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Take the stress out of the search with Care & Co Match. Get started today.
on the Thursday, July 30, 2026
Connection, companionship and care: Why Norma chose retirement living
When Mrs Norma Parker lost her husband of more than 30 years in 2022, she faced a new chapter in life. Her family home, which once held the happy memories of a lifetime, was now a constant reminder of the person she missed most. Norma knew she wanted to move, but having never lived on her own before, she wanted to be somewhere with other people. Her son-in-law suggested retirement living, and specifically the nearby Resthaven Salisbury East Manor Gardens
The Serviced Studio Apartments, which form part of the retirement living village, offered her the benefits of community living, as well as daily freshly prepared meals, weekly cleaning and linen services.
‘I saw the room and I immediately thought yes, that will suit me well,’ Norma says.
A naturally social person, Norma values the camaraderie that living in a serviced apartment brings, with its community centre, fresh daily meals, and communal dining area.
‘When I’m at home, I’ll often leave the door open so I can greet neighbours if they are passing by,’ Norma says. ‘I enjoy having a chat. I’ve certainly made a few friends since moving in.’
Norma has become an active member of the village community. She helps run the weekly carpet bowls sessions and regularly attends Happy Hour and the daily coffee catch-ups with other residents.
Beyond the social activities, Norma appreciates the practical support available within the village.
‘I like the fact that I’m provided with two hot meals a day,’ Norma says. ‘The bed sheets are changed and washed weekly, and my home is vacuumed and the bathroom is cleaned.’
Another highlight of village life is the monthly shared meal. Whether it’s Fish and Chip Friday or a barbeque, residents from both the Serviced Apartments and the retirement village units come together to share good food and good company.
Norma has always enjoyed being involved in her community. Before moving to the village, she spent seven years working in the kitchen at the local bowls club and has remained passionate about staying active and connected.
‘Most of us get on very well here,’ Norma says. ‘A group of us goes for a walk on the oval across the road each morning.’
The village’s community room is another popular gathering place. Equipped with a billiards table and dartboard, this is where the regular craft sessions, bingo games and social events are held. A recent quiz night brought residents together for an evening of fun and friendly competition.
For Norma, village life has provided much more than a comfortable place to live. It has offered companionship, support and a welcoming community that she is happy to call home.
Resthaven offers a wide range of retirement living options across South Australia, from serviced apartments, standalone villages, and communities co-located with residential care. For more information about Resthaven Retirement Living, visit the Resthaven website.
Established in 1935, Resthaven is a South Australian not-for-profit aged care community service associated with the Uniting Church in Australia.
Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available.
Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.
