Resthaven Agedcare Alternatives Turns 10!
On Tuesday 10 November, Resthaven Agedcare Alternatives held a small, festive celebration to acknowledge ten years of providing free aged care information to the South Australian community at 1/445 Fullarton Road, Highgate.
Agedcare Alternatives was sponsored by Resthaven as a gift to the South Australian community as part of Resthaven’s 75th anniversary year.
It was officially opened on 3 December, 2010, by Resthaven volunteer, Mrs Liz Scarce, wife of His Excellency Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR, former Governor of South Australia.
Ten years on, as Resthaven’s celebrates its 85th anniversary, the service continues in its goal to support older people to navigate the aged care system, all free of charge. Over the past 10 years, more than 12,000 people have made contact with Agedcare Alternatives.
The tenth anniversary was marked with a low-key event, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Coordinator of the centre, Mark Trebilcock, welcomed guests and outlined how the service continues to assist an increasing number of people each month, with record enquiries in October this year.
Guests included the original Coordinator, Franco Parenti, who is now Manager of Resthaven Western Community Services, Sue McKechnie, Executive Manager Resthaven Community Services, who championed the centre, and Lee Sando, former Resthaven Deputy Board President and one of the early volunteer ‘Options Guides’, who assist people with their enquiries.
‘Our Options Guides give free, one-to-one, face-to-face or telephone information and support assistance to find out what an enquirer’s needs and concerns are in navigating their way through the complex aged care system,’ Mark explained.
Three current volunteer Options Guides, Anne Nosworthy, Paul Carberry and Grant Lauritsen also attended the event.
Grant Edwards, the Manager of Agedcare Alternatives Regional Assessment Service, outlined how people might have an assessment for support at home, and not know the options available. This is where the service can assist, clarifying the aged care alternatives available and how to access support.
The President of the Resthaven Board, Mark Porter, gave a congratulatory speech and Darren Birbeck, Resthaven Chief Executive Officer closed proceedings, with light refreshments to follow.
‘We acknowledge the hard work of our volunteers, without whom this venture would not be possible,’ Darren said.
The centre is open during normal business hours. For more information about Agedcare Alternatives, telephone the Agedcare Alternatives office on 8408 4600.
Celebrating 85 years in 2020, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.