Celebrating Carer’s Week at Ridgway House
On Monday, 17 October, Resthaven Community Respite Services celebrated ‘Carer’s Week’ this week (16-22 October) with an ‘Open Day’ at overnight respite cottage, Ridgway House, located at 36 Sussex Terrace, Westbourne Park.
Guests included many regular visitors to Ridgway House, who often enjoy short ‘holidays’.
Community Respite Services Manager, Carole Matthews, says, ‘Caring for someone who is older and frail can be very rewarding and enjoyable.’
‘There can be a range of other challenges when short term memory loss, dementia or other chronic conditions are involved.’
‘Depending on the circumstances, it can also present the carer with issues for themselves – physical and mental tiredness, the possibility of losing contact with other family members and friends, and maybe not being able to continue with work or leisure pursuits.’
‘It is important for the carer to take time to attend to their own wellbeing – this is known as respite. Someone else provides the necessary support to the older person, while the carer has time to themselves to do things they want or need to do.’
‘The Carer may go to work or catch up with tasks needing to be done. Or they may have a short holiday or meet friends for lunch. Respite means something different to each person, and can be personalised to meet the individual needs of the older person and their carer, in the person’s home, getting involved in community activities, meeting other people in social settings, or overnight stays.’
‘Fulltime carers need a break from time to time to rest and recuperate from the day to day running of their home and caring.’
Carole adds, ‘In August, Ridgway House underwent a facelift, making it even more comfortable for guests.’
‘Each room has a private ensuite, and there is a twin room for couples to share some time out together, with peace of mind knowing that the staff are on hand 24/7.’
‘It has a warm, homely atmosphere that our guests enjoy when they stay.’
‘Ridgway House is just one of Resthaven’s respite cottages across South Australia, where trained staff support older people who are living at home in the community with 24/7 support, all meals, and socialisation.’ For details about respite at Ridgway House, call 8358 3173.
Resthaven supports carers of older people through a variety of community respite options across the metropolitan area, the Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu, Riverland and Limestone Coast, including in-home, small group and overnight respite, and residential respite at all aged care homes. Resthaven can assist with the application process for government funded support.
For details visit: www.resthaven.asn.au
For more information about Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.com.au.
Pictured from top: Visitors enjoy a celebratory afternoon tea at Ridgway House; a refurbished bedroom.