When Mrs Carmel Holla moved into Resthaven Mount Gambier, she was determined to continue her lifelong love of sewing. So it was that she set about converting part of her room at the residential aged care home into a state-of-the-art ‘sewing corner’, complete with sewing machine, overlocker, drawers of buttons and bobs, and colourful fabrics … Continued
For Brittany Carver, International Nurses Day holds special significance, and not just because she is a Personal Care Assistant herself. The Resthaven Paradise worker is also a relative of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel, the Australian nurse who was the sole survivor of the Bangka Island massacre, which took place on 16 February 1942, shortly after … Continued
Every day, volunteers at Resthaven make a real and tangible difference in enriching the lives of older people. Volunteers have been an important part of Resthaven since the very beginning in 1935. Nationally, Australia recognises volunteers throughout National Volunteer Week, from 20-26 May 2024. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate with … Continued
Resthaven’s proud commitment to diversity and inclusion continues with the latest announcement that Priscilla de Pree has accepted a change in role from Project Officer – Multicultural and Diversity, to the newly evolved position of Diversity and Inclusion Lead. The original position was established in 2005, when Resthaven Incorporated introduced a role that solely focused … Continued
When Mrs Florence ‘Flo’ Symes moved into Resthaven Paradise four years ago, she didn’t want to ‘waste time sitting around.’ So it was that she turned her hand to the popular ‘paint by numbers’ art activity, creating almost 50 paintings so far – with no sign of slowing down in sight. Flo discovered painting late … Continued
Mrs Muriel Dick (101), of Resthaven Aberfoyle Park, has today received a gift and a personal thank you from the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) for her service to the country during World War II. Muriel was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force from 1942-1946, working as a tailoress, as well as … Continued
Mrs Irene Dixon, 101, describes her time in the Australian Land Army as ‘honest, hard work.’ Now a resident at Resthaven Port Elliot, Irene is believed to be the last surviving South Australian member of the Australian Women’s Land Army. ‘It’s not surprising really,’ she says with a wry smile. ‘Many of the women I … Continued
At Resthaven Murray Bridge, Relieving Manager Charlie Roe is enjoying the unique mix of residents and staff who make up her remit. An Adelaide Hills resident herself, Charlie identifies with the country-town feel, where everyone knows each other, and connections are made at the school gate or on the sports field. ‘Resthaven has a strong … Continued
On Friday 12 April, Resthaven officially opened the new Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services office at 13 Penola Road, Mount Gambier. The event was attended by Board members, managers and executives, local staff and stakeholders, and the most important guests, Resthaven clients. Manager, Theresa Connor, says, ‘Whilst our office at 15b James Street has served … Continued
Resthaven Mitcham resident, Mr Brian Measday (85), is many things; an inventor, a retired Chartered Accountant, a butterfly breeder, a life member of TREENET, and one of the most published ‘Letters to the Editor’ writers in South Australia. Each of these interests (apart from accounting, but more on that later) has its roots in the … Continued
None of us like to admit that we might need a little help one day. Like many things in life, a decline in our capacity to complete certain functions is something that creeps up on you. Tasks that you used to be able to manage easily, start to become more difficult. And navigating the aged … Continued
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and for those who have received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, ongoing aerobic activities can assist with symptoms such as a decline in mobility, postural instability and cognitive decline. ‘Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can affect people from all walks of life,’ Lachlan Adams, Resthaven Occupational Therapist … Continued
For Deb Wotherspoon, one of the most rewarding things is to hear the voices of people singing along with her piano playing. A volunteer at Resthaven Bellevue Heights, Deb, and her bordoodle (border collie/poodle) Fergus, support the ‘Worship for Everyone’ church service. Deb plays the piano during the service and then continues to play afterwards … Continued
Residents at Resthaven Westbourne Park have been exploring their creative side, taking part in art therapy sessions run by the SEW Program (Supporting Emotional Wellbeing in Aged Care) from Relationships Australia. ‘Most of us consider art projects to be a fun, relaxing way for people of all ages to express their creativity,’ Rachael Ross, Lifestyle … Continued
Rusty Novice, a volunteer at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park, is a firm believer in the sense of satisfaction that comes from achieving. ‘I always encourage people to have a go,’ Rusty says. ‘Whether it’s someone from the community, my own kids, or now my grandkids, if someone comes along and asks if they can help, I’ll … Continued
Easter celebrations mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolised through new beginnings. At Resthaven Bellevue Heights, residents have been experiencing this first-hand with the arrival of the ‘Henny Penny Hatching’ program. Watching chicks emerging from their shells brings delight to residents at the home. Mrs Helen Thorp (pictured right) kept chickens for many years and … Continued
Cherie-Lee Lindsay is benefitting from the assistance of Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services, who support her to care for her dad, Mr Bill Kable, who lives with dementia. She explains, ‘In 2017, Dad was living on our property in a granny flat, and initially received social support visits. Home support workers took him out … Continued
At Resthaven, we recently held an award night to celebrate staff and volunteers who had gone above and beyond in their role. It was wonderful to be involved in an event that recognised and acknowledged people who had made a difference to the lives of others. One of the highlights of the evening was seeing … Continued
For Karen Gregory, Resthaven’s Palliative Care Advanced Practice Nurse, Advance Care Planning Week (March 18–25) is a timely reminder that everyone over the age of 18 should have an Advance Care Directive. ‘Talking about death and dying is not always easy’, Karen says. ‘But these conversations are extremely important. There might be a time in … Continued
Over the past three years, Manager Workforce Strategy, Sonia Hunter, has emerged as a dynamic leader. She has contributed to shaping Resthaven’s workforce and organisational culture in the face of challenges such as the Royal Commission, a global pandemic, and ongoing government reforms. Late last year, Resthaven nominated Sonia in the ‘Emerging Leader’ category for … Continued