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
Since leaving her insurance job to join Resthaven as a Home Support Worker, Donna Felce hasn’t looked back. Donna, who made the bold career move only a short time ago, says, ‘I spent 15 years in insurance – before that, payroll and banking.’ ‘My daughter was doing a nursing degree, and we talked about the … 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
Resthaven actively works to position aged care as a career destination for people seeking long and secure jobs that make a difference. A tangible demonstration of this commitment is to offer a range of scholarships for university students in relevant disciplines to encourage them to consider aged care careers. With a value of up to … Continued
Resthaven Northern Community Services supports older people living in the northern suburbs to live independently in their own homes. One of these is Mr John Nimmo, who cannot praise his service enough, saying ‘my independence is very important to me’. Amongst the many services that Resthaven Northern Community Services provides, John is especially thankful for … Continued
Third year Bachelor of Physiotherapy student, 21 year old Liam McCabe, is a wonderful example of how the Resthaven 80th anniversary scholarship program benefits not just students, but the future aged care workforce, and older people requiring support. Liam says, ‘I am in my third year of Physiotherapy (Hons) at the University of South Australia.’ … Continued
One of the ways in which Resthaven supports the future aged care workforce is through the provision of scholarships at all three major South Australian universities. These were funded in celebration of Resthaven’s 80th anniversary in 2015 and continue. The current group of scholarship recipients from the University of South Australia share their thoughts on … Continued
A family recently reached out to the Resthaven Paradise and Eastern Community Services team to thank them for the ‘calm and professional support’ provided to their parents by Coordinator, Jane Sweeney. The family wrote: ‘In conjunction with my parents, we initially interviewed several home care providers to set up a Home Care Package.’ ‘We were … Continued
The wife of a Resthaven Aberfoyle Park resident has contacted Resthaven to thank staff for their ‘caring, friendly’ approach in their support of her husband. ‘My husband is a resident, and we can’t speak highly enough about every department of this excellent nursing home,’ she says. ‘It was emotionally difficult for him to move from … Continued
Resthaven Leabrook was recently contacted by a family to thank staff for the care of their parents. The family said, ‘Our family would like to express our thanks for the care shown to our parents while in your Leabrook facility.’ ‘The entire staff went above and beyond to help them settle in, get to know … Continued
Resthaven Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner, Peter Jenkin, says that ‘flexibility and empathy are just as important as technical skills when it comes to providing good end of life care’. Peter, who has worked as a Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner at Resthaven for almost nine years, reflects on several occurrences in the early 1990s, which steered … Continued