of 97 residents and 112 multidisciplinary staff from a diverse range of cultural, ethnic and socio economic backgrounds with 17 different nationalities represented. Nineteen volunteers and three groups of student volunteers are also part of enriching the lives of people living at Mercy Parklands.
Watch Moira’s daughter Robin Warin tell what Spark of Life did for her mum:
As part of the Mercy Parkland community, a small award winning non secure home environment is provided for 13 residents living with dementia.
Achieving Spark of Life Centre of Excellence Status
This was the culmination of a five-year journey for Mercy Parklands and their staff, beginning in 2010, when they introduced the Spark of Life Philosophy to the organisation with the aim of developing their culture and environment to better meet the needs of residents with dementia and improve the understanding and skills of staff working with those residents.
‘Obviously we believe the benefits of holding the title of the world’s first Spark of Life Centre of Excellence are immense: making a significant difference in the lives of our residents and knowing we are doing the very best for them; good standing in our field; high occupancy; positive clinical outcomes; and staff with skills and commitment,’ explains Helen Delmonte.
For an article on Mercy Parklands in Australian Journal of Dementia Care April 2016 click on this link: http://journalofdementiacare.com/igniting-the-spark-of-life/
Watch Helen Delmonte, Master Practitioner at Mercy Parklands World First Spark of Life Centre of Excellence, Auckland New Zealand share her description of the positive impact that Spark of Life has had on her organisation:
Since achieving certification as Spark of Life Centre of Excellence, Mercy Parklands has in addition received numerous awards and recognition for their implementation of the Spark of Life Philosophy.
Here is a direct link to Mercy Parklands home page: http://www.mercyparklands.co.nz/
Helen Delmonte, Spark of Life Master Practitioner
Helen is the Operations Manager at Mercy Parklands with a background in Occupational Therapy.
Helen was part of the inaugural Spark of Life Master Practitioner course in March 2010, and is the first Spark of Life Master Practitioner to fully implement the Spark of Life Culture Enrichment program, culminating in Mercy Parklands being certified as the World First Spark of Life Centre of Excellence in February 2014. Helen continues to lead the implementation of Spark of Life throughout Mercy Parklands.
Mina Velasco, Spark of Life Master Practitioner
Mina was born in the Philippines and now lives in Auckland New Zealand. She has a background in Occupational Therapy and is now supporting Helen Delmonte in the ongoing implementation of the Spark of Life Philosophy.
Mina is also the Volunteer Coordinator sharing the Spark of Life Philosophy with all the volunteers.
Watch Mina Velasco expressing in her native language Filipino what the Spark of Life Philosophy means to her:
Levin
Matai Cottage at Levin Homes for War Veterans – On the journey to become a Spark of Life Centre of Excellence.
Levin Homes are part of the Enliven Presbyterian Support and is a community of 100 residents and 120 staff. Matai Cottage is part of Levin Homes for War Veterans and is a small stand-alone home providing care for 18 people who have dementia.
The leadership of Enliven Presbyterian Support has a strong commitment towards the Spark of Life Philosophy. Matai Cottage is in the early stages of the journey to become a Spark of Life Centre of Excellence.
Davina Rawiri, Spark of Life Master Practitioner
Davina is the Enliven Educator for the Northern Region and the Spark of Life Master Practitioner implementing the philosophy into Matai Cottage at Levin Homes for War Veterans.
Davina is of Maori descent and a strong advocate for preserving and honouring the Maori culture.
