Abbeyfield Dunedin is a charity which provides supported, affordable accommodation for nine independent older people at a purpose-built facility in Wakari.
The housekeeper takes care of the household shopping, meals, the common areas of the house and keeps a general overview of the harmonious working of the house.
Often found in the kitchen or working around the home, Mr Leishman has been delighted with how the residents have included him in their day-to-day lives.
"The residents have a great sense of humour and there is lots of banter, which I really enjoy," he said.
"One resident, Pat, usually puts on a record for some music at tea time, which is a lovely thing as well."
A baker by trade, Mr Leishman switched to cooking when he took up a role in the kitchen at St Hilda’s Tolcarne residence, from 2017-2024, and also worked at Redroofs rest-home.
"I enjoyed working with older people, and I was attracted to the Abbeyfield model of caring for older people," he said.
"The Abbeyfield residents are all very independent — everyone gets out and about and does their own thing, while also having the company of their fellow residents.
"It’s a good insight into how things can be.
"There is something unique about working in an environment that is people’s home — it is a privilege to be there."
Mr Leishman said each floor of the house had its own kitchenette and residents would make their own breakfasts. There was an ongoing shopping list, where residents could include anything they needed, and they would also buy some of their own items.
Mr Leishman cooks a hot meal with dessert for lunch during week-days, with a lighter meal at night, and volunteers organised a hot meal in the evenings on weekends.
"While I have a budget to keep to, the residents want for nothing and I always ensure that the food is tasty — these guys love good food.
"So far, the feedback has been excellent," he said.
He would sit down with residents at meal times and have a chat, and there is a lounge room where people can gather to talk and play games.
"One thing we would love to get for the lounge is a smart TV, so we could have movie nights. If someone perhaps had a spare one they could donate, it would be good to hear from them," he said.
Residents have established their own "jobs" at Abbeyfield, such as 96 year-old Jim, who fills water glasses, and Margaret who sets the table and unloads the dishwasher.
Abbeyfield Dunedin committee member Max Reid said he had been involved in aged care for the past 20 years, and was concerned about the increasing gap in terms of access to support and care.
"You now have to have resources to get into retirement villages, and you have to be quite unwell to qualify for rest-home care," Mr Reid said.
"And a growing number of older people do not own their own home.
"Then there is the issue of social isolation, which has a major impact on people’s health and wellbeing.
"So, for older people on their own to come into the Abbeyfield environment, where there is support and company, is a good option."
Mr Reid believed that building more facilities to run on the Abbeyfield model could be a good solution for future housing needs for older people in Dunedin.
The existing Abbeyfield Dunedin home is one of 14 around the country.
Mr Reid said there are plans in place to expand Abbeyfield Dunedin by adding a further two rooms in the near future, to increase its capacity to 11 residents.
