


The man behind the cave garden in the Umpherston Sinkhole
Mr Kenneth ‘Ken’ Norton was born on 12 August 1929, not yet knowing the integral role he would play in the formation of the cave garden in the Umpherston Sinkhole in Mount Gambier. Mr and Mrs Ken and Elizabeth Norton The sinkhole was formed by geological processes over a long period of time. Originally a … Continued

It’s time to talk about Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a complex degenerative neurological condition and is the fastest-growing brain disease in the world. Currently, there is no cure. April is International Parkinson’s Month, where we take the time to inform Australians of the debilitating disease, suffered by more than 10 million people worldwide. At Resthaven, Clinical Nurse Learning Development, Julie Tansing, … Continued

No clarity on funding – an anxious wait
This week, the second Aged Care Royal Commission Response Bill is again before the Senate. It includes a new case-mix funding model for residential aged care, called AN-ACC, planned to be introduced on 1 October 2022. This model requires additional funding to support an increase in care minutes and incorporates the $10 per resident per … Continued

Aged care CEOs share budget hopes
SOURCE: Australian Ageing Agenda – Aged care CEOs share budget hopes

Kezia gains aged care experience
UniSA Occupational Therapy student, Kezia Norton, is thoroughly enjoying working in the role of Resthaven Craigmore Lifestyle Coordinator whilst she takes a year-long break from her studies. The six month contract position, covering a period of maternity leave, was the perfect opportunity for Kezia to gain aged care experience during her study break. Kezia explains, … Continued

Amanda finds dream job at Resthaven
Amanda Pritchard has spent the last four years working her way up the ranks at Resthaven Marion, having recently accepted her dream position as Clinical Nurse on site. With a bachelor’s degree in Registered Nursing from Flinders University, Amanda came to Resthaven with the goal to progress her career. ‘I started out filling shifts in … Continued

100-year-old veteran shares his story
On 28 March, Resthaven Riverland Community Services client, Mr Leslie ‘Les’ Voigt, celebrates his big 100. Growing up in Robertstown, in the mid-north of South Australia, on his father’s farm, Les developed his skills in handy work. ‘We had a mixed farm on 640 acres, so we had a lot to do each day,’ Les … Continued

Complacency not an option, providers advised
SOURCE: Australian Ageing Agenda – Complacency not an option, providers advised

Redevelopment at Resthaven Westbourne Park
A redevelopment of Resthaven Westbourne Park will commence in 2023, inspired by the innovative ‘small house’ aged care model, providing a more homely and personalised living environment to the 121 residents who call it home. The redevelopment at 30 Sussex Terrace, Westbourne Park, is the culmination of years of planning and consultation with residents, staff, … Continued

Happy and satisfied with Resthaven
Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services client, Mr Leslie Newton (92), recently contacted Resthaven Head Office to pass on some wonderful feedback about the services he receives. Mr Newton, who is supported by Resthaven to live independently in his own home in Strathalbyn, says, ‘I am really happy and satisfied with Resthaven.’ ‘Three … Continued

Butterfly Breeding Program commences at Resthaven
Staff at Resthaven Marion Community Services have been busy getting the site prepared for their new Butterfly Breeding Program, recently welcoming their first two ‘customers’! Coordinator, Monika Lyckholm, says, ‘We have an environmentally friendly community here, and one day, we were discussing the significant decline in Monarch butterflies.’ ‘We had all become excited about the … Continued

Seaside living at 100
On 13 March 1922, Mr Kelvin Wegener was born on his family farm in the Barossa Valley, where he grew up with two brothers. ‘My parents were strict, honest people – I learned a lot about life from them that I am grateful for.’ Mr Wegener walked two miles to school every day, until he … Continued

Southern Pride March 2022
On 5 March, a team from Resthaven headed down to coastal Christies Beach, to set up their Southern Pride March stall in celebration of the older LGBTIQA+ community. Coordinator Onkaparinga Community Services, Jodi Brabon, says, ‘The park was filled with market stalls, and a band who kept us all entertained – we are thankful for … Continued

The Iconic Friday Club’s ‘BIG’ mission
Clients at Resthaven Marion Community Services have formed The Iconic Friday Club – a club for the ‘BIG’-hearted! Social Group Coordinator, Monika, says, ‘This group is fantastic, and they are always looking for a fun time.’ ‘Last month, they engaged in conversation with lots of laughs around the theme of ‘BIG’ icons in Australia. In … Continued

Leadership opportunities at Resthaven
This International Women’s Day, we look to one of Resthaven’s female leaders, paving the way for other young women to progress their careers. Belinda Willshire recently took over the role of Manager Residential Services at Resthaven Leabrook, however, she is not new to the Resthaven family. ‘I worked as Care Coordinator at Resthaven Murray Bridge, … Continued

‘There is always joy to be found in life,’ says Mrs Ruth Ross, aged 100
On 22 February, Mrs Ruth Ross celebrated her 100th birthday surrounded by family in her home at Aldinga Beach. Growing up on the eastern coast of the Yorke Peninsula in Ardrossan, Ruth has fond memories growing up with her three brothers and two sisters. ‘My father worked in the Moonta mines – he has his … Continued

Thank you to everyone who cares
The dedicated and committed people who work in the aged care sector inspire me every day. We began to see the first Omicron cases in aged care just before Christmas, following the opening of the South Australian border in late November. As the number of cases in the community increased, so did the cases in … Continued