• Celebrating cultural diversity this Harmony Week

    Each year, Resthaven celebrates Harmony Week and Australia’s cultural diversity. Priscilla de Pree, Resthaven’s Multicultural Project Officer, says ‘Resthaven recognises and embraces the diversity of the Australian community, which is reflected in Resthaven’s residents, clients, employees and volunteers.’ ‘Our latest Cultural and Diversity Data report states that 47% of Resthaven staff members have a Culturally … Continued

    National Advance Care Planning Week

    National Advance Care Planning Week (20-26 March) is a timely reminder for everyone to make time to open the conversation around their future health care preferences, ensuring that when you need support the most, your voice will be heard. Resthaven Palliative Care Clinical Nurse, Karen Gregory (pictured above), says, ‘My hope is that people become … Continued

    New Executive Manager Community Services announced

    Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, announced today, ‘Due to the forthcoming retirement of Resthaven Executive, Sue McKechnie at the end of March, I am pleased to advise that Melanie (Mel) Ottaway has been appointed to the role of Executive Manager Community Services.’ ‘Mel comes to Resthaven from Uniting Communities, where she is the Executive Manager, Services … Continued

    Nurse, Social Worker, Author: Beth’s Story

    Mrs Beth Robertson (97) of Resthaven Malvern – who gained her third tertiary qualification when she was 90 – has published a 50,000-word memoir, which will be available in bookshops in April 2023. Beth and her memoir, ‘Into the Light’ This latest milestone is no surprise to those who know her, with Beth’s tenacity and … Continued

    Volunteer’s colourful mission

    Resthaven Craigmore is fortunate to have a creative volunteer, Julie Sieben, who is on a mission to spread colour and creativity with residents. However, this isn’t what led Julie to begin volunteering at Resthaven four years ago. Julie explains, ‘It was time to start looking at aged care for mum and dad, but I didn’t … Continued

    Celebrating women in leadership for International Women’s Day

    This International Women’s Day, we look to one of Resthaven’s female leaders, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, who is retiring this month after almost two decades in the role. In light of her retirement, Sue reflects on her career and inspirations, her experience of being a woman in leadership, and how she believes … Continued

    Visiting Arrangements at Residential Aged Care Homes

    Visiting arrangements: Visiting hours are no longer restricted. Visitors to Resthaven Aged Care homes are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or Influenza, although it is strongly recommended due to the vulnerability of older people. Visitors are no longer required to sign in on entry to the home, or undertake temperature checks. Visitors and staff are no longer required … Continued

    Ted’s new lease on life at 97

    Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services client, Mr Edward ‘Ted’ Jones, stumbled upon his creative side a number of years ago, and hasn’t looked back! Mr Jones says, ‘I used to build kitchens back in the day, and I was an electrician in the British Royal Navy during World War II. It was nothing glamourous, but it … Continued

    A difficult time for everyone

    The announcement that a celebrity has dementia can make headlines around the world. It is sad when anyone has a diagnosis of dementia, but when a celebrity has this cruel condition, it is brought to the attention of a much broader audience. This must be challenging, not only for the individual, but for their loved … Continued

    Resthaven commissioned as Care Finders by the Primary Health Network

    Resthaven is now providing services for older people at risk of homelessness through the ‘Care Finder’ Program. Resthaven Executive Manager, Sue McKechnie, explains, ‘The Care Finder Program was announced as part of the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.’ ‘Resthaven has been commissioned by both the Adelaide Primary … Continued

    A milestone 46-year career with Resthaven

    This year, Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, celebrates a record 46 years of service with Resthaven. Like all great stories, Lesley’s milestone achievement has a humble beginning. Back in 1977, her neighbour offered her a short-term job to work the “tea shifts” at Resthaven Malvern. Lesley explains: ‘The Resthaven Malvern matron, Barbara, lived … Continued

    Trendsetter of her time — Miss Chatfield celebrates 100 years

    Happy birthday to Resthaven Malvern’s most recent centenarian, Miss Edna Chatfield, who celebrates her 100th birthday on 18 February, with a lifetime of memories and adventures to look back on. Born and raised in the outskirts of the Adelaide CBD, Miss Chatfield reflects on her childhood in a family of four. ‘My brother and I … Continued

    Volunteer loves dancing at Resthaven


    Marian dances her way into the hearts of Resthaven

    On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love in all its forms. At Resthaven, volunteers do what they love, not only by sharing a passion of theirs such as music or reading, but by forming meaningful connections with the older people they support. Resthaven Murray Bridge volunteer, Marian Allam, told us about the connection she shared with … Continued