International connection with Thai Aged Care provider remains strong

Resthaven’s long-standing relationship with Thailand aged care provider, Baan Sudthavas, remains strong, with residents delighted to receive a recent photo update of gifts they made and sent to Thailand for Christmas.

Resthaven and Baan Sudthavas began their reciprocal relationship in 2015, bonding over a shared vision of providing not for profit aged care to older people in need.

Baan Sudthavas residents subsequently began a pen pal program with residents of Resthaven Malvern, exchanging letters, gifts, and well wishes over the years.

Lifestyle Coordinator, Felicity Tucker, says, ‘In December 2020, residents of Resthaven Malvern hand-crafted Christmas cards with some ‘Aussie’ decorations for their Thai friends.’

‘Residents were excited to make green and red Christmas thongs to send over for their pen-pals to hang on the Christmas tree.’

‘They spent quite some time on their projects, decorating with lots of gold glitter – each being unique to the resident who made them.’

In return, Resthaven Malvern recently received a package from Thailand, filled with photos of their international friends holding up the special gifts.

‘Residents were thrilled to see their friend’s response to receiving the gifts that they put so much care into making.’

Residents continue sending letters to their international pen-pals, enjoying the contact they receive, and the excitement whenever the postman has a special package for them.

‘It reminds us all of the significance of maintaining social connections – truly wonderful to see!’

Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, being one of only a select few aged care providers in Australia offering the full range of aged care service options.

A not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church, Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.