Living Resthaven’s values every day
Relieving Manager Residential Services, Jane Abbot, has recently celebrated her decade long career with Resthaven – sharing her first-hand experiences working in aged care, and the continued growth of the organisation.
Starting her career as a Registered Nurse over thirty years ago, Jane spent some time experiencing the hustle of hospital work, before making her life-changing decision to move into aged care.
‘I was really pleased to have an opportunity to enter the aged care sector, initially in a clinical leadership role, that then led me to move into the position of Manager Residential Services at Resthaven Mitcham,’ says Jane.
Jane realised her passion for the management role and the fulfilment she has come to know working with older people.
‘After three years in the manager role at one site, I decided to take on the position of Relieving Manager Residential Services, as I liked the idea of working with the different sites and teams within Resthaven and sharing what I know with them.’
‘I have come to know all of the different teams and residents within Resthaven, from Craigmore to Mount Gambier and everywhere in between – no day is the same and I love the variety of what I do.’
‘Working with older people is interesting and complex – in my experience with aged care, there is no sector quite as fulfilling.’
With support from Resthaven’s Professional Development Fund, Jane is currently studying part-time towards a graduate certificate in Infection Control Nursing at The University of Adelaide.
‘I strongly believe in continuing education, especially in what we do here at Resthaven. It is a continually growing sector and it is important to stay on top of best workplace practices.’
‘The world is changing with COVID-19, and this refresher course will allow me to truly do the best I can in my role and to make sure residents receive the best care.’
In terms of career progression opportunities, Jane has seen many staff undertake study and move into clinical positions and as nurses then becoming clinical leaders at sites.
‘Resthaven always has career opportunities for their staff, and fully encourages growth where there is potential.’
‘Across all sites at Resthaven, we truly do live our values and our mission – caring for older people and their families is the top priority of what we do, and it shows through everything that we have accomplished so far.’
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.