Latest News

Each year, Resthaven celebrates Harmony Week and Australia’s cultural diversity. Priscilla de Pree, Resthaven’s Multicultural Project Officer, says ‘Resthaven recognises and embraces the diversity of the Australian community, which is reflected in Resthaven’s residents, clients, employees and volunteers.’ ‘Our latest Cultural and Diversity Data report states that 47% of Resthaven staff members have a Culturally … Continued

National Advance Care Planning Week (20-26 March) is a timely reminder for everyone to make time to open the conversation around their future health care preferences, ensuring that when you need support the most, your voice will be heard. Resthaven Palliative Care Clinical Nurse, Karen Gregory (pictured above), says, ‘My hope is that people become … Continued

Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, announced today, ‘Due to the forthcoming retirement of Resthaven Executive, Sue McKechnie at the end of March, I am pleased to advise that Melanie (Mel) Ottaway has been appointed to the role of Executive Manager Community Services.’ ‘Mel comes to Resthaven from Uniting Communities, where she is the Executive Manager, Services … Continued

Mrs Beth Robertson (97) of Resthaven Malvern – who gained her third tertiary qualification when she was 90 – has published a 50,000-word memoir, which will be available in bookshops in April 2023. Beth and her memoir, ‘Into the Light’ This latest milestone is no surprise to those who know her, with Beth’s tenacity and … Continued

Resthaven Craigmore is fortunate to have a creative volunteer, Julie Sieben, who is on a mission to spread colour and creativity with residents. However, this isn’t what led Julie to begin volunteering at Resthaven four years ago. Julie explains, ‘It was time to start looking at aged care for mum and dad, but I didn’t … Continued

This International Women’s Day, we look to one of Resthaven’s female leaders, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, who is retiring this month after almost two decades in the role. In light of her retirement, Sue reflects on her career and inspirations, her experience of being a woman in leadership, and how she believes … Continued

Visiting arrangements: Visiting hours are no longer restricted. Visitors to Resthaven Aged Care homes are no longer required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or Influenza, although it is strongly recommended due to the vulnerability of older people. Visitors are no longer required to sign in on entry to the home, or undertake temperature checks. Visitors and staff are no longer required … Continued

Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services client, Mr Edward ‘Ted’ Jones, stumbled upon his creative side a number of years ago, and hasn’t looked back! Mr Jones says, ‘I used to build kitchens back in the day, and I was an electrician in the British Royal Navy during World War II. It was nothing glamourous, but it … Continued

The announcement that a celebrity has dementia can make headlines around the world. It is sad when anyone has a diagnosis of dementia, but when a celebrity has this cruel condition, it is brought to the attention of a much broader audience. This must be challenging, not only for the individual, but for their loved … Continued

Resthaven is now providing services for older people at risk of homelessness through the ‘Care Finder’ Program. Resthaven Executive Manager, Sue McKechnie, explains, ‘The Care Finder Program was announced as part of the Australian Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.’ ‘Resthaven has been commissioned by both the Adelaide Primary … Continued

This year, Resthaven Malvern Housekeeping Services Assistant, Lesley Wimbles, celebrates a record 46 years of service with Resthaven. Like all great stories, Lesley’s milestone achievement has a humble beginning. Back in 1977, her neighbour offered her a short-term job to work the “tea shifts” at Resthaven Malvern. Lesley explains: ‘The Resthaven Malvern matron, Barbara, lived … Continued

Happy birthday to Resthaven Malvern’s most recent centenarian, Miss Edna Chatfield, who celebrates her 100th birthday on 18 February, with a lifetime of memories and adventures to look back on. Born and raised in the outskirts of the Adelaide CBD, Miss Chatfield reflects on her childhood in a family of four. ‘My brother and I … Continued

On Valentine’s Day, we celebrate love in all its forms. At Resthaven, volunteers do what they love, not only by sharing a passion of theirs such as music or reading, but by forming meaningful connections with the older people they support. Resthaven Murray Bridge volunteer, Marian Allam, told us about the connection she shared with … Continued

Resthaven Western Community Services client, Mrs Yvonne Campbell, endearingly known as the ‘Cottage Queen’, has been enjoying day respite at Regency Cottage for an impressive 15 years, and her anniversary hasn’t gone unnoticed! Home Support Worker, Rosemary Gorodecky, says, ‘Yvonne visits from Tuesday through Sunday each week, and she has become a strong part of … Continued

As Mrs Grace Ormsby approaches her 100th birthday on 12 February, she shares her reflections from the past century, along with some notable advice. Growing up on the family farm in Snowtown, South Australia, with her sister and brother, Mrs Ormsby remembers a busy start to life. Mrs Ormsby says, ‘My father was a WWI … Continued

Graduate opportunities within Resthaven continue to grow, with a focus on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) internships—having hosted 15 interns since April 2021. Master of Business Information Systems graduate, Solomon Ebomah, recently transitioned from an internship with Resthaven to full-time employment with the ICT team. Solomon says, ‘I successfully completed my Bachelor of Mathematics back … Continued

On 1 February, Resthaven Westbourne Park welcomed a special visitor from Edwardstown Bunnings, who brought with her a generous donation for a group of green thumbs on site. Lifestyle Coordinator, Rachael Ross, explains, ‘With the recent nice weather, several residents have been inspired to start up a gardening group on-site.’ ‘To kick-start the project, I … Continued

Resthaven Bellevue Heights resident, Mr Eric Johnson, was born 100 years ago, on 2 February 1923. Alongside his sister and brother, Mr Johnson was raised in Birmingham, England. Growing up, Mr Johnson’s father was a motorcycle engineer, while his mother tended to the home. Mr Johnson remembers, ‘It was a tough place to be during … Continued

There is something special about working in aged care. Many join the sector because of a personal association or experience, or previous responsibility for the informal care of a loved one. Whatever the reason, the compassion and care that exists in the hearts and minds of the staff is quite palpable. Indeed, it is not … Continued

Resthaven Manager Building and Capital Projects, Emmet O’Donovan, says, ‘The second stage of the two-year, $27m transformation of Resthaven Bellevue Heights, at 47 Eve Road, is well underway.’ ‘The first stage was completed last year, and involved building a new accommodation area and refurbishment of two others. Residents and staff are enjoying the modern, attractive … Continued