The significance of being a finalist

2024 marks the tenth anniversary of the annual New Zealand’s Best Awards (previously known as People’s Choice Awards). These unique awards recognise excellence in aged care facilities and retirement and lifestyle villages throughout New Zealand. Winners and finalists awards are allocated based on reviews received by Aged Advisor during the previous 12 months. Reviewers can either place their reviews online or send in freepost forms.

How the Reviews Work

The majority of reviews received by Aged Advisor on nearly 960 facilities across the country are place by residents, their families or friends and so reflect personal experiences of living in and visiting the facilities. Reviewers are asked to give feedback on a variety of criteria including quality of care and relationships and community atmosphere. There is also room for extra comments. All reviewers are required to include contact details and a name to ensure it is genuine although reviewers do have the option for this not to be made public to protect their privacy. Winners and finalists each year are calculated taking into account the size of the facilities. To be eligible for an award facilities must receive a minimum of three reviews within the previous twelve months and five or more reviews over the last three years.

The Value of Community Recognition

For recipients of winners and finalists awards there is immense satisfaction in being recognised by the community you serve, that is the residents and their families and friends. Being a finalist signals to the community that a facility values its resident’s quality of life and actively works to foster an environment where they feel respected, cared for and at home. It recognises those in the sector who have gone above and beyond in delivering excellent service with compassion and care, they have been successful in fostering a sense of community which resonates with residents and their families and friends.

Acknowledgement of Hardworking Staff

Recipients of finalists and winners awards agreed that the awards were a valuable acknowledgement for their hardworking staff, and that the recognition was especially meaningful as they came from residents and their families. Linda Neale, Sales Manager at Settlers Lifestyle Village commented that residents also felt extremely proud that they were part of an award-winning village. Families of residents of top facilities also received reassurance in the knowledge that their loved one was living in a great village or care facility.

Helping Families Make Informed Decisions

For those who are in the process of choosing a village or care facility for themselves or a family member New Zealand’s Best Awards gives a valuable window into the sector allowing them to hear the voices of those who are already in facilities they are considering. Those facilities who are finalists or award winners have been recognised by those who know as providers who are dedicated to excellence. For a decision which is so significant this reassurance is of upmost value.