This festive season, the entire Resthaven community put aside the challenges of the last few years and eagerly shared in the spirit of Christmas, with excitement for all that the new year will bring. In early December, the ‘Elves of Resthaven’ came out of hibernation at Resthaven Head Office and left on a week-long Christmas … Continued
In December, one resident at Resthaven Westbourne Park chose a unique mode of travel to revisit her hometown in Holland—taking other residents along for the ride! Lifestyle Coordinator, Rachael Ross, says, ‘As part of the Lifestyle program, we take residents on what we call ‘armchair travels’ around the world, all in the comfort of the … Continued
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
As the end of the year approaches, it is hard not to reflect on the hardships experienced by older South Australians in 2022. Following the opening of the South Australian border, most aged care homes across the state were experiencing COVID outbreaks by January 2022. Early this year, we were still coming to grips with … Continued
On 16 December, the Resthaven Marion Community Services ‘Friday Club’ was treated to a visit from Santa Claus, handing out presents to all clients – both naughty and nice! Coordinator, Monika Lyckholm, says, ‘Santa (aka Coordinator, Chris [pictured above]) arrived on his walker, much to everyone’s amusement.’ ‘He then led a sing-along to White Christmas, … Continued
Resthaven Northern Community Services Coordinator, Donna Haar, loves what she does in aged care, however, she hasn’t always been in the sector. Donna explains, ‘15 years ago, my “office” looked slightly different!’ ‘I worked as a factory supervisor in regional South Australia. I thought I would be doing that for my whole working life, but … Continued
On Friday 25 November, a small group of creative clients at Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services tried their hand at a new medium, painting their way into Christmas. Coordinator, Tess Hallett, says, ‘The Naracoorte Crafters expressed their interest in stained glass art, so volunteer, Gina, developed a series of Christmas-themed templates for the group to … Continued
In preparation for the festive season, residents, staff and volunteers have been working together to create decorations for their celebrations at many Resthaven sites. On Tuesday 15 November, Resthaven Marion welcomed a special visit from Westminster School, reigniting their long-standing relationship between the generations. Lifestyle Coordinator, Tamara Jacquier, says, ‘A lovely girl, and class captain, … Continued
SOURCE: A life of farming, family and faith | Aged Care Online
On 12 December, Mr Wilfred ‘Wilf’ Taylor will celebrate both his 100th birthday, and 50 years in his southern suburbs home, where he lives independently, with the assistance of Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services. Born in Rose Park, Adelaide, in a family of five, Mr Taylor reflects on childhood through the 1920s and Depression years of … Continued
After a two-year COVID-hiatus, Resthaven Marion and Westminster School’s long-standing relationship has come back with full-force in time for Christmas. Resthaven Marion Lifestyle Coordinator, Tamara Jacquier, says, ‘Before restrictions, residents looked forward to weekly visits from students who ran a popular technology session, guiding them through basic use of phones, computers and Google.’ ‘Around Christmas … Continued
On 19 November, Resthaven Mount Gambier residents took part in the annual Mount Gambier Christmas Pageant – thankfully from the shelter of the site mini-bus, amidst torrential rain! Manager, Belle Kerr, says, ‘We had terrible weather for the pageant; however, the show must go on.’ ‘Our spirits weren’t dampened by the wet conditions, with a … Continued
On 2 December 2022, Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services Client, Mr Colin Wagener, gathers with his nearest and dearest to celebrate his 105th birthday. Mr Wagener has worn many hats throughout his 105 years — a WWII Sergeant, a real estate developer, a classic car collector and a history-changing photographer. He’s also … Continued