• Latest News

    A new rights-based Aged Care Act


    The times they are a-changin’

    A new rights-based Aged Care Act comes into force from 1 July 2025. There has been much discussion about the readiness of the sector, including the availability of sufficient details of the new legislation, the changes required to computer systems and the shortness of the transition period. One of the biggest changes is the introduction … Continued

    Fun and festivities for Resthaven’s 90th anniversary on the Fleurieu

    On Wednesday 9 April, 60 clients of Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services, plus Resthaven staff, boarded the Cockle Train at Goolwa Station to journey to Victor Harbor for a celebratory lunch. The occasion was Resthaven’s 90th anniversary, and the theme for the day was ‘Resthaven-opoly’. ‘The board game Monopoly was created in 1935, the same year … Continued

    Aged care a meaningful change for Merridy Baylis

    When Merridy Baylis, Resthaven’s Executive Manager Clinical Governance and Operational Excellence, decided to enter the aged care sector in 2020, she knew she would face a steep learning curve. However, as an experienced ICU nurse and senior clinician, Merridy is known as someone who rises to a challenge, and the move has proven to be … Continued

    Peace as we age

    As I grow older, I am keenly aware that ageing is a time of inevitable change. Whilst this can feel daunting at times, it’s also an opportunity to discover the beauty in transformation. Ageing with grace isn’t about resisting the changes that come with time, rather accepting them with a sense of peace and self-compassion. … Continued

    Resident Ian joins interview panel for new chef

    When Resthaven Malvern was in the market for a new chef, managers at the site asked resident Mr Ian Weekley to join them during the interview process. Ian, who has lived at Resthaven since May 2024 is part of the site’s Menu Meetings and provides regular feedback to Resthaven on the quality, taste, and nutrition … Continued

    Resthaven Community Respite Services celebrates Resthaven’s 90th anniversary

    On Friday 21 March, Resthaven Community Respite Services welcomed around 50 clients and their carers to the Toorak House respite cottage, to share Devonshire Tea in honour of Resthaven’s 90th anniversary in 2025. Guests were delighted by the beautiful table settings created by the staff team, which boasted lace tablecloths, ornamental flower arrangements, China teacups with … Continued

    Resthaven recognises volunteers

    On Friday 28 February, Resthaven held its 2025 Excellence Awards. Celebrating ‘people who care for people’ the event included recognition of ‘Volunteers of Resthaven’. On the evening, all five volunteer finalists attended – Pam Jones (Resthaven Riverland Community Services), Julie Mullighan (Resthaven Bellevue Heights), Dawn Weyland (Resthaven Murray Bridge), Ian Kluge (Resthaven Murray Bridge), and … Continued

    Limestone Coast Community Services celebrates Resthaven’s 90th anniversary

    On Friday 14 March, Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services welcomed around 60 clients, family and friends to Rymill Hall, Penola, for a celebratory lunch to mark Resthaven’s 90th anniversary in 2025. Guests enjoyed music from Resthaven Mount Gambier volunteer, Gina Surth, and her two-piece band, and were pleased to hear from Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services … Continued

    Hands in the air at Parkinson’s Support Group

    Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services (PECS) client Mr Kerry Corrigan is living proof of the benefits that exercise can bring. A member of the PECS Parkinson’s Support Group, Kerry says that before he joined the group, he couldn’t raise his arms higher than his shoulders. ‘But look at me now,’ he smiles, raising both … Continued

    Resthaven Paradise celebrates 90th anniversary

    On Saturday 8 March, Resthaven Paradise invited its community members to celebrate Resthaven’s 90th anniversary with a Family Fair on site. A warm day, the event was held both inside and outside in the Rose Garden and lawned areas of the home, with children’s activities including balloon art and face painting taking place. Special visitors from … Continued

    Millicent community champion Sarah Kent, celebrates centenary

    A pillar of the Millicent community, Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services client Mrs Sarah (Kath) Kent (nee Irvine) is looking forward to turning 100 on 24 March. Twice named the town’s Senior Citizen of the Year due to her fundraising efforts, which she has been involved with since 1986, Kath says the secrets of her … Continued

    Open and honest conversations are key for Advance Care Planning

    One of the most important conversations any individual may have with their loved ones or care providers is around their wishes concerning death and dying. That is why at Resthaven, advance care planning conversations are encouraged at all stages of life, as well as being elevated through training for all employees, and with hands-on support … Continued

    Part of Resthaven’s 90-year history: Bev shares memories of her father Rev. Keith Wiseman

    Celebrating our 90th anniversary in 2025, Resthaven Marion Retirement Living resident, Beverley (Bev) Warschauer, 85, shares memories of her father, Rev. Keith Wiseman, who was Resthaven’s Administrator (CEO) in the 1970s. Growing up in a number of South Australian country towns, Beverley (Bev) Warschauer, 85, remembers her father often being out of the house, visiting … Continued

    It’s time for an open and honest conversation


    Honest conversations about death and dying

    One of the most important conversations any individual may have with their loved ones or care providers is around their wishes concerning death and dying. With National Advance Care Planning week upon us, now is an excellent time to have these open discussions, and to write an Advance Care Directive. Talking about death and dying … Continued

    Moderation leads to milestone for Paradise centenarian, Fern

    Turning 100 on 16 March, Resthaven Paradise resident Mrs Maria Eugenia Fernanda (Fern) Milward (nee Guinta) says the secret to her longevity is all things in moderation – plus the love of a good man. ‘I’ve never been excessive,’ Fern says. ‘I like a glass of wine and a good meal, and I’ve never been … Continued

    Resthaven Aberfoyle Park celebrates 90th anniversary

    All the glitz and glamour of the 1930s was on show at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park on Tuesday 25 February, when the residential aged care home celebrated Resthaven’s 90th anniversary. Around 60 residents and invited guests were welcomed to the ‘Gatsby’ themed event by Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident Mr Lloyd Mattner, 92. He then introduced Resthaven CEO … Continued

    Resthaven — empowering people

    Formal recognition programs, flexible work arrangements, increased rates of pay and additional leave entitlements are just some of the transformations Resthaven’s Executive Manager People & Culture, Sylvia Powell, has championed since joining Resthaven in 2020. Coming on board soon after the appointment of CEO Darren Birbeck, the pair have worked together with the executive management … Continued

    Excellence on show at Resthaven award night

    On Friday, 28 February, Resthaven held its 2025 Excellence Awards. The event recognised and celebrated Resthaven’s staff and volunteers, and the valuable and important work they do to contribute to the outstanding care and support of older people and their carers. Held at the Wolf Blass Centre, Morphettville, almost 300 people attended the event, including … Continued