• Let’s talk about Parkinson’s Disease

    April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month — where we take the time to learn about the debilitating disease suffered by more than 200,000 Australians. Parkinson’s Disease is a complex degenerative neurological condition that can affect anyone. It is the second most-common neurological condition and is the fastest-growing brain disease in the world. Currently, there is no … Continued

    Six-month mark for Phase 2 of the iSupport Program

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) iSupport for Dementia program supports carers of people with dementia, providing evidence-based online education and skills training. The program is currently being adapted for the Australian context by Prof Lily Xiao (Flinders University), and Resthaven is proud to be a research partner. Phase 2 of the project has now been … Continued

    A little respite for carers of older people


    Dumplings and Daytrips: an individualised respite experience

    For the carers of older people living with dementia, a little respite can go a long way. Specialised services that cater to individual needs and provide a home-like environment for older people give carers a break from their caring role, so that they can look after their own health needs, too. This is where services … Continued

    A feast of flavours

    In 2023, South Australia is a richly diverse society, with people from across the world bringing their varied backgrounds and experiences. Last week, we celebrated Harmony Week, which gave us the opportunity to embrace inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging. The makeup of our society has changed markedly over the past century. The people … Continued

    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

    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