September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day and Dementia Action Week is from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 September. This year’s theme is “Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future.” The aim of the week is to raise awareness and challenge the stigma and lack of understanding and knowledge surrounding dementia, as well as supporting those living … Continued
Resthaven welcomes the bipartisan support of the new Aged Care Act, which was introduced to Parliament yesterday (12 September) and will now go to a Senate inquiry next month. ‘This is action we have been waiting for, and while we wait to work through the details, we are optimistic that the government has heard our … Continued
Resthaven CEO, Darren Birbeck, is pleased to announce that Resthaven has joined with Eldercare to acquire a suite of South Australian retirement living communities from Aveo, one of Australia’s largest retirement village operators. Eldercare Chief Executive, Jane Pickering, and Resthaven Chief Executive Officer, Darren Birbeck ‘In this collaborative bid, Resthaven will acquire 799 units across … Continued
Australians expect an aged care system that delivers high quality care for older people. As the population ages and care needs increase, it must also be sustainable. Yet more than half of Australia’s aged care homes currently operate at a loss. Aged care accounting firm StewartBrown predicts that this percentage will increase to up to … Continued
On 7 August, we celebrate Aged Care Employee Day, where we recognise the valued contribution that aged care staff make. As our population ages and staff needs continue to increase, it is gratifying to see many younger people joining the sector. Recently, we held a training day specifically for high school students who were joining … Continued
For those of us who are fortunate to have a place to call home, it can be a place of safety, privacy, and sanctuary. Homes change during the course of our lives, adapting to meet our needs. As families grow, additional rooms are added, or granny flats built. As we age, a home that once … Continued
It’s National Palliative Care Week, 19 – 25 May 2024. This annual initiative aims to raise awareness about palliative care, increase understanding of its services, and recognise the skill, dedication and ‘heart’ of the palliative care workforce and volunteers. With good palliative care, those facing death and bereavement are supported to live, die, and grieve … Continued
None of us like to admit that we might need a little help one day. Like many things in life, a decline in our capacity to complete certain functions is something that creeps up on you. Tasks that you used to be able to manage easily, start to become more difficult. And navigating the aged … Continued
At Resthaven, we recently held an award night to celebrate staff and volunteers who had gone above and beyond in their role. It was wonderful to be involved in an event that recognised and acknowledged people who had made a difference to the lives of others. One of the highlights of the evening was seeing … Continued
The end of February marks three years since the release of the final report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. So, what has changed and what does this mean for older Australians? One of the most significant initiatives was the release of 80,000 home care packages over two years in 2021-22 … Continued
The start of a new year is an opportunity to set some goals or resolutions for the year ahead. For the aged care sector, 2024 represents another year of ongoing change. In July this year, a new rights-based Aged Care Act commences, together with revised Aged Care Quality Standards. And, for the first time, residential … Continued
I would love a dollar for every time someone mentions how quickly the past year has gone. It usually doesn’t take long for the conversation to turn to how time seems to go faster as we get older. We then reflect on a happier time when life took a more leisurely pace. Times have changed, … Continued
In October, three generations of my family had the pleasure of seeing Sir Paul McCartney rock the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. It is hard to think of an act, other than The Wiggles, that have so successfully crossed two generation gaps. At 81 years old, McCartney is the epitome of healthy ageing. It was unthinkable twenty … Continued
Language is a powerful tool. It can bring us together as quickly as it can divide us. Over recent decades, we have become much more aware that using language to ‘label’ others can cause deep harm and distress. October 7 was Ageism Awareness Day, and it made me think about how the labelling of generations … Continued
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
