HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY - George Mueller
The Müller Homes for children and the Scriptural Knowledge Institution are two separate and distinct Charities, administered from the same office at Müller House. In 1983 a third Charity was added to the work of the Müller Homes known as The Müller Homes for the Elderly.
As with the children and family care work, the Directors and Trustees had been praying for some time about helping to meet the needs of the elderly. This became a reality with the opening of the first Home, known as Tilsley House in Weston-super-Mare.
The Home is registered as an elderly persons residential care home for 24 persons. In many respects Tilsley House is ideally suited for the purpose of caring for the elderly. The rooms are well appointed and furnished, although residents are encouraged to bring items of their own furniture, if they prefer. The surrounding area is flat, with only two or three minutes walk to the promenade and beach. Directly apposite is the beautiful Clarence Park. Tilsley House is set within its own secluded garden. Shops and places of worship are within easy reach. Residents are encouraged to play an active part should they be so inclined, with opportunity to help tend the garden, get involved in craft activities and take part in acts of worship at appropriate times. Every effort is made for residents to live a secure and dignified life in their later years.
In addition, when a neighbouring property became available for purchase, having prayed about extending the work, the Trustees purchased the property and converted it into a number of flats in the form of sheltered accommodation supervised by a Warden. The house is called Tranquil House and being next door to Tilsley House, there is a clear continuity of care as residents in the sheltered accommodation have greater care needs.
The next development in elderly care will be in Bristol. A number of needs are evident in the Bristol area including the need for Christian residential care, as well as the need to provide care in the community for elderly people. The latter care may also be in conjunction with local churches. As this work develops so it will respond to the evident need of elderly people but will only develop as the Lord answers prayer as we seek Him in every stage.
George Mueller