1993

A sense of disquiet was evident at Board meetings, as planning was underway for a proposed new residential site at Regent Gardens, Northfield. Other decisions by management — to purchase additional head office accommodation at 250 Glen Osmond Road and acquire Bellara Retirement Village in 1993 — added to the concern over Resthaven’s financial standing.

There was good cause for this apprehension, for although the aged care sector was regaining some of its stability after the initial thrust of government reform, the aftermath of the 1987 stock market fall was resulting in a time of economic recession.

An external consultant was commissioned to conduct a Management Review towards the end of the year.

The review considered the priorities for ensuring the continuance of first-class care and accommodation for the short and long term. It recommended increasing the support given to ‘hands on’ staff care.

In addition, the positions of Regional Directors were to be abolished and replaced by a Director of Care and Human Resource Manager. The Director of Care role quickly offered facilitation and support for individual site managers to reach their objectives as Managers of Residential Care Services. The Board was also given the direction to critically examine Resthaven's existing policies and practice in the light of emerging trends.

The review also looked at the relationship between the Board and Senior Management, and Senior Management and other staff. In December 1993, Administrator Kelvin Dickens resigned after ten years at the helm.

“1993-1994 has been a challenging year for Resthaven — one which has seen the organisation grow to professional maturity. Hard decisions have been made, and Resthaven has ‘come of age’.” — Mrs Julie Johinke, Public Relations Manager.

The Management Review suggested aligning Day Therapy Centres with Community Programs, rather than with residential services, as was previously the case. From 1994, both Day Therapy Centres with Community Programs were defined under the broad term of "Community Services".

A significant decision following on from the Management Review was not to proceed with the planned development of a new aged care home at Regent Gardens.

Building was set to begin in March 1994, but, at the end of 1993, following the review, it was decided not to proceed with this project. The two hectares of land at Regent Gardens was subsequently sold. This decision also impacted on the Malvern Private Nursing Home (Fisher Street), purchased by Resthaven in 1992 for the strategic purpose of transferring the high care beds to the Regent Gardens site. As a result, it was proposed to sell the Malvern Private Nursing Home as well.