Staying Connected
Staying connected with communities is vitally important for older people and their families, now more than ever.
Resthaven is adapting the delivery of some of our aged care services to ensure that the older people whom we support can stay in touch with their communities, and stay occupied, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are implementing ways of connecting people with family and friends, through increased telephone calls and use of technology.
Lifestyle programs continue in an adapted format, with smaller groups run more often, increased one-on-one support, and entertainment and concerts streamed via YouTube.
At many sites, residents are staying in contact with their local schools and community groups via letters and cards. At Resthaven Murray Bridge, residents received handmade Easter cards from local school children, which brought a smile to many faces.
At Resthaven Marion, a 100th birthday was celebrated via zoom. These initiatives are happening all around the Resthaven community.
For those people whom Resthaven supports to live independently in their own homes, we continue to provide high quality in-home care, including domestic assistance, personal care, nursing care, and support with meal preparation and shopping.
However, our practices have changed: we are encouraging people to arrange on-line shopping for delivery or collection, with our support, and to use pre-purchased gift cards so that staff can do shopping for the person.
We have suspended group programs, and are increasing one to one social support, both in person and through telephone and video calls.
We are supporting older people to utilise technology to stay connected.
Some exercise and wellness classes that are usually run at the wellness centres are being made available as one to one, or self-directed home based programs.
Resthaven Community Respite Services continue to offer small group and individual respite for carers of older people, in centre based respite cottages or in people’s homes, with social distancing in place.
Resthaven remains committed to ensuring the older people who have invited us into their lives stay in touch, stay connected, and stay well.
Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.