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
‘Four years ago, in October, my wife fell and broke her leg and arm at the same time – fell badly. A room became vacant here for her.’ Not wanting to be apart, Stan then applied for a residential aged care place at Resthaven Bellevue Heights and was delighted when a place became available. ‘I … Continued
One year ago, Mrs Noela Long moved to Resthaven Leabrook from interstate, to be near her son and his family. Since then, Resthaven has ‘made it home’ for Mrs Long, allowing her independence beyond what she envisaged. ‘I get out of bed and shower in the morning, make my own bed and tidy up my … Continued
Annie McColl lives out the benefits of working in aged care every day, through her extensive knowledge in the ever-growing sector. Having worked in the industry for thirty years, Annie has gained varied experience and knowledge in the aged care industry, currently working as Care Coordinator at Resthaven Leabrook. ‘I am involved in different areas … Continued
Meet Brock Muller, 25, who challenges the stereotypical attitude that aged care is not a workplace for young people. Brock has worked as a personal care assistant at Resthaven Mount Gambier for three years, and brings with him youthful enthusiasm and a willingness to learn from the older people he supports. Brock says, ‘I believe … Continued
Desma Jenke, Home Support Worker with Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services, is making a difference in the lives of older people across the south east, supporting them to live independently in their own homes, or enjoy a short stay in Resthaven’s Naracoorte respite cottage. Desma, who has worked in the role for around eight years, … Continued
Working in aged care will give you ‘immense personal satisfaction,’ according to Resthaven Limestone Coast Community Services Home Support Worker, Katrina Miller. ‘I’ve been in the south east for 25 years,’ she says, ‘And for most of it, I worked in a wine manufacturing laboratory.’ ‘But honestly, it was boring, and I realised that I … Continued