• Fully funded retreats for older people living with dementia and their carer

    Enjoy a short stay away together, through the government-funded ‘Staying at Home in Regional SA’ program.

    Designed for carers of older people who are living with dementia to be supported as they learn strategies to help them manage for longer at home.

    The free day or three day retreats are held in picturesque locations in regional South Australia.

    The retreats enable carers and people living with dementia to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges in a supportive environment. The carer may be a spouse/partner, child or other significant friend or family member.

    Carers receive practical advice and training to support the person living with dementia to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, while those with dementia participate in meaningful activities.

    In 2025, retreats will be held in:

    • Stirling: 11-13 February & End of February TBC
    • Hindmarsh Island: 18 – 20 March
    • Cockatoo Valley: 7-9 April
    • Berri: late April TBC
    • Limestone Coast: dates TBC.

    Please note: dates and locations subject to change.

    Two ladies chatting with each other while drinking tea

     

    “The experience was beyond my expectations. I was very nervous it would be more like a hospital stay but the experience was wonderful at the retreat. Relaxing, funny, trustworthy and caring.”
    – Retreat attendee.

    “I continue to revisit the retreat time, gaining strength from the experience. I enjoyed sharing experiences with other carers, and having the opportunity for further connection with them outside group time. All of this was made possible by your amazingly sensitive and creative organisation and input. Thanks again!”– Retreat attendee.

    Reserve your place today!

    Contact us: (08) 8198 2088
    Email: SAHRSA@resthaven.asn.au

     

    What is involved?

    The government funded ‘Staying at Home in Regional South Australia’ program aims to support older South Australians who are living with dementia to stay at home for as long as possible by offering education and support to their carer. The program offers short-stay respite care, where the person living with dementia and their carer stay together on retreat with others for up to three days and two nights away, with 24/7 staff support. Day retreats are also available, with a wellness focus for the carer and meaningful engagement opportunities for the person living with dementia.

    The program focuses on enabling people living with dementia and their carer to experience quality respite care, wellbeing and engagement opportunities with targeted support. The person living with dementia and their carer participate together.

     

    Who is eligible?

    Eligibility is for people living with mild to moderate dementia and their carer. The carer may be a spouse/partner, child or other significant friend or family member.

    The program runs as a partnership between the carer and care recipient.

     

    Carers will receive practical support and advice from experienced staff and clinicians about:

    • older dark skin man happyUnderstanding and managing dementia
    • Accessing community care services
    • Looking after yourself
    • Planning for the future
    • Managing behaviour changes associated with dementia
    • Support for transition into respite care
    • How to continue enjoyable activities for longer
    • Managing physical changes such as mobility, continence, and communication.

    Whilst carers learn the skills they need to continue to support someone living with dementia to stay at home, their loved one will be supported by trained Resthaven staff 24/7. All meals and activities will be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

    Being a carer for someone you love can sometimes be challenging and isolating. The Staying at Home program creates opportunities for you to meet others who are going through the same experiences in a supportive environment, and for carers to know they are not alone.

     

    Expression of Interest-Staying at Home Program in Regional SA

    Read the latest stories about the program

    Frequently asked questions

    No, no referral is required. Eligibility criteria applies (a diagnosis of dementia, want to stay living at home, and have a carer).

    This is a free program with all meals and accommodation included.

    No. As long as you meet the criteria of having a diagnosis of dementia, want to stay living at home, and have a carer, you can access the program.

    Yes, there are several assessments conducted over the phone to determine eligibility for both you, the person with dementia, and your carer.

    Yes, there may be day options available, depending on the need in the area.

    Yes, the aim is to group people in a similar age bracket and diversity.

    Yes you can. However, as the aim of staying overnight is to empower and upskill carers to support the person living with dementia, the evenings are a great time to relax in a holiday environment and connect with others.