Elms Court

• Accommodation Type: Elms Court is an Aged Care and Retirement Village Provider
• Location: Christchurch
• Rooms: 127
• Project Length: Ongoing
• Product Supplied: Bedding, Linen, Toweling

“Here at Elms Court, I would definitely recommend you guys, you’ve been great and can’t fault you really. It’s been really good so far! I would have no problem recommending you to anyone.”

What is the Elms Court target market/clientele and where do you position yourself in the care market?

Our philosophy here at Elms Court has always been that we accept anybody and everybody, no matter their wealth or needs. We’re flexible with people and looking after their individual needs is really important. Our target market is literally anybody who needs care, generally the elderly but we do have some younger people in our homes also. We’re known by the social workers as people who will accept the weird and wonderful and between our three homes, we are adaptable to all cases and conditions.

How many beds & properties do you have?

We currently have three properties including; an 18 bed rest home with a small, very flexible, home like environment, a 32 bed life care facility for those who require a higher level of care, and our largest 77 bed facility with 25 ORA’s (Licensed to Occupy), and 52 beds in the care facility.

What makes Elms Court unique?

We focus on family values, flexibility and creating a home-like environment. We pick up the little things that people need. We really try to meet the whole person’s needs, not just physical. We focus not only on looking after physical needs but mental ones too. For a lot of people, their happiness is based on why they get up in the morning and keeping residents mentally stimulated and keeping a lust for life is just as important on keeping them physically active.

We really try to get to know our residents on a personal level, try to be their friend and part of their family, which makes it so much more of a home for all of our residents.

What are the challenges you face in sourcing the product your residents and staff need?

Finding the right product, finding the right price, and ongoing support for that product.

What is most important to you in a supplier?

Finding that right level of support. If you can make it personable and a good genuine relationship, then that is important. Finding good products at the best price is the challenge and finding product that will stand the test of time.

What made you decide to partner with Vendella?

Good timing really, before I took over, the laundry was outsourced. We were sent a catalogue by Vendella so we decided to have a look into some of your products. Melissa and Marty were very attentive and came and listened to what we wanted. You were really sharp on price and the product quality was really good when compared with other potential suppliers. During the initial takeover it was chaotic but getting the product we needed on time helped everything run smoothly and the support you gave was really good.

How have you found working with Vendella & Melissa since partnering?

No problems at all, it’s been really good. The chocolate is always a bonus! The relationship has been really good, she hasn’t been too pushy or bothered me too much. I know she’s always there and whenever I’ve needed her she’s always been quick to respond and meet the needs of Elms Court. Especially in the beginning where it was chaos moving from an outsourced laundry to implementing in-house linen and laundry. Vendella and Melissa made it a seamless transition.

What would you say if someone asked you if they should do business with Vendella?

I would definitely recommend you guys, you’ve been great and can’t fault you really. It’s been really good so far! I would have no problem recommending you to anyone.