Hard work, independence and respect for others have always been the cornerstones for nurse Leigh Tabak when it comes to looking after independent and aged-care residents – and raising her five children.
Son Jason Edkins remembers this well, saying growing up, he was inspired by his mum’s devotion to those she cared for. In fact, it had such an impact on him, when he discovered his own passion for dementia care as a teenager, he followed in Leigh’s footsteps.
“I always felt comfortable in those environments and I always admired Mum’s approach, and how she engaged with residents and families,” shares Jason, now 41, who worked in the same retirement village as his mum when he was 15. “I found my knack as a caregiver and my passion for dementia care, then went on to do my nurse training.”
Leigh, 62, recalls Jason swearing he wouldn’t become a nurse, but she’s not surprised he changed his mind.
“It came very naturally to him,” says Leigh smiling. “As a teen, he was the only male in a carer role and the residents adored him.”
Both have had enduring careers as mental health nurses and plenty of experience in aged care and retirement communities. Leigh was even eventually hired to replace her son when he left Christchurch community, Arvida St Allisa, in 2019.
“The residents loved that I was Jason’s mother,” tells Leigh. “The similar smile and the fact they knew him so well made my entry easier. It’s unusual to follow in your son’s footsteps, but I rely on him more than he relies on me.”
Jason adds, “It was inevitable I would end up in the same field and mum’s always been very supportive about it. There were times when we were both working for the District Health Board and I was Mum’s boss. It’s kind of unusual, but we’ve always had that synergistic connection.”
These days, they’re on the same track again, both managing Arvida retirement communities – Jason at Nelson’s Waimea Plains and Leigh at Christchurch’s Park Lane.
They share tips and tricks of the trade regularly, with Leigh delighted to be learning from Jason, who has developed a reputation for spearheading and supporting new and unexpected resident initiatives.
Among these are a beer- brewing club, which boasts 70 members and runs out of a converted container, a sustainable garden project, where residents have designed and built vertical garden beds, a popular e-bike group and a summer glamping project.
Brews and e-biking… just some of the activities Jason encourages.
“I guess one of the reasons I got the job is I have a left-field brain,” explains father-of-three Jason.
“It was very important to me to establish a community in the true sense of the word with residents at the centre, leading as much as possible.
“We’ve recently purchased a yurt glamping tent [a circular contruction usually used as a home by nomads of Central Asia] and pitched it at three different locations around the Tasman over summer, so residents and their families could go camping without any of the hassle. For some, it was the first time they’d ever been camping.”
Jason believes they’re also the first retirement community in the country to offer a beer- brewing operation of this kind and talking about it, his drive and dedication is clear.
“Some residents have really come out of their shell,” he enthuses. “It does help that the beer is pretty good, but the by-product is that they’re working as a team. Some even call us the Refreshment Village!”
Motivated by her son, Leigh is now working on replicating similar opportunities at Park Lane and says it’s really taking off, with 30 people booked into this week’s mystery outing.
She’s also incredibly proud of the Living Well Centre, which offers a gymnasium, swimming, café and event facilities to residents, plus membership options for the community to join in too.
“It’s a great initiative and diminishing the stereotype of what retirement villages are like,” says Leigh, who like her son, relishes in challenging the norm.
“Being a little risky is where the fun can happen,” says Jason, who’s always learning from the residents. “They all have more life experience than me, so I try my best to listen, not to filter them, to be authentic and have a can-do attitude.”
It’s a philosophy Leigh stands by too.
“Treat others the way you want to be treated, show respect and give them choice,” she reflects. “I want to be open and honest, and the person they can come and talk to about anything.”
