1996

Following the August 1996 Federal Government budget decision to cut Day Therapy funding by 7% over two years, Resthaven comprehensively reviewed the operations and focus of its four Day Therapy Centres. In response to the funding cuts with a goal to maintain the level of services, Resthaven introduced a fees policy. Services were also repositioned towards quality therapy outcomes for clients. The review began with physiotherapy services, followed by occupational therapy, speech therapy, podiatry and expansion into other therapeutic areas such as establishing continence management clinics, Parkinson's support groups, and 'talk back’ groups.

Reduced government funding and increased costs, particularly in relation to professional staff salaries, led to the difficult strategic decision to close the Malvern Day Therapy Centre. Some services formerly offered by the centre continued to be provided within the residential complex, but funds allocated to the service were redirected to the three remaining Therapy Services to bolster their financial viability and enable them to respond to the increasing demands for services in their areas.

Alternative arrangements for staff and clients of the Malvern Day Therapy Centre were effectively implemented. Clients were placed in alternative services and staff transferred to other programs when the opportunity arose, thus minimising the effects of the closure on clients and staff.

Reporting on the changes at the time, Resthaven Executive Director, Richard Hearn said:

"Future potential reductions in funding have increased the focus on demonstrable outcomes for clients. This focus has placed greater emphasis on rehabilitation and clearly defined interventions, negotiated with all clients. For those clients requiring ongoing therapy intervention to assist them to remain living in the community, targeted maintenance programs have been introduced".

The following year, the name of the services was changed to Therapy Services to promote the key aspect of the services and remove confusion with child daycare centres.