On 19 October, to celebrate Resthaven’s 85th anniversary in 2020, the residents of Resthaven Marion showcased their artistic talents at a special event at the home at 10 Township Road. The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a 1.5m mosaic piece by Resthaven Chief Executive Officer, Darren Birbeck, and Manager Residential Services, Stephanie … Continued

The final hearing of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was held on Thursday and Friday last week. More than 10,000 submissions have been received from the public and multiple hearings, workshops, community forums, meetings and roundtables have been held across the country. The Royal Commission has published eight background papers, fourteen … Continued

The 2020 AFL season may have been quieter than usual, but that wasn’t going to stop the Resthaven Leabrook ‘footy tippers’ celebrating the end of the season with a party.* Lifestyle Coordinator, Sorina Pap, says, ‘Despite the challenges of this year’s footy season, we kept going, with 24 tippers taking part in our competition this … Continued

For Dementia Action Week (21-27 September), staff at Resthaven Northern Community Services* created a ‘wall of pom poms’ at their centre at 16 Gillingham Road, Elizabeth. Manager, Karen Hammond, says, ‘Our pom pom wall is up in our visitor waiting room, where the colourful pom poms can be enjoyed by all.’ ‘Everyone was invited to … Continued

The Resthaven Marion Community Services ‘Men on the Move’ Social Group recently lived up to their name, visiting the Bend Motorsport Park for a day of hot laps! Coordinator, Susan-Jane Billing, says, ‘The gents were delighted to visit this world-class motorsport facility, located in Tailem Bend.’ ‘We enjoyed a tour of the museum, where we … Continued

In mid-September, the Resthaven Aberfoyle Park site community celebrated their annual ‘Show Day’. Lifestyle Assistant, JoJo, says, ‘Even though the Royal Adelaide Show was cancelled, that wasn’t going to stop us from holding our own special event – with physical distancing and hygiene measures in place of course.’ ‘The day was a great success; in … Continued

Mrs Marj Thornton (98) of Resthaven Port Elliot has many interesting stories—but one of the most fascinating is her role in cracking the famous ‘Enigma’ during World War II. Born in Birmingham, England, in 1921, Marj says, ‘My story really begins in 1942. Birmingham was a large city in the heart of the industrial midlands. … Continued

The Resthaven Western Community Services ‘social group’ is putting their formidable knitting skills into action, creating more than 200 knitted poppies to distribute to friends on Remembrance Day – and they’re still going! Coordinator, Rebbecca Bratovich, says, ‘With this year being somewhat chaotic and challenging, we wanted to spread a little goodwill to our community.’ … Continued

Many happy returns to Mrs Katherine (Kay) Crichton, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 8 September, 2020. Kay is supported to live independently in her retirement living unit by Resthaven Onkaparinga Community Services. Born in Blantyre, ten miles out of Glasgow, Kay was the eldest of six kids. ‘My mum and dad married when mum … Continued

Warm birthday wishes to Mrs Mary Hawkes of Resthaven Leabrook, who celebrated her 100th birthday on 25 September, 2020. Mary was born in Stone, Staffordshire (a small market town in the United Kingdom), the fourth of five children. She was educated by Sisters from the local convent. Like many girls her age, as a young … Continued

On Thursday 24 September, Resthaven Leabrook celebrated Resthaven’s 85th anniversary year with an afternoon tea at the home at 336 Kensington Road, Leabrook. Manager, Mark Bednall, says, ‘Residents enjoyed a festive afternoon tea in the Hall, whilst they browsed a historical display celebrating Resthaven’s 85 year history.’ ‘Guests visited the hall in “shifts,” to accommodate … Continued

One of the great joys of working with older people is listening and learning from them when they share the stories of their past. Perhaps not surprisingly, it is not always the significant world events that matter to them the most, rather the personal stories of triumph, survival and resilience. Some share their sporting successes … Continued

Clients of the Resthaven Marion Community Services craft group have created hand-knotted macramé plant holders, just in time for spring. Coordinator, Susan-Jane Billing, says, ‘The craft group, which meets weekly on Mondays at our centre at 43 Finniss Street, Marion, are supported by Therapy Assistant, Sue Deal, to develop craft projects that will stimulate their … Continued

Residents of Resthaven Leabrook didn’t let the cancellation of the Royal Adelaide Show dampen their spirits, with the home holding their own ‘Resthaven Leabrook Show Day’ instead! On 22 September, residents, staff, and volunteers joined together for this festive annual event – albeit with physical distancing and extra hygiene measures in place. Lifestyle Coordinator, Sorina … Continued

In September, residents of Resthaven Mount Gambier, at 24 Elizabeth Street, Mount Gambier, celebrated the beginning of spring with a flower arranging activity. Lifestyle Coordinator, Trudyanne Bedson, says, ‘The flowers were generously donated by local business, Lima & Co.’ ‘We sincerely thank them for their generosity.’ ‘The flowers were beautiful, and residents loved arranging them … Continued