Caring, compassionate and kind – three words that describe Resthaven Bellevue Heights resident Mrs Betty West (nee Adams). Betty, who turns 100 on 24 January 2025, has been a resident since 2021, although she has been a fixture at the age care home for a lot longer. Betty and her husband, Lionel, moved into the … Continued
It may have been 70 years ago, but Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident Mrs Shirley Muller remembers clearly the day she and her husband, Stan, won the Australian Ballroom Dancing Championships in Melbourne in 1954. ‘I started ballroom dancing when I was 17,’ Shirley says. ‘Stan and I met at the Hackney Ballroom. One day there were … Continued
2025 is set to be a significant year of change for the aged care sector. In July, the new human-rights based Aged Care Act will come into operation, together with strengthened aged care standards. At the same time, the Government will introduce the new Support at Home program to replace the existing system of Home … Continued
Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘I am pleased to announce a major redevelopment at Marion, with plans currently with the City of Marion for development approval.’ ‘Resthaven Marion celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, so this major redevelopment is timely.’ The proposed development will result in all the Resthaven services along Township Road and on Finniss … Continued
At 16, Resthaven Westbourne Park resident Wilfred (Wilf) Gelsthorpe won his first talent competition. It was in Sheffield, England, at a local pub. ‘My brother’s friend kept entering these competitions,’ Wilf says, ‘But he never won.’ ‘I was always whistling away, so they encouraged me to have a go and on my first competition I … Continued
When Resthaven Northern Community Services began increasing their number of bus outings last year, due to their popularity, Diane Davies put up her hand to help with the organisation and logistics. As a client herself, Diane had heard about the trips, and with her background in community development she knew this was something she could … Continued
Community-minded, Resthaven Murray Mallee Hills Community Services client, Mrs Daphne Cartmel (nee Lawrie) has spent her life pouring her energy into causes that have had a large impact on those around her. Turning 100 on 13 January 2025, Daphne has baked pasties for the local hospital auxiliary group, taken on key roles in volunteer associations, … Continued
In late September, eight teams of six Resthaven employees put their heads together to join in the Resthaven Team Talent Showcase. An initiative of Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, this is the second year the event has been held. ‘Last year’s event exceeded our expectations,’ Darren says. ‘Everyone had a great time developing their skills and … Continued
Resthaven Western Community Services client Mrs Diana Simons (nee MacFarlane), 89, has taught swimming at just about every public swimming pool in South Australia – and all the beaches. She has swum in every state in Australia and even has a few records under her belt. But, it was a bellyflop in an aboveground pool … Continued
After a change in her circumstances, Merenia Vince found herself in the position of wanting to get back into her trained profession as an Occupational Therapist (OT). But, after being out of the industry for around eight years, it wasn’t as simple as just applying for a new role. ‘Even as someone who had been … Continued
Resthaven Northern Community Services clients have been regularly hitting the road, taking in the local sights with bus trips around the state. ‘I think I’ve seen more of Adelaide since I’ve been taking these bus trips than I did in my whole life leading up to it,’ laughs client, Dianne Goodwin (79). Organised by Resthaven … Continued
Christmas celebrations are in full swing across Resthaven, with all residential homes holding their annual Christmas Luncheons throughout December. At each site, residents enjoy a traditional, three-course Christmas meal with all the trimmings, including pudding with brandy custard. There are many laughs to be heard as residents pull their bonbons and don their paper crowns, … Continued
Sitting in his lounge room, in the home he helped to build with his own two hands, Resthaven Northern Community Services client Mr Daniel Justus has come a long way, both literally and figuratively, since his birth 100 years ago in the former Yugoslavia. The youngest of two children, Daniel was born on 23 December … Continued
Pursing a passion is a great way to develop skills, build confidence and find fulfillment. For Resthaven Westbourne Park resident Janet Ralph, writing is her passion, and the idea to foster a writing group was one that came from her previous experience with similar groups. ‘I belonged to a writing group at Hove for many … Continued
Resthaven Westbourne Park resident Mrs Helen Doley spends her days thinking of others. Whether it’s sewing clothing items for the charity Samaritan’s Purse or making cards to donate to an organisation caring for families of road accident victims, Helen finds joy and purpose in using her skills to brighten someone else’s day. ‘It probably started … Continued
Christmas is a time for spending with the people we love. It is a time of happiness and joy; connecting with family and friends. However, it can also be a time of sadness for those who live alone, or who have lost friends and family. Social isolation and loneliness can have a significant negative impact. … Continued
The Resthaven Bellevue Heights redevelopment project continues to progress, with the milestone achievement of a completed new reception entrance. Leading into reception, residents and visitors can now use the new entranceway at the top of the driveway. Here, a large, covered entranceway has been built to allow residents to be dropped directly at the front … Continued
Resthaven’s Executive Manager Clinical Governance & Operational Excellence, Tina Cooper, will retire from her position as of 16 December 2024. A strong and dedicated member of Resthaven’s senior team for the past 15 years, Tina leaves a legacy of clinical excellence and advocacy for older people. Her influence on sector-wide policy and best practice was … Continued
The resident garden plots at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park are beginning to flourish – and it’s thanks to a combined effort of both residents and Resthaven volunteer Jeannie Peace. ‘We are grateful for Jeannie’s support,’ Cheryl Bajszi, Lifestyle Coordinator at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park says. ‘In the short time since Jeannie has joined us, the gardening club … Continued
With her sparkling sense of humour, generous spirit and a desire to make sure no one ever went hungry, Resthaven Marion resident Mrs Giovannina (Joanne) Evangelista, turned 100 last month on 20 October. Born in Sicily, Italy in 1924, Joanne’s birth certificate shows she was born on 22 October, as it took her father two … Continued