Manager appointed at Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services
When Liz Southall retired from the role of Manager, Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services, after fifteen years in the position, hers were always going to be big shoes to fill – and Karen Hammond is more than up to the task!
Karen, who has been with Resthaven for almost 20 years, is delighted to be taking on the highly desirable Manager’s position with the rapidly growing Limestone Coast Community Services.
Karen has been Manager at Resthaven Northern Community Services since 2016, and explains, ‘I had been at Resthaven Northern Community Services for seven years, and even though I loved it, I felt like a change.’
‘I’m looking forward to the new challenges and learnings of delivering services in a regional location.’
Starting as a Therapy Assistant with Resthaven in 2003, Karen has taken advantage of the professional leadership development that Resthaven offers, and was a Coordinator by 2005, before being appointed as an Assistant Manager from 2011-2015.
After taking on the Manager role at Resthaven Northern Community Services in 2016, she navigated the service through exponential growth, driven by ever-increasing demand for quality aged care services.
With similar growth now occurring across the Limestone Coast, Karen is well-placed to manage this booming regional site.
She is also looking forward to meeting and working together with older people across the Limestone Coast. ‘I’ve worked in aged care for most of my life, and I think elderly people have such great stories to tell,’ she says.
‘For instance, I have just found out that one of Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services’ clients attended the ‘Old School House’ as a student in 1946. This very same school house was relocated to the same property where Resthaven’s Naracoorte office is now located!’
‘I love these sorts of stories, and getting to know the clients. It’s so rewarding knowing that the good work you do is appreciated.’
‘I really enjoy working with people – whether that’s meeting the individual needs of our clients, or mentoring and supporting staff teams.’
‘There’s something so satisfying about a career in aged care.’
Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services opened in 2005, and supports older people across the Limestone Coast to continue to live independently in their own homes through a range of in home, centre-based, and respite options. Offices are located in Naracoorte, Millicent, and Mount Gambier.