From a little help at home, to residential aged care

A Journey with Resthaven

When life is drawing to an end, having support from family and a trusted service provider can ease the steps along the way through the journey.

Sharon Vafiadis describes her mum’s ‘Resthaven journey’. It initially started with just a few hours
of support at home, later progressing through to having comprehensive palliative and end of life care in residential care before her death.

‘My mum was a very independent and well educated woman,’ says Sharon.

‘When we wanted to get a bit of help at home, we thought we’d try Resthaven.’

‘My friend’s mum had worked at Resthaven for 30 years, so we knew they were trustworthy.’

‘We also knew that Resthaven had a personalised approach, and that they chose staff very carefully.’

At first, Sharon’s mother received four hours of in-home support a week from Resthaven Marion
Community Services.

‘The Resthaven staff were very respectful of mum’s choices,’ says Sharon.

‘Mum was multilingual; French was mum’s childhood language. So it was wonderful that a French-speaking staff member was assigned to support her. That connection through language made all the difference.’

‘As mum became frailer, the staff were patient and understanding.’

Mrs Vafiadis’ care needs increased, and she moved into residential aged care. ‘We looked at eight
or nine homes,’ says Sharon.

‘We had tried another home for two weeks, but mum wasn’t happy there.’

‘Mum moved into residential care at Resthaven Marion. It was the only place where both the Manager and Care Coordinator came to meet her.’

The family was very happy with the services provided at Resthaven Marion, with Sharon saying
that her mum ‘was able to remain in control, and was free to come and go as she pleased.’

‘The family could visit and have a meal with her, and the grandkids loved the Haven Café!’
[The central café area of Resthaven Marion.]

‘The staff always listened to what mum had to say – if something wasn’t what we expected, we were able to raise it with someone.’

‘Mum made some very good friends there.’

‘Staff also went out of their way to enable mum to continue visiting Resthaven Marion Community
Services for therapy.’

‘I was so thankful that Resthaven was able to provide care for mum, right to the end.’

Resthaven’s Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Peter Jenkin, provided expert assistance to the
clinical team, ensuring Mrs Vafiadis’ comfort and dignity were maintained as she approached the
end of her life.

‘All staff were respectful of mum’s religious and cultural beliefs, and so many Resthaven staff
supported us,’ says Sharon.

‘Later, I represented the family at the annual Memorial Service held at Resthaven Marion to
acknowledge and celebrate the lives of those who have passed away’.

‘The service was so gentle and respectful.’

Resthaven works together with older people and their carers, to provide outstanding care and
support that aims to improve or maintain quality of life for each individual in their particular
circumstance.

Resthaven provides high quality aged care services throughout metropolitan Adelaide and in
regional South Australia. Services include in-home support, restorative care, centre-based wellness services, independent retirement living, respite services, and fully accredited residential aged care.