Although it took several years to find the right site, by early 2001 Resthaven had identified a parcel of newly released land at Craigmore. Throughout the remainder of the year, planning and design work progressed on a new residential aged care home comprising 40 high-care beds, 38 low-care beds, and a 14-bed secure dementia unit.
By September 2003, construction was underway on Resthaven’s new residential aged care home at Adams Road, Craigmore.
Resthaven Craigmore, the organisation’s first greenfield residential aged care development in more than 20 years, was officially opened on 17 November 2004 by the Moderator of the Uniting Church, Rev. Dr Graham Humphris. The first residents had moved in a few months earlier, on 9 August 2004. The new home featured an internet café, chapel and library, as well as private ensuite rooms.
On 20 February 2007, the 'Art of Respect' mural, a 48-metre artwork created by Year 9 and 10 students from Craigmore High School in collaboration with Resthaven residents and staff, was officially unveiled. Transforming the secure dementia unit garden into a vibrant and engaging outdoor space, the mural featured imaginative elements such as a flying pig, frogs, lizards, snakes, flamingos, flowers and bugs. The project was partially funded through proceeds from UnitingCare’s Pancake Day, with significant support from Craigmore High School.
Resthaven Craigmore’s Wound Care Improvement Project was a finalist for an Australian Aged Care Quality Agency 'Better Practice' Award. The resident-centred initiative focused on reducing pain during complex wound care, using assessments and individualised care plans to identify strategies that improved residents’ comfort and outcomes.
As part of the National Aged and Community Services Australia Conference, held in Adelaide in September 2008, delegates to the conference undertook a tour at Resthaven Craigmore.
Resthaven Craigmore participated in the national dental health trial, Caring for Oral Health in Australian Residential Care, which aimed to develop a best-practice approach to oral health for aged care residents. The successful trial contributed to the program’s implementation across Australia, helping shape a national approach to oral hygiene in residential aged care.
Redevelopment and improvement of Resthaven’s residential facilities continued following the introduction of financial incentives from the government. At Resthaven Craigmore, a six-place extension was designed, with the concrete slab completed in late December 2016. Construction was also underway for a new meeting room, a gopher storage area and refurbishment of the dining room.
With smart TVs introduced to the home, residents enjoyed watching free-to-air channels. Importantly, they were also able to view the Lifestyle Program, dining menu, and other important notices on Resthaven’s own ‘channel’.
On 29 June 2017, Resthaven Craigmore opened its doors to the public to launch its refurbished areas and also to mark the 40th anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia.
On 28 August 2020, Resthaven Craigmore celebrated Resthaven’s 85th anniversary year with a birthday party. The successful event was held in the hall, where residents could practice all the appropriate physical distancing and COVID-safe measures.
On 8 November 2024, around 60 residents, family, friends and staff came together to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Resthaven Craigmore. Guests at the event included City of Playford Mayor Glenn Docherty and Resthaven Executives David Norton and Kelly Geister.
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