Festive Welcome for New Resthaven Port Elliot Manager
We welcome Karen de Bonde as Manager Residential Services at Resthaven Port Elliot.
On 13 December, Resthaven Port Elliot held their annual Resident Christmas Luncheon at the home at 3 Frederik Street, Port Elliot, during which they welcomed new Manager, Karen de Bonde.
Karen, a highly experienced Registered Nurse with a 30 year career in aged care, says, ‘I was amazed to see the effort that went into this festive event.’
‘Residents thoroughly enjoyed a delicious lunch, which included roast turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, roast vegetables, and all the trimmings – all made fresh in the site kitchen.’
‘I was delighted to welcome everyone to the feast, and help serve residents, along with other staff and volunteers.’
‘There were Christmas carols playing, and residents and staff alike all enjoyed pulling their bonbons.’
‘There was lots of laughter as we enjoyed lunch together, it was wonderful.’
‘The feast was topped off with a delicious dessert of Christmas pudding with brandy custard and ice cream.’
‘Thank you to everyone who came along to help us celebrate!’
Karen is pictured (right), sharing a laugh with Mrs Shirley Davey at the luncheon.
Despite hailing from Western Australia, this is far from Karen’s first interaction with Resthaven, having worked together with CEO, Richard Hearn, in the 1990s as part of a collaboration between Resthaven and the WA aged care services Karen was then managing.
‘Resthaven already had a reputation as one of the best in business back then,’ says Karen, ‘So when I saw this job come up, I had to go for it!’
Karen has enjoyed a long and illustrious career in aged care, with her most recent position as Regional Nurse Director WA Country Health Services – Wheatbelt, overseeing 31 aged care sites.
Prior to this, she worked in acute care, where she honed her already-impressive clinical skills.
Throughout her 30 year career, Karen has worked across all areas of the aged care sector – residential services, community, and independent retirement living.
Karen is a wonderful fit for Resthaven Port Elliot, being a self-confessed ‘country girl’, and is looking forward to managing one of Resthaven’s twelve high quality residential aged care homes.
Welcome to Resthaven, Karen!
Learn more about Resthaven Port Elliot
Resthaven residential aged care homes are also located at Aberfoyle Park, Bellevue Heights, Craigmore, Leabrook, Malvern, Marion, Mitcham, Murray Bridge, Mount Gambier, Paradise, and Westbourne Park.
Resthaven community services supports older people to live independently in their own homes across the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Fleurieu, Barossa, Riverland and Limestone Coast of South Australia.