On 2 December, Mr Erwin Rohrlach celebrates his 100th birthday, surrounded by family in his home at Murray Bridge. Growing up at Tablelands, between Eudunda and Truro, Mr Rohrlach has many childhood memories of the family farm with his eleven siblings. ‘We had a farm of 150 acres, and when you have horses as well, … Continued

Today, more and more people are living to celebrate their 100th birthday. At Resthaven we recognise a new group of centenarians in each of our quarterly publications. Our staff explain how privileged they feel to hear about the experiences that have shaped these individuals, speaking about their history, their story, their life. A 25-year-old staff … Continued

On 1 November, clients from across Resthaven Community Respite Services joined in celebration of Melbourne Cup Day at Lane Cottages, the first of many joint events incorporating Lane Cottages, Ridgway House, Toorak House, Hersey Cottages, and Aldinga House. Among the well-dressed attendants was client, Mr Bob Hurst, and his wife and carer, Mrs Anne Hurst, … Continued

Resthaven Coordinator, Corinne Lama, is living up to her namesake, introducing a ‘Llamajoy’ program for Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services clients, providing therapeutic social encounters with llamas. Working together with local llama owner, Sherilee, Corinne has created an experience that can be personalised to support the individual health and mobility needs of Resthaven clients. Llama wool … Continued

Resthaven Leabrook resident, Mr Lloyd Millar, is not one to shy away from creative expression, having recently inspired a new initiative onsite. Lifestyle Coordinator, Shah Naz, says, ‘Mr Millar is always talking about his artworks, and his room is full of woodwork he’s carved in his old workshop.’ ‘In September, I encouraged him to submit … Continued

Mrs Beryl Dickinson was born 100 years ago in a small Adelaide home, on 21 November 1922, the fifth child in her family. Two years prior to her arrival, her family had made a life-changing arrival of their own. Mrs Dickinson explains, ‘My family were originally from England, and they made the decision to migrate … Continued

Many clients at Resthaven Western Community Services enjoy regular respite at Regency Cottage, located at 111 Regency Road, Croydon Park—a respite house well known for building special friendships. Home Support Worker, Rosemary Gorodecky, says, ‘This is a wonderful place for clients to come and enjoy a social day with like-minded people.’ ‘Our days typically include … Continued

The Resthaven Paradise resident and staff community has welcomed spring in style, holding the annual Resthaven Paradise Flower Show at the home at 61 Silkes Road, Paradise. Lifestyle Coordinator, Thuy-Anh Pham, says, ‘The Resthaven Paradise Flower Show is held every year in late October, where we pick the amazing roses we grow in the site … Continued

On 15 November 2022, Resthaven Port Elliot resident, Mrs Mavis Wimshurst, celebrates her 100th birthday. In light of her milestone birthday, she reflects on her life full of hard work, resilience, and unwavering dedication to family. Mrs Wimshurst’s dedication to her children stems from her childhood years — she never knew her parents and was … Continued

Recently, the Resthaven Marion Community Services ‘Friday Club’ members channeled their inner ‘green thumb’, creating their own mini succulent terrariums. Gardening enthusiast, Resthaven Marion Community Services Coordinator, Melanie Dale, led the charge with this nature-themed activity. ‘What better way to celebrate springtime than reconnecting with nature?’ says Melanie. ‘This activity was a hit with clients … Continued

On Remembrance Day each year, Resthaven pays special tribute to veterans across all twelve residential sites, recognising their service, while remembering our fallen soldiers. Leading up to 11 November, Resthaven Mitcham and Resthaven Leabrook have shared their efforts in creating impressive site displays. Each includes poppies made in Craft Group by staff and residents, and … Continued

In late October, aged care home Resthaven Mount Gambier held its long-awaited ‘Show Day’ celebration, with residents, staff, and volunteers joining for this festive annual event. ‘Our Show Day is always held in conjunction with the Mount Gambier Show, bringing to life many of the same activities and atmosphere as the main event,’ Lifestyle Coordinator, … Continued

On 19 October, Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services held an art exhibition and competition at the Millicent Civic and Arts Centre, showcasing artwork created by clients. This new event was held as part of ‘Seniors Month on the Limestone Coast,’ a celebration throughout October that recognises the important and essential roles older people play in … Continued

In early October, the Resthaven Marion residential site community celebrated their biennial ‘Show Day’. Lifestyle Coordinator, Tamara Jacquier, says, ‘The Royal Adelaide Show was finally back this year, and so was ours!’ ‘We usually celebrate our Show Day every two years, but we had to cancel the 2020 event due to COVID-19,’ Tamara explains. ‘This … Continued

Four-legged volunteer, Quaid, formed a special connection with Resthaven Mitcham resident, Mr Walter Semmelmann, who is always first on Quaid’s visiting list! Quaid is accompanied on his visits by fellow volunteer, and doting owner, Diana Walters. She explains, ‘Many residents anticipate our visits each Tuesday, when Quaid and I slowly make our way to each … Continued

Resthaven Bellevue Heights retirement living residents have commenced their annual ‘Operation Christmas Child’ project, packing boxes full of goodies ready to distribute to underprivileged children this Christmas. The project, part of international organisation, ‘Samaritan’s Purse,’ was introduced in 2013 by independent retirement living residents, Mr and Mrs June and Bob Heath. Over the years, their … Continued

Since leaving her insurance job to join Resthaven as a Home Support Worker, Donna Felce hasn’t looked back. Donna, who made the bold career move only a short time ago, says, ‘I spent 15 years in insurance – before that, payroll and banking.’ ‘My daughter was doing a nursing degree, and we talked about the … Continued