The History of Te Hopai

Created in 1888, Te Hopai Trust is one of New Zealand’s oldest Charities. The Trust was originally formed for the care of elderly people in reduced circumstances who needed assistance from the community to enable them to live in dignity and comfort in their declining years.

Te Hopai was the first home for the aged to be established in Wellington. Following a Grant of land by the Colonial Secretary, the first home was built from funds subscribed by a number of prominent Wellington citizens and opened in 1889.

In 1993 Te Hopai Trust saw a further need for safe care for those residents with memory problems. To cater for this demand the 10-bed secure dementia Kowhai Unit was built.

In 2001 a major redevelopment of Te Hopai was started. This saw the opening of a new 2 storey wing in April that year, and was followed by the staged re-building of the old 1970’s Home, upgrading all 49 rooms, en-suites and public areas.

The main dining room and lounge is refurbished to a light elegant space with new furniture and fittings.

Te Hopai is audited and granted a 4 year (48 months) Certification by Ministry of Health. 4 year certifications are rare and this is the second time consecutively that Te Hopai has been accredited. The Audit noted that:

“The service (Te Hopai Home & Hospital) has exceeded the required standard around good practice, infection control management and surveillance, quality management, restraint minimisation, staff orientation and the management of nutritional requirements.”

New on-line patient management systems introduced that will allow electronic monitoring of all care, transfer of medical records from other providers.

In late 2019 this is extended to include tablet based access by families to daily care and activities for their loved ones.

Continuing our technology upgrades to combat Covid-19, Automatic Body Temperature Scanning installed at both main entrances meaning that all visitors have their temperature checked automatically, staff alerted if any temperature is above 37.5 degrees and entrance denied to halt infection at our doors. Wander Tracking technology also installed to help manage residents who become confused and be in danger of wandering.