UCA SA - Port Elliot facility fulfils local need

Port Elliot facility fulfils local need

Posted Jul 6, 2015 in News

On Thursday 14 May, the new Resthaven Port Elliot facility was formally opened, and was dedicated by Uniting Church SA Moderator Dr Deidre Palmer.

Located on Frederik Street in Port Elliot, this aged care facility provides high quality care for up to 94 older people, in addition to offering approximately 100 local jobs. Residents began moving into the residential site in late May and many have now well and truly settled in.

“The Fleurieu Peninsula has the highest proportion of people aged 65 and over in South Australia, and among the highest in Australia, with 37% at Victor Harbor and 35% at Goolwa/Port Elliot,” says Richard Hearn, Resthaven Chief Executive Officer.

“Resthaven understands the high level of need for an aged care facility and community services in the area. Whilst most people successfully live at home well into their 80s and 90s, some will need extra support.

“I am confident that the range of new Resthaven services at Port Elliot will offer a much needed service to older people throughout the Fleurieu.”

The Resthaven Port Elliot facility encompasses a heritage-listed old school house, which has been renovated to offer a range of wellness services as part of Resthaven Murray Bridge, Hills and Fleurieu Community Services.

The large site, surrounded by new footpaths and landscaping, also includes four independent retirement living units in the local heritage zone.

Resthaven Port Eliot’s first ‘official’ resident, Avis Miller, moved onto the site in May. Avis is a former principal of Annesley College and wife of the late Rev Rob Miller, chair of the Port Elliot Aged Care Housing (PEACH) group.

“For more than a decade, PEACH advocated for the establishment of aged care housing in Port Elliot,” says Avis and Rob’s daughter, Ruth.

“Unfortunately Dad didn’t live to see Resthaven in Port Elliot, but I am pleased that my mother [was] the first resident. Mum had been living in care in Victor Harbor for the last six months – now that Resthaven has opened in Port Elliot, she [has been able to] return to her home town and be close to family and friends.”