1995

Resthaven began offering In-Home Emergency Respite Services for carers of frail aged residents of the Marion, Noarlunga, Happy Valley, Mitcham, Unley, Burnside, West Torrens, Brighton and Glenelg local government areas. The service was available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provided respite in 'emergency' situations if the carer needed to leave their caring role at short notice. This service was extended soon after for Planned Respite, supporting carers to maintain their caring role.

A greater emphasis was also placed on continuous quality improvement for Day Therapy services. Government funding had been reduced, and with on-going financial deficits in Day Therapy services, administrative and financial changes were made. Consequently, user contributions were introduced. Pleasingly, the response from clients was positive, with many seeing the move as a way to ensure the long-term viability of Resthaven’s Day Therapy services.

Around the same time, Resthaven hired a part-time coordinator to provide assistance with Care and Housing for the Aged. The program was established to assist financially disadvantaged aged persons who were renting or homeless, to meet both their accommodation and support needs to enable them to remain living in the community. The coordinator advocated on behalf of these older people.

Northern Community Aged Care Packages and Southern Community Aged Care Packages started in July 1995. A new pilot program was also launched to have volunteers provide social support to Northern Community Clients.