• Testimonials

    Leah helps pave the way for client Shay to ‘fight on’

    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

    Dementia respite program a ‘game-changer’ for carer, Cherie-Lee

    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

    Retirement living: The ‘best thing we ever did’

    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

    Behind the eyes of a carer of someone living with dementia

    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

    A milestone 46-year career with Resthaven

    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

    ‘Respite has been a lifesaver’, says Anne

    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

    Family carer, Stephanie, shares her story during National Carers Week

    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

    Happy and satisfied with Resthaven

    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

    ‘When I need quiet time, I go to Resthaven,’ says client

    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

    Mr and Mrs Sykes stay together thanks to Resthaven


    Resident, Mr Stan Sykes, couldn’t have been happier to get into Resthaven Bellevue Heights when he did, to stay t ...

    ‘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

    ‘Aged care is a dynamic sector to work in’, says Annie

    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

    A career in aged care? Yes!

    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

    Home Support Worker Desma makes a difference

    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

    The ‘immense personal satisfaction’ of an aged care career

    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 funds scholarships to develop the future workforce

    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 supports older people to live independently


    ‘I enjoy life very much’, says John

    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