Bible study group fuels community connections
Mr Peter Edwards of Resthaven Craigmore is continuing his strong community connections by hosting his local Bible Study group at his new residential home.
Manager Residential Services, Roger Levi, says, ‘Peter’s story strongly demonstrates the linkage between the community and aged care homes.’
‘Prior to moving into Resthaven Craigmore, Peter was part of the Playford Baptist Church, where he ran and coordinated a men’s group and bible study group.’
‘Over time, both groups slowly dissipated, and membership dropped to only three people.’
Peter says, ‘There were only a few of us left, and we said, what are we going to do? Are we going to keep doing this?’
‘So the three of us decided to keep it together.’
The group meets at Resthaven Craigmore every Wednesday from 7.30–9.30pm in a designated private lounge area.
Up to eleven people from the local community attend the group each week, along with several Resthaven Craigmore residents.
‘First, we just mix with each other, and people go get a coffee if they want one,’ says Peter.
‘Then we have a praying for people, then a praise point, where we praise good things that have been happening – say, if a friend has recovered from an illness.’
‘After the praise and worship, then we have Bible study. We pull out a chapter in the Bible and pull it to pieces.’
‘The group has been a very big support to me, especially with my Parkinson’s.’
Living in a residential home certainly doesn’t stop Peter from being an active member of his community; ‘I do a lot of community stuff; I play ten pin bowling, I go out for coffees,’ Peter says.
Prior to moving into the home, Peter wasn’t always so positive: ‘It took quite a bit for me to realise that I was sick and needed help. I didn’t want to leave home,’ he says.
‘In my early days [at Resthaven Craigmore], staff would come up and comfort me. They were very supportive.’
‘Now I’m good, really good. I’m very impressed with the home.’
‘I wouldn’t live anywhere else.’
Resthaven’s residential and in-home care and support options are offered throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Limestone Coast.