Resthaven advocate becomes client, ‘I wouldn’t go anywhere else’

Resthaven client, James “Jim” Rumery (89), has a strong history with Resthaven, stretching long before he himself became a client.

Jim’s motto is ‘to look for the joy in life, and steer clear of the negative’, which he has successfully lived by his whole life, sharing with residents of Resthaven Westbourne Park.

‘I would consider myself a strong advocate for Resthaven and it was a no-brainer that I became a client in my older years.’

‘When my wife and I relocated to Westbourne Park to retire all those years ago, we joined the Uniting Church at Westbourne Park.’

‘It was through the church that we discovered Resthaven, and every Thursday, fellow church goers and I would visit residents at Resthaven Westbourne Park who needed friendly encouragement!’

‘I would spread happiness and joy in their hearts and encouraged them to get out of their rooms and participate in the social groups – which a lot of them enjoyed.’

Jim’s involvement didn’t stop there – every Sunday after church, he and his wife, Jan, would visit the site as volunteers, assisting where needed, and catching up with their new-found friends with a new lease on life.

Now, in his golden years, Jim has become a regular client at Resthaven Ridgway House, just next door to the Resthaven Westbourne Park, where he joins other clients for both day and overnight respite care.

‘Jim never stops advocating, even as a client, he is devoted to bringing “joy and happiness” to other clients and the staff – he is a very special human indeed, and very cherished amongst us here,’ says Lisa Edwards, Coordinator, Community Respite Services.

Jim continues to go to church on Sundays at Westbourne Park Uniting Church, which is across the road on Sussex Terrace. He also visits his daughter and four grandchildren, who live in the neighbourhood.

Jim has no concerns about living in residential aged care and plans on spreading more “happiness and joy” to the Westbourne Park community.

He says, ‘I hope to be able to stay supported by Resthaven to live at home, however, if I need it, I will be looking at Resthaven Westbourne Park. I wouldn’t go with anyone else.’

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.