New resident of Resthaven Chiton Retirement Living, Sharyn Adam, says she and her husband Bruce are looking forward to enjoying a new phase of their lives, now that they have moved into the seven-star eco-village. ‘Retirement living here gives us flexibility,’ Sharyn says. ‘The gardens are maintained; the building will be looked after when we’re … Continued
‘The best part of my job is the people,’ says Melissa Jennings, Retirement Living Coordinator at Resthaven. Every day, Melissa works with a diverse group of residents, and she says listening to their stories is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. Seeing them come together as a community — despite their different … Continued
The first of Resthaven’s 2026 Staying at Home in Regional South Australia (SAHRSA) retreats have been held in Victor Harbor and in the Adelaide Hills, with feedback from participants being overwhelmingly positive. The fully government funded three-day retreats are held in picturesque locations in regional South Australia and enable carers and people living with dementia … Continued
As someone who describes himself as ‘not easily impressed’, Mike* is sparing with his praise. So, when he describes the support and services he received through Resthaven’s Restorative Care Pathway as ‘amazing’ and having ‘made a real difference’, it carries genuine weight. Mike was assessed as being eligible for a Restorative Care Pathway after a … Continued
Since Mr Jozo (Jo) Barisic was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2024, small, gradual changes have led to significant differences in the way he and his partner, Ann, live their lives. ‘The disease may be the same for many people, but the experience is different for everyone,’ Ann says. ‘Jo doesn’t realise he has a … Continued
Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services client, Mrs Valerie Huxtable, says Resthaven has given her the confidence to continue to live independently in her unit at Mount Gambier. ‘Resthaven comes around if I need anything done, such as paying a bill or anything,’ Valerie says. ‘And if I need to do a little bit of shopping, … Continued
The sounds of a rowdy game of Uno fill the living area at Resthaven’s latest Staying at Home in Regional South Australia retreat in Stirling. In another room, carers of people living with dementia are participating in a session with CarersSA, gaining support and learnings from professionals, while also sharing their own stories with other … Continued
Becoming a full-time carer for someone with dementia is not an easy task, and for Ro, who cares for her husband Brian, support has been key. Ro and Brian recently participated in one of Resthaven’s fully-funded retreats for older people living with dementia, funded via the government; the ‘Staying at Home in Regional SA’ program. … Continued
Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services Registered Nurse, Eleanor Hetherington, has given Ms Meg Truscott (77) and her carer Ian Farrows, ‘a new lease of life’. Meg says, ‘Eleanor has allowed me the luxury of living with dignity, and to achieve my dreams. Gone are the days of self-doubt and loneliness, replaced by self-respect and hope.’ Eleanor … Continued
When Resthaven Riverland Community Services social worker, Leah Harris, first met client, Shay Richardson, she was homeless and sleeping in a van in her sister’s driveway. ‘I thought to myself “This can’t be the rest of my life” but for a long time, it was,’ Shay says. Leah helped her to get a place, and … Continued
Cherie-Lee Lindsay is benefitting from the assistance of Resthaven Fleurieu Community Services, who support her to care for her dad, Mr Bill Kable, who lives with dementia. She explains, ‘In 2017, Dad was living on our property in a granny flat, and initially received social support visits. Home support workers took him out for lunch, … Continued
Resthaven’s ‘Staying at Home in Regional South Australia’ program has been a ‘game changer’ for family carer, Cherie-Lee Lindsay. Cherie -Lee is the primary carer of her father, Mr Bill Kable, who lives with dementia. Cherie-Lee explains, ‘When I first read about the Staying at Home program, I thought it was perfect for us, as … Continued
Resthaven Marion Retirement Living residents, Mrs Beverley (Bev) and Mr Lawrie Warschauer, say that moving into retirement living was ‘the best thing we ever did.’ Bev explains, ‘Nearly four years ago, we were living in our house down at Moana, but it was so far away from everything. This is far more convenient.’ ‘Here, we’re … Continued
Resthaven Manager Service Development, Tam Henwood, is passionate about the Staying at Home in Regional South Australia Program. As the primary carer of her mother, who lives with dementia, Tam’s involvement with the initiative is not exclusive to the office, having participated in a retreat earlier this year. Tam explains, ‘The Staying at Home Program … 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
On 1 November, clients from across Resthaven Community Respite Services joined in celebration of Melbourne Cup Day at Lane Cottages, the first of many joint events incorporating Lane Cottages, Ridgway House, Toorak House, Hersey Cottages, and Aldinga House. Among the well-dressed attendants was client, Mr Bob Hurst, and his wife and carer, Mrs Anne Hurst, … Continued
When Stephanie’s mum had a stroke aged 75, her daughter, Stephanie had to step in – dramatically changing the family dynamic, and her mother’s and Stephanie’s day-to-day life, forever. In recognition of National Carers Week (16–22 October), Stephanie shares the story of how Resthaven Community Respite Services not only supported her mum following this life-changing … Continued
Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills & Fleurieu Community Services client, Mr Leslie Newton (92), recently contacted Resthaven Head Office to pass on some wonderful feedback about the services he receives. Mr Newton, who is supported by Resthaven to live independently in his own home in Strathalbyn, says, ‘I am really happy and satisfied with Resthaven.’ ‘Three … Continued
Nancy and Nadia have found a close friendship through social groups offered to them at Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services. When visiting Nancy and Nadia at Resthaven’s newest respite house, Alexandra Cottage, it was clear that these two friends are ‘joined at the hip’. ‘We met about a year ago, through Ladies Group, which … Continued
A few years ago, Beryl moved from her long-term home to Resthaven Leabrook – and has since made it her ‘domain’. ‘My doctor suggested that I come here, and I came to look at the place and loved it!’ ‘I’ve been here for four years, haven’t regretted one day of it. Ever since then, I’ve … Continued