Respect Aged Care

06/02/2026

At Woodhaven, residents are encouraged to get involved in everyday activities at the home, and recently their morning tea was a winner. Some very experienced cooks rolled up their sleeves and made delicious sausage rolls. They helped with the prep (and the taste-testing), and the kitchen smelled amazing. These ladies sure can cook. 🧑‍🍳

05/02/2026

Respect is proud to celebrate Elva from our home at Woodhaven in NSW, who has lived 106 incredible years of life. Elva is a much‑loved member of the Lockhart community, known for her quick wit, gentle nature and the way she lights up a room – especially when she breaks into song.

During her recent 100 Club interview, Elva happily sang two verses of Tip Toe Through the Tulips, her favourite tune.

Born in 1919, Elva grew up in a time before electricity and television reached most homes. Children played outdoors, made up their own games and kept themselves busy with hopscotch, rounders and marbles. Life was simple, but full.

Elva left school at 14 to help her family and worked wherever she was needed – on a farm, in the hospital laundry and kitchen and even as a bus driver. She enjoyed every role she took on.

At 17, Elva met Ken at a local dance. During their first dance, Ken joked, “What will you do if I drop you?” Elva replied, “I guess I’d get back up.”

That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Elva remembers Ken as calm, kind and loving – a wonderful husband and father. Together they raised five children: three boys and two girls.

Elva’s greatest pride is the family she and Ken built. Today, that family includes 5 children, 13 grandchildren, 33 great‑grandchildren and 16 great‑great‑grandchildren (with more on the way). “It’s something to be proud of,” she said. “What a legacy that is.”

Elva’s advice is simple and heartfelt: “Be kind to your parents, be kind to each other.”

If she could relive one day, she would choose her wedding day – a memory still full of joy.

When asked what Respect means to Elva, she said “This is my home now. I have friends here and I’m treated so well. Respect is treating people well. If you give respect, you get it back.”

04/02/2026

Residents at Eliza Purton Home enjoyed something a bit different last week. The team came up with an idea for a build-your-own pavlova bar, where residents could choose their favourite toppings and flavours.

We know the classic 'pav' brings back fond memories to many people, and this delicious activity got everyone chatting about their past celebrations and experiences, swapping ideas and having a good laugh over some unexpected combinations.

Food has a way of bringing people together, and this was a great idea from our social care staff! Well done everyone.

03/02/2026

🛠 Maleny Erowal residents head out each month for their bus trip to the Maleny Men’s Shed, enjoying a stroll through the workshops and a close-up look at projects they have on the go. The visits give our residents hands-on learning, great conversation and a sense of purpose as they help with crafts and keep their minds active. Across Respect, we’re strong supporters of Men’s Shed communities and love seeing the connections that grow from these regular outings.

02/02/2026

Recently, Naomi (known fondly as Mary) celebrated her 100th birthday, joining Respect's 100 Club at Derwent Views. From a childhood in a much quieter Hobart to the community she calls home today, her approach has stayed the same: enjoy life. A simple philosophy, carried with warmth, resilience and kindness. Her story is well worth a read 👇

On 28 December 2025, Naomi celebrated her 100th birthday, joining the Respect 100 Club as a proud resident of Derwent Views in Tasmania. Her century of life is a story of joy, resilience, and kindness. Known fondly as Mary she says her secret to reaching 100 is simple: “Enjoying life.” That phil...

30/01/2026

🏡 If you ask locals what sits along the bend of the Nambucca River, most will mention the view. What they don’t talk about, mostly because they don’t know, is what happens inside Riverside Gardens. It’s not just an aged care home; it’s a home that has quietly built a reputation for being one of the most settled and community minded places in the region. Have a read in our story below!

If you ask locals what sits along the bend of the Nambucca River, most will mention the view. What they don’t talk about, mostly because they don’t know, is what happens inside Riverside Gardens. It’s not just an aged care home; it's a home that has quietly built a reputation for being one of ...

29/01/2026

Our Mt St Vincent resident, Joy, has celebrated a remarkable milestone! 100 years, lived with quiet strength and a steady way of being. From growing up in Ulverstone to life on the farm, family has always been at the centre. Sewing, baking, caring and showing up for those she loves. Her story is a beautiful reflection of a life well lived. Read Joy's story in the link below.

Joy has reached her 100th year with the same calm and steady approach that has guided her throughout her life. Born in Australia and raised in Ulverstone, Joy spent her early years working as a waitress before marrying and moving to a farm.

28/01/2026

January has been anything but quiet at Bayview Haven with residents heading out and about to make the most of the summer weather and beautiful local spots!

🚘The month began with a scenic drive through the region which was a great opportunity for everyone to get out and about in the sunshine.

🎶 Music made its way into the home, with Eric and Jacinta and their friend Sparky returning for a brilliant afternoon of musical entertainment.

🍷 A wine and cheese tasting afternoon was also a fun activity on the calendar. Residents sampled a mix of local cheese and wine and enjoyed some socialising.

🍓 The team had a visit to the strawberry farm for ice cream and also went to swing by the local rose farm, where residents took in the rows of colourful blooms from the comfort of the bus. It was a lovely, peaceful outing.

27/01/2026

Residents at Cedar Place have been working on a paper‑quilting project for several weeks, gradually building a large collaborative piece from individual designs. What began as a scrapbooking / quilting project turned into regular creative sessions, with the group meeting to cut, layer and arrange their patterns before assembling them into a single quilt‑style display.

The project has drawn on scrapbooking techniques, with residents choosing colours, textures and shapes that reflect their own preferences. Staff and volunteer Lorraine Fischer supported the group by helping source materials and guiding the layout as the quilt expanded.

Now complete, the piece takes pride of place on the dining room wall, giving residents the chance to see how their individual contributions fit together as part of the larger design. Doesn’t it look amazing!

Those involved in the project, from left, were John, Mary, Maureen, Helen and volunteer Lorraine Fischer.

Congratulations to Cedar Place!

26/01/2026

Australia is home to stories we’re proud to be part of. It is shaped by the world’s oldest continuing cultures and by the generations of people who have contributed to the communities we now call home.

Many of our residents have lived, worked, raised families, served, volunteered, and helped build the towns and neighbourhoods we enjoy today. At the same time, we recognise the enduring care, knowledge, and connection First Nations peoples have held with this land for tens of thousands of years.

Australia Day means different things to different people. In our homes, we respect those differences and take the day as a chance to reflect, listen, and appreciate the land and the people who make up our community.

24/01/2026

🏡 Some residents at Costa House have been spending time together, working on an Australia Day display filled with colour, connection and personal meaning. The weekly Tuesday craft group is as much about company as it is about creating. Some of our residents enjoy painting, some knitting and others just enjoy the socialising. This year’s wildlife-themed creations feature native animals and a recycled eucalyptus tree. The finished artwork will be displayed for everyone to admire!

Kylie, Costa House's Social Care Coordinator, said: “We always encourage residents to come along, even if they don’t think they’re into craft. It’s all about enjoying the company. Some days there’s more laughs than art happening, and that’s the best part! Maria plans each session, everyone feels included, and residents are really proud of what they create, whether it’s something to give their grandchildren or just something fun to focus on.”

23/01/2026

Residents and staff at Masters Lodge headed out for a lovely lunch outing on the Esplanade in Urangan. They all soaked up the views and good company while tucking into some fish 'n' chips. A perfect summer's day out.