Resthaven is delighted to have been Highly Commended in the 2026 Reader’s Digest Annual Trusted Brands Awards for the category of ‘Home Care – South Australia and Northern Territory’. On Thursday, 14 May, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services and Retirement Living, Mel Ottaway, accepted the award at The Tea Room, Queen Victoria Building, 455 George … Continued
What matters most at the end of life? For older people and those who love them, the answer is often simple: comfort, dignity, connection and quality of life. This National Palliative Care Week (May 10-16), Resthaven is leaning into the theme of Getting to the heart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers and encouraging important … Continued
Every day, we thank and celebrate volunteers for being an integral part of the Resthaven community. Throughout May, Resthaven is hosting Volunteer Celebration Events, with the first three events having taking place already. ‘These occasions are a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation,’ Stacey Thompson, Resthaven Manager Volunteer Services says. ‘This year the … Continued
International Nurses Day is celebrated on 12 May each year, on the birthday of the most famous nurse of all, Florence Nightingale. This International Nurses Day, Resthaven celebrates nurses and healthcare workers for the good and important work they do every day, enriching the lives of older people and strengthening the communities they serve. Hannah … Continued
At the 2026 Resthaven Excellence Awards, held Friday 27 March, Maxine (Max) Taylor, Housekeeping Services Assistant at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park, was awarded the President Award for her exceptional work ethic and care. The Resthaven Excellence Awards celebrate those Resthaven staff and volunteers who live Resthaven’s values of Trust, Dignity, and Respect. Nominations for the awards … Continued
Celebrating South Australia’s History Festival, and its theme of Connection, Resthaven is this month reflecting on the vision of its founders—whose determination and compassion built a not-for-profit organisation that has grown into one of Australia’s leading aged care providers. ‘Last year we celebrated our 90th anniversary,’ Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO says. ‘It was an amazing … Continued
It was love at first sight when Wendy and Paul Jennings first visited Resthaven’s seven-star eco-friendly Chiton Retirement Living, situated between Port Elliot and Victor Harbor. The couple had long lived in the country but were seeking a smaller property that offered both individual privacy and a sense of connection. ‘We wanted an “easy-to-look-after” house … Continued
What was once a dusty, barren patch of land at Resthaven North Haven’s Gulf Point Retirement Living has been transformed into a gardener’s paradise, thanks to the dedication and teamwork of its residents. The ambitious project has seen residents and staff work together to improve poor soil conditions, construct raised vegetable beds and introduce a … Continued
With 105 years of life experience, Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services client, Mr Frederick (Fred) Walker, has a simple philosophy: some of the best moments start with a simple conversation. ‘Things happen when you meet people, and you get talking,’ Fred says with a smile. Turning 105 on 1 May 2026, Fred has embraced opportunities that … Continued
For Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services client, Mr Michael (Mick) Trevitt, joining the military at just 17 years old was a chance to change direction and build a better future. Growing up in Sydney in the 1970s and 80s, Mick was looking for a way to escape the ‘fast life’ and ‘gain some much-needed discipline’. … Continued
Award-winning artist and Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services client, Mr Paul Sundstrom, has discovered not only a talent for painting, but a powerful way to express emotion, find calm and stay connected to his community. Paul has been painting for around four years, after his psychologist encouraged him to explore art as a creative outlet. … Continued
The new Aged Care Act came into operation on 1 November 2025, and with it, the introduction of the new Support at Home program, replacing Home Care Packages. The program was introduced on a ‘no worse off’ principle where existing clients on home care packages were transitioned to the new model. The inclusion of personal … Continued
As Resthaven Malvern resident, Mr Thomas (Tom) Richards, celebrates his 100th birthday, he reflects on a life well lived: ‘I’ve had a bloody good life,’ Tom smiles. Community-minded and dependable, Tom’s life has been shaped by hard work, strong family ties, and a steady, grounded presence. Raised in the Riverland, Tom was one of five … Continued
The Resthaven Marion Community Wellness Centre is taking shape, with the foundation and concrete slab completed, and the walls going up. The centre is part of the $100m Resthaven Marion site redevelopment and is due for completion in October 2026. The new centre will provide a range of wellness, social and therapeutic services to older … Continued
Supporting older Australians to remain living independently in their own homes is at the heart of community aged care. For Resthaven Clinical Manager Natasha (Tash) Decorso, this work reflects a career built over more than 25 years – one that began in the kitchens of an aged care home and has grown into clinical leadership. … Continued
On Friday 27 March, Resthaven held its 2026 Excellence Awards, celebrating ‘people who care for people’. Resthaven congratulates volunteer finalists Julie Cookes (Resthaven Bellevue Heights & Resthaven Mitcham), Julie Sieben (Resthaven Craigmore), Linda Hay (Resthaven Marion), Robert Mutton (Resthaven Westbourne Park), Rona Pratt (Resthaven Craigmore), Trevor Kuhl (Resthaven Mount Gambier), and Vicki Mase (Resthaven Aberfoyle … Continued
New resident of Resthaven Chiton Retirement Living, Sharyn Adam, says she and her husband Bruce are looking forward to enjoying a new phase of their lives, now that they have moved into the seven-star eco-village. ‘Retirement living here gives us flexibility,’ Sharyn says. ‘The gardens are maintained; the building will be looked after when we’re … Continued
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month — a time to better understand a condition that affects more than 200,000 Australians and over 10 million people worldwide. As the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world, Parkinson’s doesn’t just shape the lives of those diagnosed; it touches families, carers, and entire communities. At Resthaven Marion Community Services, one … Continued
When Resthaven North Haven ‘Gulf Point’ Retirement Living residents Mr John Shaw and Mr Richard Lloyd get together, their conversations range from current affairs to shared experiences from more than 80 years ago. The pair, who are neighbours at the village, attended the same infant school, as well as being classmates at Le Fevre Peninsula … Continued
‘Circle left, do si do, and swing your partner, round we go!’ Resthaven Paradise resident Mrs Noelene Hawker remembers the thrill and exhilaration as she followed every square-dancing call with precision and delight as one of the eight dancers on Channel Nine’s Country and Western Hour in the 1960s. Led by caller Colin Huddleston, who … Continued