‘Wellness’ is a term that we hear a lot these days – and with good reason. The deliberate pursuit of activities, choices and lifestyle habits that improve our holistic health can lead to greater feelings of fulfillment and a better quality of life – something that is important at any age.
Resthaven supports older people to pursue wellness, and this has been taken up a notch recently with the creation of a new position – the Community Wellness Manager.
Stepping into this role in October 2024, Jacinta Robertson has a background in positive ageing and is thinking outside the box when it comes to helping Resthaven clients achieve their goals.
‘Creating better ways to support older people to maintain their optimal health is a passion and focus for me,’ Jacinta says. ‘We want to help people stay in their own homes as long as they want and are able to. We want to invigorate them and help them work towards their personal goals.’
Jacinta, who is a registered nurse and has a Masters in Health Service Management, has worked in a variety of aged care organisations at a senior level. She says that focussing on wellness brings the individual to the fore.
‘Every person has their own interests, and likes and dislikes,’ Jacinta says. ‘We see a range of older people using our services, and some of them are a very different cohort to people we have seen before. We want to help them ‘live’ the life that they choose and therefore we need to look at our services differently. That’s the innovation part of this role.’
As well as physical fitness, which is supported at Resthaven by a dedicated allied health team, Jacinta is considering ways to better utilise the knowledge and skills of older people.
‘Having purpose in life is important – whether you’re 20 years old, or 80 years old,’ Jacinta says. ‘So, what are some of the ways we can support this? I used to live by the adage of “Is this good enough for my mum?”. But I’ve been challenged on that thinking, and now I ask the question “Is this good enough for me?”’
Jacinta is also focussing on Resthaven’s community respite services, which provide support for carers, allowing them to take a break from their caring role.
‘Being a carer can be complex and tiring,’ Jacinta says. ‘The guilt and the stress can build up, but also there is a profound joy that happens when a carer sees their loved one enjoying themselves and engaged in an activity.’
Resthaven offers a range of respite options, including day and overnight respite, in a number of settings. ‘Hollyhock’ Limestone Cottage in Mount Gambier is the latest of these respite locations to be opened, offering a supportive, relaxed home for short stays, so carers can enjoy some time out.
Resthaven also offers retreats for people living with dementia and their carer in regional South Australia. The three day, two night retreats give carers the opportunity to learn strategies to cope and meet other carers, while the person they care for is engaged in meaningful activities.
Since commencing at Resthaven, Jacinta says she has been impressed by the camaraderie and the positive work culture she has joined.
‘As well as being friendly and supportive, people at Resthaven genuinely care about others,’ Jacinta says. ‘The diversity framework that Resthaven has is also impressive, and you can see it in action through the diversity of clients and workforce. People feel welcomed.’
About Resthaven:
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.
