| Each Abbeyfield supportive house is planned to provide affordable housing for 10 older people. Our aim is to provide a non institutional housing option to people in a familiar environment and where they can have access to neighbours of all ages. Residents come and go as they please and continue to enjoy contact with the relatives, friends, doctor, church, shops and social groups which have been part of their lives. |  |
| This beautiful house was once a disused community church. After extensive renovations it now houses 10 Abbeyfield residents |
Each resident has a private bed sitting room (with en suite facilities) which he or she furnishes and looks after. No one may enter this private space without the resident’s invitation or permission. The residents share the garden and communal parts of the house (the sitting room, dining area, kitchen, guest room and laundry).
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The housekeeper cooks and serves lunch and dinner in the family dining room. Residents have electric jugs and toasters in their rooms and get their own breakfasts, afternoon teas and snacks whenever they want them. Residents replenish supplies of cereal, bread, sugar, tea, milk, coffee or juice as they need from the house pantry, and many have small fridges in their rooms. |
| An Abbeyfield housekeeper prepares lunch for residents and guests |
Residents welcome the independence such arrangements give them and they enjoy entertaining each other or friends and relatives in their rooms.
The Abbeyfield concept encourages the development of mutual support and companionship between residents from the time they make their home together in an Abbeyfield house. Residents make decisions for themselves and act on their own behalf but often take responsibility for other residents in day to day things. If, for example, a resident does not feel well, it is often another resident who keeps an eye open on how things are going.
| Life in an Abbeyfield house is independent living. Should a resident need help with personal care, assistance can be arranged through the Home and Community Care Services or provided at the resident’s expense within the house. However, if residents do need constant care and supervision, they will be assisted to find more appropriate accommodation where such services are provided. |  |
Abbeyfield houses are chosen or designed to look like any other house in the street |