Smartphones have revolutionised our lives. These high-powered computers connect us to the world in a way we have never seen before, and businesses cleverly leverage their power to improve customer experiences, by adding value or convenience. Many memberships or services are now accessed via a mobile phone app. We use them to log in to … Continued
On Monday 7 August, we celebrate ‘Aged Care Employee Day,’ to thank all those who work in aged care for the vital role they play in the lives of older people. Aged care workers support the most vulnerable members of our society. They make a tangible improvement to the quality of life for thousands of … Continued
Last Thursday was the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. It represents a turning point, when the days begin to get longer and the mornings start to get lighter. It has been a long winter for older Australians and their families, aged care workers and the dedicated providers who deliver … Continued
Last week, Volunteering Australia celebrated National Volunteer Week (15-21 May), with the theme ‘We are the change makers’, to highlight the powerful impact volunteers make. Volunteering can change the lives of both volunteers and those they support. This week offers an opportunity to recognise the crucial role of those volunteers who give their time and … Continued
Each Anzac Day, we recognise and honour the service of veterans and their families in appreciation of their contribution to our country and our way of life. It is a day to pause and reflect in commemoration. It is wonderful to see Australians of all ages come together to pay their respect at Anzac Day … Continued
In 2023, South Australia is a richly diverse society, with people from across the world bringing their varied backgrounds and experiences. Last week, we celebrated Harmony Week, which gave us the opportunity to embrace inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging. The makeup of our society has changed markedly over the past century. The people … 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
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
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
After almost two decades in the role, Resthaven Executive Manager Community Services, Sue McKechnie, has announced that she will retire in March 2023. CEO, Darren Birbeck, says, ‘I would like to thank and acknowledge Sue for the significant contribution that she has made over the past 18 years and the wonderful legacy that she has … Continued
Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, is pleased to announce that Resthaven has acquired a portfolio of retirement living villages from ACH Group, another well-regarded not for profit organisation. ACH Group CEO, Frank Weits, and Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck. ‘The acquisition of the 123 units across twelve sites will increase Resthaven’s retirement living portfolio by 40%, adding … Continued
As the end of the year approaches, it is hard not to reflect on the hardships experienced by older South Australians in 2022. Following the opening of the South Australian border, most aged care homes across the state were experiencing COVID outbreaks by January 2022. Early this year, we were still coming to grips with … Continued
Today, more and more people are living to celebrate their 100th birthday. At Resthaven we recognise a new group of centenarians in each of our quarterly publications. Our staff explain how privileged they feel to hear about the experiences that have shaped these individuals, speaking about their history, their story, their life. A 25-year-old staff … Continued
On 1 October, we celebrated the International Day of Older Persons, recognising the vital contributions that older people make. There are many benefits that come with ageing. Retirement from full time work gives people the freedom to spend time on the things that they love most. It can be a liberating time; a time to … Continued
As this year’s men’s Australian rules finals series comes to a close, we look forward to continuing our ‘footy fix’ with the women’s leagues. The game has changed significantly over the past thirty years, since the Crows and then the Power joined the national competition. An entire generation of supporters never had the privilege of … Continued
Sir Paul McCartney, who celebrated his 80th birthday this year, was only 14 years old when he penned the line, “will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I’m 64”. In the mid-1960s, life expectancy was 68 years for men and 74 for women. Today, this has increased to 81 and 85 … Continued
For many staff working in health and aged care, COVID-19 has meant a daily ritual of rapid antigen tests, personal protective equipment, infection prevention control, outbreak management and detailed reporting to government. There has been little respite in COVID-19 cases in South Australia since the Omicron outbreak in late December. Residential care homes have continued … Continued
Click to listen: Leisure Link (90 min) 09 Jul 2022 – Leisure Link – Omny.fm
At 60 minutes in, Darren Birbeck, CEO for Resthaven, talks with Peter Greco on Leisure Link about changes to aged care funding; living with COVID-19; and the sustainability of the sector.
The sensitive question about who should pay for aged care continues to perplex governments, providers and consumers alike. A recent discussion paper by the University of Technology Sydney Ageing Research Collaborative (UARC), reopened the debate. One approach put forward by UARC is to require consumers who have the capacity to pay to make fair contributions … Continued
