Resthaven Employs Dementia and Mental Health Specialist
This September 2018, during Dementia Awareness Month, Resthaven is pleased to announce the appointment of an Advanced Practice Nurse—Dementia and Mental Health.
Resthaven Executive Manager, Residential Services, Tina Cooper, says, ‘I am very pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Harding to our Clinical Services team, in the position of Advanced Practice Nurse—Dementia and Mental Health.’
‘In this newly created role, Stephen will work across our residential and community services to provide specialist knowledge and work collaboratively with staff, clients and residents in the important areas of dementia and mental health.’
‘Stephen is a Registered Nurse, with Masters level qualifications in both dementia and mental health. His work extends over 35 years in a range of settings and in community based practice, working almost exclusively with older people in these key clinical areas.’
‘He has also contributed to the higher education and industry sector by taking on an educator role, and has contributed to many research papers and learning materials on these subjects.’
‘Resthaven values the expertise of the clinical experts on staff, as we aim to deliver improved health outcomes for the older people in our care.’
‘We hope that having an Advanced Practice Nurse in this area will assist residents and their families in understanding and coping with dementia and mental health related disorders,’ Tina explains.
‘Stephen’s work will complement the work already being undertaken by Resthaven’s Dementia Services Advisor, Ann Victora, who has a significant focus on employee education.’
Stephen says, ‘I look forward to sharing my knowledge of dementia and mental health issues within the Resthaven community.’
‘I feel my most important role is to help demystify dementia and mental health in the public realm, thereby helping to remove the stigma.’
‘I aim to deliver meaningful knowledge and working tools to residents and their families, and in doing so, make a difference to their everyday lives’.
Established in 1935, Resthaven Incorporated is a not for profit, South Australian aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church. Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of around 10,000 older people and their carers, working together to provide outstanding care and support.