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42 Business View Australia - April 2015
and a record is created of the person’s history, pref-
erences, abilities and requirements. This information
is used to plan the individual’s activities. Every effort
is made cater to the needs and requirements of each
resident. Large print books are stocked in the library
and local mobile library visits are organised to Rest-
haven. Outdoor trips, music programs and card and
board games are arranged. Periodic reviews are con-
ducted with each resident to determine their changing
requirements.
Resthavenhad its beginning in1935as ahome for el-
derly ladies. By 1944 the capacity of the original home
was exceeded and another property was purchased at
what is now Resthaven Leebrook. Additional facilities
were added over the years and Resthaven also started
catering to men. The number of Resthaven establish-
ments now stands at 11 with Resthaven Mt Gambier
being the latest addition.
Dementia is a condition which reduces a person’s
ability to perform everyday activities. It usually strikes
elderly people but may also afflict those in their 40’s or
50’s. It is not necessary that all older persons will suf-
fer from dementia. Resthaven has initiated a research
project on dementia in partnership with Alzheimer’s
Australia. It has also published a book about demen-
tia based on interviews with 17 patients and carers.
The purpose of this book is to sensitize people to the
thought processes of persons afflicted with dementia.
The book also offers revealing insights into the under-
standing which carers have of the person they support.
A small proportion of the persons who are diagnosed
with dementia are fortunate to have their illness treat-
ed and its effects reversed. However, a vast majority
have to live with the condition for the rest of their lives.
Resthaven utilises the services of volunteers to good
effect and has an on-going program which encourages
persons to spend time with residents and participate
in various activities with them. A regular visitor can be
the high point of a resident’s day and volunteers are
encouraged to become “Walking Buddies” or involve
themselves in other ways when they visit Resthaven.
Volunteers themselves gain immensely from the time
they spend with residents and are grateful for the op-
portunity to help others and make a positive difference
in their lives by spending a few hours with them. An ex-
tremely useful activity which volunteers are involved in
is the Aged Care Alternatives program. Volunteers who
work as Options Guides advise persons of the various
services available that could support them.
The stated purpose for the existence of Resthaven
is to provide outstanding care and support to older
South Australians and their carers. It has won several
accolades for the commitment and dedication demon-
strated to fulfil its objectives. Among these are:
•In September, 2008 Resthaven was honoured
by Aged and Community Services, Australia (ACSA).
The CEO of Resthaven, Richard Hearn, won the In-
dividual Award for “being a true champion of aged
care.”
•Resthaven also won the Media Award for its
campaign to influence how older people are por-
trayed in the media.
Resthaven provides an essential service and has
moulded itself over the years to cater to the changing