Question 1

What age do I need to be to live in an Abbeyfield retirement home?

Accepted Answer

We welcome any person aged 55 years and over to live at Abbeyfield - whether you want to downsize, simply want to live in companionship with others, or no longer feel able to continue living in your own home.

Question 2

Can I move in with my husband/wife?

Accepted Answer

Yes – a number of our retirement homes have rooms or apartments especially for couples. When you have found a home you’re interested in, simply contact the house to check whether they accommodate couples.

Question 3

How can I find out what type of home or care service is right for me?

Accepted Answer

It can be overwhelming to find right home or level of care with so many options to choose from. We offer five different service types: Supported Housing; Independent Living; Residential Care Homes; Dementia Friendly Care Homes; Care at Home. Before moving in to a retirement home your local authority will take you through a care needs assessment, the results of which will recommend which service is right for you.

Question 4

What will my room look like?

Accepted Answer

We want you to feel at home, so all rooms are tastefully decorated, usually with new carpet and curtains. As most of our rooms come unfurnished, you can bring your own furniture and most treasured possessions with you when you move in and get your room looking just the way you want it.

Question 5

Can you help with looking after my room?

Accepted Answer

In all our care homes and some of our supported housing, the cleaning and tidying of your room is included. However, in some houses cleaning is not provided if this is something that you feel you need, then a cleaner can be arranged for you at an agreed cost.

Question 6

Will I have a television and landline phone?

Accepted Answer

In most of our homes, you can plug a landline phone into an existing socket with the telephone bill charged at an additional cost. Often, there’s a phone that everyone can use. Usually there is a TV in a communal lounge, but you're very welcome to have your own television in your room as well.

Question 7

Will I have access to Wi-Fi?

Accepted Answer

In many of our homes Wi-Fi is available to residents. Residents are very welcome to arrange their own internet services within their room, should a home not provide it, at an additional cost.

Question 8

Will I have my own bathroom?

Accepted Answer

All our care homes and independent living homes are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, although some older supported housing properties have communal facilities. All of our new developments we are building will have en-suites included and often, spa/accessible bathrooms too.

Question 9

What is the food like?

Accepted Answer

Our freshly prepared home cooked food is one of the things our residents like most about living at Abbeyfield. Our housekeepers and chefs take a lot of pride in the food they serve to residents taking into account resident's favourite meals and dietary requirements. In care homes, our staff will prepare all daily meals. In our supported houses, we provide you with two nutritious home cooked meals every day, at times to suit you.

Question 10

Can my family visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes – family and friends are welcome to visit you whenever suits, after all, this is your home. Many homes have warm, welcoming communal spaces for you and your guests, as well as lovely gardens for entertaining in the summer. Family and friends are also welcome to join you for meals, events and activities at your house. Some, but not all, of our homes have guest rooms to stay over and guest parking spaces. Do ask about this when you visit.

Question 11

Can I bring my pet with me?

Accepted Answer

Many houses do allow pets; this will vary from home to home, so it is best to ask the home that you are interested in.

Question 12

Can I have a trial stay before moving in?

Accepted Answer

Moving into a retirement home is a big decision and has to be right for you. Many of our homes offer the opportunity a trial stay period. This can be arranged with the house manager when you visit to look round. Many residents who have a trial stay often love it so much they make their decision to stay in the first few days but, of course, there is no pressure to stay after your trial has ended if you don’t think the house is right for you.

Question 13

How will I know if living at Abbeyfield is right for me?

Accepted Answer

We have been providing housing options for older people for over 60 years. Abbeyfield is a charity, and as a not for profit organisation, we reinvest in our houses, staff and volunteers to make sure you are comfortable, safe and happy. You can read more about how Abbeyfield was founded and our heritage here.

Question 14

How do I apply?

Accepted Answer

Once you've found a home you'd like to move into, you can get in touch directly with the house.

Find the right home on our website.
Contact the house by email or phone to arrange a visit
Complete our application form. If you need any assistance, our house managers will be there to help.

Question 15

How much does living at Abbeyfield cost?

Accepted Answer

We are a charity providing not-for-profit accommodation. We therefore do not put profit before our residents. Charges will vary depending on the type of home, location, level of care (where required) or any extra support. Whilst our website shows a guide to pricing at each house, please contact the house for exact prices for the type of room you want. You may be eligible for funding from your local authority to help with the cost of living with us.

Question 16

What happens if I become ill?

Accepted Answer

If you have to spend time in hospital, your room will be waiting for you when you're feeling better. If you need to make plans for longer-term care and assistance, we can also help with this. Your health and wellbeing are the most important thing to us.

Question 17

Will you need to know my financial situation?

Accepted Answer

There are different types of options for living with us. In some developments you can buy your own property and there are also leaseholds and rented accommodation. We'll go through it all and explain everything in more detail before you need to make a decision. Having a low income won't necessarily stop you from being able to live with us.

Question 18

What's the difference between supported housing and a care home?

Accepted Answer

Supported Housing is designed for people who have a high level of independence, but with the reassurance of support and companionship if they need it. House managers and volunteers are there when required and two meals are provided daily.

Residential Care Homes are especially designed to accommodate those who have higher support needs with everyday tasks such as washing and dressing with staff on hand 24 hours a day. A wide range of services and care packages are available.

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