


Mocktail Party in the Limestone Coast
In early December, clients from Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services in Millicent enjoyed an early New Year’s celebration with a ‘mocktail’ party, prepared by staff. Assistant Manager, Unyetta Raddon, says, ‘This event was much anticipated, with a group of five clients RSVP’ing to join the party.’ ‘Clients enjoyed a day full of mocktails of various … Continued

Supporting Informal Carers
Many older people would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age. To do this, some may require the support of their spouse, family or friends. Even though they may not recognise the term themselves, these support people are known as ‘informal carers’ by government bodies and service providers, to distinguish them from … Continued

Christmas is a time for giving
Earlier this year, residents at Resthaven Malvern began their annual knitting project, with the goal to donate warm blankets to the homeless by Christmas. After months of hard work, Ruth, Shirley and Joyce have packaged up their work to gift to the Hutt Street Centre. Lifestyle Coordinator, Felicity, says, ‘This is a project that we … Continued

Christmas across Resthaven
Throughout December, all twelve Resthaven residential aged care homes held their annual Christmas Luncheons, in celebration of the festive season, and to spread some Christmas cheer. At each site, residents enjoy a traditional, three-course Christmas meal with all the trimmings. These events are an opportunity for site communities to come together and share the spirit … Continued

Mr Lewis remains independent at 105-years-old
On 24 December 1916, 105 years ago, Mr Norman Lewis was born, not yet knowing the impactful life he was going to lead. To Norman, reaching 105 means continuing to live independently, with a little help from Resthaven Marion Community Services to help maintain his home. ‘I was born and bred in South Australia, along … Continued

100th Birthday for Mrs Marj Thornton, OAM
Special 100th birthday wishes to Mrs Marj Thornton of Resthaven Port Elliot, who celebrated her milestone birthday on 17 November, 2021. Born in Birmingham, England, Marj had ‘a very happy childhood.’ One of three girls, she describes her family as ‘very supportive; they took us to the opera and the ballet.’ ‘When I finished primary … Continued

A Resthaven Christmas
On Tuesday 7 December, Resthaven Northern Community Services held their annual Christmas luncheon for clients in need of social connection. Manager, Karen Hammond, says, ‘Every year, we ask the site staff if they would like to donate towards funding the event.’ ‘Thanks to the generosity of our staff, we were able to share our Christmas … Continued

Christmas Begins at Resthaven Northern Community Services
Clients at Resthaven Northern Community Services have begun with their Christmas preparations, welcoming a special visitor from the North Pole, and the Christmas spirit of a certain staff member. Manager, Karen Hammond, says, ‘clients were all very excited to welcome someone special on-site – with the identity having been kept a secret for a while.’ … Continued

Visiting arrangements at Residential aged care homes
Resthaven’s visiting arrangements may change in response to Emergency Management Direction updates which can occur at immediate notice. Please view the fact sheets below for more detailed information. Visiting Hours Visiting hours have been extended to between 10am and 4pm on Christmas Day (25 December), Boxing Day (26 December) and New Year’s day (1 January … Continued

Mani celebrates 100th birthday at Resthaven
Resthaven Westbourne Park resident, Mrs Manonmani (Mani) Krishnappa, was born on 21 November 1921, in the town of Seremban, Malaysia. The second eldest of eight siblings, Mani was born into a Hindu family. ‘Despite my religion, I went to a convent-run school, and lived through the Japanese occupation of Malaya – I have a lot … Continued

‘A game changer in dementia care’
Earlier this year, the Ladies Craft Group at Resthaven Mount Gambier began their weekly project of knitting fidget rugs, as a gift to the memory support area. Lifestyle Coordinator, Carolyn Taylor says, ‘fidget rugs are quilt size blankets that are great for the older community who struggle with restless hands.’ ‘Residents with Alzheimer’s and dementia … Continued

Bridge Patchers and Quilters return to Resthaven this Christmas
Recently, Resthaven Murray Bridge was delighted to receive a generous donation of quilts from local club, Bridge Patchers and Quilters. Lifestyle Coordinator, Soraya Fitzgerald, says, ‘The club contacted us a couple of months ago, to see if any of the residents would like hand-made quilts to brighten up their rooms – and of course, we … Continued

Resthaven team up with Monarto Zoo
Resthaven Northern Community Services welcomed a special visitor on-site, after taking up a fitting opportunity from the radio. Manager, Karen Hammond, says, ‘I was listening to the ABC radio one morning on the way to work. They were interviewing Chris, who works for the Monarto Zoo.’ ‘His job is to drive the streets of Adelaide … Continued


Mr Palmer celebrates anniversary with CFS
November 2021 marked an important date for Resthaven Riverland Community Services client, Mr Jo Palmer, who celebrated his 15 years of voluntary service with the Athelstone South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS). While Jo celebrates his milestone anniversary with the CFS, the branch also celebrates an important milestone, their 60th anniversary. Almost 60 CFS members, … Continued

Remembering everyone | CEO opinion piece
How many times have you heard someone remark, “I never want to end up in a nursing home”? You may have even said it yourself. With the recent release of home care packages, more people than ever have the opportunity to receive the support they need in their own home. However; there are others, who … Continued

Independent living at 100
2021 is a significant year for Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community clients, Mr and Mrs Tom and Una Wood, who both reach their centenarian milestones. Tom reached his 100th birthday back in June, while Una awaits December for hers. ‘It doesn’t feel any different being 100, other than the odd physical restrictions – time just … Continued

Mrs Una Wood celebrates 100 years
One hundred years ago on 12 December, Mrs Una Wood was born in a small village in Stutton, England. Mrs Wood remembers living a quiet, happy childhood with her family and friends, which came to a halt when she entered adulthood. ‘I would have been around 21 years old when I joined the Royal Air … Continued

Clients create their own social club
Social group clients of Resthaven Northern Community Services at 16 Gillingham Road, Elizabeth, have taken their independence to the next level, forming their own café club with their new best friends! Home Support Worker, Lesley Lamb, says, ‘More than three years ago, a group of around 8-10 clients started meeting on Thursdays and Fridays here … Continued

Resthaven teams up with the local Murray Bridge community
Recently, Resthaven Murray Bridge reached out to the local community to improve a popular activity on-site. Lifestyle Coordinator, Soraya Fitzgerald, says, ‘We needed a stronger, more durable prop to use for our growing golf activity on-site. We had been using a modified cardboard box as our target, and it was taking a beating!’ Soraya came … Continued