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On 10 April, Mrs Anne Hume will blow out 100 candles on her birthday cake at Resthaven Port Elliot. She shares what is most important in life as she reflects on her centenarian milestone. Growing up in Largs, Scotland, Mrs Hume has always found herself by the sea. Mrs Anne Hume Mrs Hume says, ‘I … Continued

World Parkinson’s Day is on 11 April 2023, when we recognise the 14,000 Australians who are diagnosed with the disease each year. A disease categorised by both motor and non-motor deficiencies, it has no identifiable cause. Resthaven Clinical Nurse Workforce Development, Julie Tansing, says, ‘Parkinson’s Disease is a complex degenerative neurological condition that can affect … Continued

On 10 March, Resthaven was delighted to host Sharon Tentye, Executive Manager Service Delivery, Carers SA, at two of Resthaven’s southern respite cottages, to share ideas about how Resthaven and Carers SA can work together to support older people and their carers. Senior Manager Community Services, Wojtek Swietek, says, ‘We took Sharon on a tour … Continued

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month — where we take the time to learn about the debilitating disease suffered by more than 200,000 Australians. Parkinson’s Disease is a complex degenerative neurological condition that can affect anyone. It is the second most-common neurological condition and is the fastest-growing brain disease in the world. Currently, there is no … Continued

The World Health Organisation (WHO) iSupport for Dementia program supports carers of people with dementia, providing evidence-based online education and skills training. The program is currently being adapted for the Australian context by Prof Lily Xiao (Flinders University), and Resthaven is proud to be a research partner. Phase 2 of the project has now been … Continued

For the carers of older people living with dementia, a little respite can go a long way. Specialised services that cater to individual needs and provide a home-like environment for older people give carers a break from their caring role, so that they can look after their own health needs, too. This is where services … 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

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

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