If there is one thing that we all aspire to, its dignity as we age. In our minds, we don’t really feel any different, apart from hopefully picking up a little wisdom along the way. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem as though our bodies got the memo. As the years march by, there are things that … Continued
Home maintenance and large gardens can become a burden over time. For people seeking to downsize, retirement living might be just the option. Instead of purchasing the property outright, you pay a ‘licence to occupy’ the premises. This amount is then refunded when the resident leaves, after deducting a deferred management fee, which can range … Continued
At this time of year, we look forward to catching up with family and friends, to enjoy sharing time and hospitality. However, the festive season can also bring mixed feelings, particularly for people who are lonely and socially isolated. Be proactive in making contact with family members or significant others who may be frail, or … Continued
Respite and carer support provides critical relief for many older Australians, reducing the need for permanent residential care and enabling people to live in their own homes longer. Many older people living at home do so with the unpaid support of their spouse, family or friends. This important support goes largely unnoticed in the community. … Continued
On 1 November, the new Aged Care Act will come into operation, and with it, the new Support at Home program, which will replace the existing Home Care Packages. The new national model is designed to help older Australians to continue to live independently at home for longer, provide a standardised national service list, offer … Continued
The recent decision by the Government to immediately release 20,000 home care packages is great news for the people on the waiting list who will now have access to care and services. A further 20,000 packages will be released between November and the end of 2025. The announcement was made following the Inquiry into the … Continued
Recently, I was asked by one of our home support team whether we had a backup plan in place should the launch of the new Aged Care Act, planned for 1 November 2025, be delayed again. After explaining that another delay was unlikely, given the political and legal consequences, and the fact that the final … Continued
Aged Care Employee Day, 7 August, is a chance to put a spotlight on the tireless efforts of all our amazing staff and volunteers in aged care and retirement living. ‘Today, we are celebrating every aged care worker who makes a difference,’ says Darren Birbeck, Resthaven CEO. ‘We’re incredibly grateful for the important work you … Continued
Bed capacity in our hospitals remains a significant challenge for South Australia. One of the reasons given is the growing number of older people spending extended time in hospital. However, suggestions that lack of access to aged care is the cause, while simple and convenient, fails to address the complexity of the situation. Most aged … Continued
It is not a simple matter to decide that you need support at home. Or to accept that you are ready to let a stranger into your home to assist you. After reaching this conclusion, the next step is to complete the online assessment on My Aged Care. And you wait. After a short while, … Continued
In May, South Australia recognises the past with a month-long History Festival, from 1-31 May 2025. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘Decisions’. For Resthaven, this May has also been all about acknowledging our history. On 11 May, Resthaven celebrated the 90th anniversary of the opening of its first home in 1935. It was in … Continued
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
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
Every one of us has the right to age with dignity. This can come in many forms and mean different things to different people. For most, it means being in control of our own lives and decisions and choosing support that suits our individual needs and preferences. When people think of aged care, they often … Continued
2025 is set to be a significant year of change for the aged care sector. In July, the new human-rights based Aged Care Act will come into operation, together with strengthened aged care standards. At the same time, the Government will introduce the new Support at Home program to replace the existing system of Home … Continued
Christmas is a time for spending with the people we love. It is a time of happiness and joy; connecting with family and friends. However, it can also be a time of sadness for those who live alone, or who have lost friends and family. Social isolation and loneliness can have a significant negative impact. … Continued
I am always encouraged by the commitment and kindness that aged care workers display every day. In addition to delivering great care, they appreciate the positive difference they can make to the lives of older people through a friendly chat or light-hearted banter. One employee puts it very simply, “I just treat them like I … Continued
In Australia, 9 October was Ageism Awareness Day. Founded by EveryAGE Counts, Australia’s national coalition of organisations against ageism, Ageism Awareness Day is a reminder to us all to consider the impact of stereotyping, discrimination and mistreatment of people solely on the basis of age. Many older people experience ageism, they feel invisible and suffer … Continued
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