People have asked me what motivated me to apply for the role of CEO for an aged care provider at a time like this. With a Royal Commission into aged care quality and safety already under way, years of chronic underfunding of the sector and major reform on the horizon, it certainly looked like a … Continued

We are pleased to announce that visiting hours for all Resthaven residential aged care homes have been extended for the upcoming January public holidays.  The visiting hours for New Years Day (1 January 2021) and Australia Day (26 January 2021) are 10am to 4pm. For all other days, the following visiting times apply for visitors to … Continued

In some ways, the year 2020 has flown by. In other ways, it has dragged on interminably. We take the good with the bad, and we can do nothing else. But we can, at least, be grateful that we live in South Australia, and so far, have not had any instances COVID-19 in any Resthaven … Continued

Dora Greiner (nee Stiebritz) was born on 25 December 1920 in Jena, East Germany. To keep her company, she had 5 sisters and two brothers – a family of eight. One brother, Ernst, lost his life in the war. Her father and mother had a medium size Building Company employing around 30 people, and in … Continued

On Thursday 10 December, two of Resthaven Marion’s groups, the Men on the Move and the Parkinson’s self-management group, joined together to receive a special guest.  Stephen Hooper, who is Manager Facilities and Assets and based at Resthaven’s Head office, brought along his Matchless 1952, 500cc motorcycle sidecar to show the participants. Stephen’s journey with … Continued

The following visiting times currently apply for visitors to all Resthaven Residential aged care homes: Visiting hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10am to 4pm Tuesday and Thursday: 10am to 4pm AND 6pm to 8pm Saturday: 1pm to 5pm Sundays: 1pm to 3pm January Public Holidays (including New Years Day and Australia Day): 10am to 4pm  Christmas Day … Continued

Congratulations to Resthaven Malvern resident, Mrs Joyce O’Driscoll, who celebrated her 100th birthday in December. Joyce has enjoyed a culture rich life, travelling with her husband as her family grew, before settling down in Adelaide. Born in Manchester, Joyce enjoyed school, with her favourite subject being English. ‘After school finished, I worked in the office … Continued

The updated South Australia Emergency (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 17) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 came into effect on Monday 14 December. The key changes in the Direction include: An easing of visitor restrictions: There is no restriction to the number of care and support visits a resident may receive in a day. There is no … Continued

‘With the start of summer and the warmer weather already upon us, Resthaven’s bushfire prevention and preparedness program is in operation,’ says CEO, Darren Birbeck. ‘Resthaven takes the risk of bushfire very seriously.’ ‘Staff undergo annual training, and our procedures are annually reviewed.’ ‘Generators were installed at all Resthaven residential aged care homes in 2018-19, … Continued

Resthaven Riverland Community Services welcomed two special little guests earlier this month for the first of what is hoped to be monthly K9 Therapy Days.
SOURCE: K9 Therapy Day with Resthaven Riverland Community Services | Aged Care Online

Resthaven Western Community Services have been working with local retirement village, Woodbridge, to support older people living in the western suburbs to remain independent. Manager, Franco Parenti, says, ‘The connection between Resthaven Western Community Services and Woodbridge began in 2019, when we introduced a falls and balance class in the village.’ ‘The class has been … Continued

An update has been made to public activity restrictions in South Australia which applies to Retirement Living and Community Services. The Emergency Management (Public Activities No 15) (COVID-19) Direction 2020 came into effect Friday 4 December.   Masks in health care settings All people in health care settings must wear a mask (covering mouth and … Continued

After making a move from the public healthcare system to not for profit aged care, Natalie Flemming is thoroughly enjoying her role as Resthaven Clinical Lead Community Services, which she commenced in June 2020. She says, ‘My role as Resthaven Clinical Lead Community Services aims to develop and support the clinical skills of nurses working … Continued

Resthaven Riverland Community Services welcomed two special little guests on 2 December 2020 for the first of what is hoped to be monthly K9 Therapy Days. Held in the activity room at Resthaven’s new Berri location at 7 Wilson Street, Berri, the group were joined by Noble K9 for a ‘pilot session’ to provide clients … Continued

Resthaven’s visiting arrangements may change in response to Emergency Management Direction updates, which can occur at immediate notice. There are mandatory entry requirements. The current Emergency Management Direction allows each resident one visit of up to two visitors per day together, with an additional care and support visit on compassionate grounds being available following approval … Continued

“Nearing the end of life is the time when we should honour them even more.” Resthaven Community Respite Services Home Support Worker, Leonie Friedenfelds, began her career with Resthaven 19 years ago, but she is still as passionate now as the day she started. Starting out as a carer at Resthaven Marion, early in her … Continued

We wish Mr Reginald (Reg) Wilcox of Resthaven Bellevue Heights a very happy 100th birthday. Reg, born in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England in 1920, was the first of two sons. He was educated at Saint Alfred’s College, where he excelled in sport, rather than in the classroom! When Reg was 13½, his father died of consumption, … Continued

On 1 December 2020, the South Australian Emergency Management Directions were updated. Information about changes to Directions can be found at: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/response The key change for residential aged care services in the new Emergency Management (Residential Aged Care Facilities No 15) (COVID19) Direction is that everyone onsite at a residential aged care home (excluding residents and children … Continued

Sue McKechnie, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services says, ‘I am delighted that Resthaven has opened an outreach office at 5 King Street, Gawler. ‘We continue to have strong demand from older people and their families for support at home throughout the lower Barossa region, which is why we have opened the office as an expansion … Continued

Many happy returns to Mr Leslie (Les) Schmaal of Resthaven Marion, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Les was born in Mannum, South Australia, the eldest of four children. His family resided on a mixed farming property, which included cereal cropping, sheep grazing, a small dairy herd, pigs, and poultry. After finishing primary school, Les … Continued