For Deb Wotherspoon, one of the most rewarding things is to hear the voices of people singing along with her piano playing. A volunteer at Resthaven Bellevue Heights, Deb, and her bordoodle (border collie/poodle) Fergus, support the ‘Worship for Everyone’ church service. Deb plays the piano during the service and then continues to play afterwards … Continued
Rusty Novice, a volunteer at Resthaven Aberfoyle Park, is a firm believer in the sense of satisfaction that comes from achieving. ‘I always encourage people to have a go,’ Rusty says. ‘Whether it’s someone from the community, my own kids, or now my grandkids, if someone comes along and asks if they can help, I’ll … Continued
‘Happy Hour’ is a much-loved social event held at Resthaven Mount Gambier each Friday afternoon, and one where more volunteer support is welcomed. ‘Seeing the connections shared between residents and volunteers is heartwarming,’ Mount Gambier Acting Lifestyle Coordinator Shelley van der Linde says. ‘We would love volunteers to join us for Happy Hour, as well … Continued
Recently, Resthaven Mitcham resident, Mr Ian Gambling, enjoyed a special 60-year reunion with a former colleague. It’s all thanks to Quaid—the home’s favourite four-legged volunteer! Quaid is a regular visitor to Resthaven Mitcham, where he is accompanied by fellow volunteer, and doting owner, Diana Walters. ‘One aspect that makes Quaid a perfect volunteer, is that … Continued
This Christmas, Resthaven Mitcham volunteer, Bob Wharton, shares a special musical memory. Bob says, ‘I was working part-time back when I started volunteering with Resthaven, about fourteen years ago, and I wanted to contribute to the community in some way.’ ‘I have always enjoyed playing my guitar and singing with people, and I had a … Continued
Resthaven Murray Bridge volunteer, Ian Kluge, has lived a life supporting his community, both as a police officer, and as a volunteer. Ian discovered his love of volunteering after taking a leap of faith; ‘I had a long career in the police force, and I wanted to try a different path, one that I found … Continued
Resthaven Marion Community Services clients have been enjoying extra support in their social groups lately, thanks to volunteer, Anusha Nadeem. In recent years, Anusha and her husband left their home in Pakistan for a new adventure in Australia. Anusha says, ‘It was my husband who first found Resthaven, securing an Enrolled Nurse position with Resthaven … Continued
Volunteer pianist, Tony Kelly, enjoys spending his time hitting the keys at Resthaven Malvern, having discovered the joys of aged care approximately 25 years ago. Tony says, ‘I retired in 1997, but it wasn’t until a few years later that I ventured into volunteering in aged care, and I never looked back.’ ‘I was a … Continued
‘Volunteers have been at the heart of Resthaven since the beginning, in 1935,’ says Resthaven Manager Volunteer Services, Stacey Thompson. ‘Resthaven volunteers provide that extra level of support for residents and clients, which is immeasurable.’ ‘We would like to hear from people across South Australia, people who have a desire to share a meaningful connection … Continued
This year, Jenny Dow celebrated her tenth anniversary as a volunteer with Resthaven Mount Gambier; however, her volunteering years go way back. Jenny says, ‘My first experience was at my youngest daughter’s school 24 years ago. I had extra time and wanted to give back.’ Since then, Jenny has taken on more in her local … Continued
Peter Ellemor is a household name at Resthaven Mitcham, having devoted his time as a volunteer in this aged care home for more than a decade. Peter explains, ‘I worked for the Department for Education for 37 years—the last 22 years as Principal—and it was always in my heart to give something back to the … Continued
Volunteers have been at the heart of Resthaven from the beginning, in 1935. Resthaven relies on volunteers who offer an extra level of support for residents and clients. National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering and will be held on 15 – 21 May 2023. This year throughout the month of May, … Continued
Resthaven Malvern hairdresser, Denise Lockwood, put down her scissors in July 2022, but you can still find her doing what she loves at 43 Marlborough Street! Denise explains, ‘I moved down from Sydney when I was 45 years old, and I started hairdressing in a busy salon in Norwood.’ ‘Three years later, one of my … 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
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
Resident entertainer, Mrs Gillian ‘Gill’ Churchill, has taken the musical reins at Resthaven Marion—ukulele in hand! Mrs Churchill has performed throughout New South Wales with her ukulele group, entertaining older people living in care. She has also sung with a barbershop chorus and is a keen poet—a person of many talents! She explains, ‘Now, I … Continued
In preparation for the festive season, residents, staff and volunteers have been working together to create decorations for their celebrations at many Resthaven sites. On Tuesday 15 November, Resthaven Marion welcomed a special visit from Westminster School, reigniting their long-standing relationship between the generations. Lifestyle Coordinator, Tamara Jacquier, says, ‘A lovely girl, and class captain, … Continued
Four-legged volunteer, Quaid, formed a special connection with Resthaven Mitcham resident, Mr Walter Semmelmann, who is always first on Quaid’s visiting list! Quaid is accompanied on his visits by fellow volunteer, and doting owner, Diana Walters. She explains, ‘Many residents anticipate our visits each Tuesday, when Quaid and I slowly make our way to each … Continued
Recently, we have been holding a number of volunteer celebration events to show our gratitude and appreciation of the support provided by Resthaven volunteers. Manager Volunteer Services, Stacey Thompson, says, ‘We have been fortunate to be able hold these events in external venues and transform the spaces filled with vibrant colour.’ The Adelaide Pavillion ‘Across … Continued
It is no secret that music is good for the soul. Musical volunteers make waves as they share a familiar sensory comfort to the older people whom Resthaven supports. Coordinating Chaplain at Resthaven Paradise and Resthaven Leabrook, Rev Cate Baker, firsthand witnesses the benefits to residents that music brings. Cate elaborates, ‘Volunteers add so much … Continued