01
February
2019
|
11:34
Australia/Melbourne

Handyman to the rescue at Bupa Parkhaven Care Home

Bupa Parkhaven Care Home is looking much brighter now that handyman Tau Faumanu is around.

Tau (59), who is originally from Samoa and has only been with Bupa Parkhaven Care Home in Mangere East, Auckland for three months, has been able to put his maintenance and odd job experience to work by picking up a paint brush and painting the vast deck area at the home. He has also painted the plant boxes, all the railings and is now working on the white entrance wall by reception.

Pamela Nisbet, Parkhaven Care Home Manager says after arriving, and with an inability to feel at home in any of his other placements, Tau has made considerable progress in his interactions with both the Bupa team and his fellow residents.

“Tau has made a massive improvement. It's come about because he now has things to do and a purpose to get up in the morning. It has been really important for him to keep busy and he’s shown a lot of skill in what he’s doing,” Ms Nisbet said.

Once he has finished with his painting projects, Tau has his sights set on varnishing the wooden furniture in the home to brighten them up.

“These projects give me exercise and a chance to work with my hands. I really like it here and they really appreciate my work which is nice,” Mr Faumanu said.