Resthaven Clients Welcome Special Visitors

Clients of Resthaven Riverland Community Services ended their week with the new Men’s Group’s very first session - ‘Puppers and Pizza’. Resthaven Riverland Community Services Assistant Manager, Gina Stephenson, saw the opportunity to bring along her four rescue dogs, Molly, Jake, Poppy and Ned, who clients constantly ask about.

"I regularly bring in Molly [black pug, 13], Jake [fawn pug, 3], Poppy [mix-breed, 5] and Ned [King Charles Cavalier, 13] for clients to have a cuddle, and a few of the men particularly look forward their visits."

"The Men’s Group formed organically as those with connections with one another over common interests enjoy meeting up."

For the first session, staff decided to keep it fun and simple with a pizza-making session, and Gina brought along her pups as a surprise.

The day commenced with a morning tea, before the group started their pizza making.

"Clients commented on how nice it was to prepare their own meals for lunch, as many have it prepared for them as part of their Home Care Packages with Resthaven."

As the group thought their session was heading to a close, they noticed their furry friends run in to greet them.

"Molly and Jake went around the group to receive their cuddles, sitting on lots of laps for about half an hour."

"Three of the men particularly loved the surprise visit, having asked staff to take their photo, which was then printed out and given to them to take home."

"Peter shared with the group memories of his friendship with his neighbour’s pugs, much like Jake and Molly."

"The day was a great success, who doesn’t love dogs and pizza?!"

"We already have plans in place for the group, which will occur monthly. Next month, we have arranged for staff from Bunnings to join us for some handyman activities in the garden."

Watch this space!

Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.

Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.

Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.