Resthaven Residents Keep Busy

Lifestyle teams across all twelve Resthaven residential aged care homes are being proactive in supporting residents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a range of activities that give residents something positive to focus on, whilst still complying with important infection control and social distancing requirements.

Sharon Betty, Lifestyle Coordinator of Resthaven Marion, is excited to take on the challenge with her team, saying, "Here at Resthaven Marion, we have adjusted our lifestyle program to include smaller group gatherings held more often, increased individual activities, and made ourselves available for more one-on-one time."

"Any group sessions now include no more than nine residents and one facilitator in a room large enough for social distancing to be maintained."

"Amongst many other groups, we run three small art classes per week, one specifically for people with a sight impairment. There is also poetry reading and writing, and garden club, held outdoors in our beautiful courtyard gardens."

"We are also continuing monthly theme days, where we create an atmosphere of fun and humour for the whole site community to enjoy in their own spaces, or individual 'activity packs' for those residents who choose to entertain themselves in a quiet space."

"Spirituality plays a big part in wellbeing, and Coordinating Chaplain, Rev Dr Bruce Grindlay, is keeping busy with three 'Chaplain’s Chats' sessions per week, the 'Talking Circle', which is about sharing life stories, and 'Bruce’s Book Club.' All these activities are number limited, with participants seated 1.5m apart, to comply with social distancing requirements."

"Where the need is identified, we are holding extra sessions in order to maintain small groups and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate."

"The lifestyle team, including Chaplain, Bruce, is readily available for 1:1 conversations and support, as the Resthaven Marion staff team focus on resident wellbeing from a holistic perspective."

"We are listening to residents, and responding to their choices and priorities as best we are able in the current circumstance."

"The safety and wellbeing of residents is our utmost priority, and supporting them with a dynamic lifestyle program is a very important part of that."

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.

Pictured: staff practicing their social distancing on a recent ‘pyjama’ themed day.