On Thursday 14 July, Resthaven Mount Gambier held their annual ‘Christmas in July’ celebrations, with special guest, Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck. This is a much-anticipated event, particularly as the temperature in the Limestone Coast at this time of year closely resembles a European Christmas rather than a typical Australian winter! Manager, Belle Kerr, says, ‘Our … Continued

For many staff working in health and aged care, COVID-19 has meant a daily ritual of rapid antigen tests, personal protective equipment, infection prevention control, outbreak management and detailed reporting to government. There has been little respite in COVID-19 cases in South Australia since the Omicron outbreak in late December. Residential care homes have continued … Continued

At age 80, Judith McKenzie has recently retired from her role with Resthaven, in which she delivered weekly Keep Fit/ChiBall classes to Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services clients for 21 years. ‘As a ChiBall teacher and Master Trainer, I’ve dedicated much of my later life to promoting the importance of health and wellbeing,’ Judith … Continued

Resthaven Bellevue Heights residents, Mr Doug Parrington (91) and Mrs Margaret Parrington (92), have a unique story to tell of their life in Papua New Guinea, and it all began with ‘the young lady on the swing’. Mr Parrington, who had been a school teacher for 17 years, explains, ‘Our paths had crossed in Christian … Continued

Claire Fox, Personal Care Assistant at Resthaven Craigmore, recently took up a unique opportunity to experience life in the Fleurieu Peninsula. Having only worked in aged care for one year, Claire is all about taking new opportunities. ‘I was a dairy farmer in Victoria for 20 plus years, and felt it was time for a … Continued

Resthaven has leased their land at 122 Smart Road, Modbury, to the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, to use as an alternative ‘park n ride’ location during the redevelopment of the Modbury O-Bahn station. Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘We are in the very early stages of concept development for the block at Smart Road, … Continued

Retired scientist, Diana Walter, first came across Resthaven Mitcham in September 2021, when visiting a dear friend and resident on-site. ‘Hannah Coelho [Manager Residential Services] noticed I had brought in my gentle Labrador, Quaid, and asked if we would like to become Resthaven volunteers – the rest is history!’ Diana explains that 12-year-old Quaid ‘came … Continued

 
Click to listen: Leisure Link (90 min) 09 Jul 2022 – Leisure Link – Omny.fm
At 60 minutes in, Darren Birbeck, CEO for Resthaven, talks with Peter Greco on Leisure Link about changes to aged care funding; living with COVID-19; and the sustainability of the sector.

This year, Resthaven Westbourne Park Housekeeping Services Assistant, Garth Rowe, celebrates 40 years of service with Resthaven Westbourne Park. He shares his reflections with us. Garth says, ‘I was studying at music school, and one of my friends, who was also studying there, told me there were some evening shifts going at Resthaven. So I … Continued