• Who is Abbeyfield for?
• Can married couples apply?
• What are the charges?
• Will you need to know my financial circumstances?
• What is a 'sponsor' or representative?
• Will my room be decorated and furnished?
• Do I look after my own room?
• Cooking is a real chore and I need a special diet. Can you help?
• Will I have to share a bathroom?
• Is smoking allowed?
• Are the rules strict?
• Could I bring my pet?
• What about a telephone and television?
• How will I know if an Abbeyfield house will suit me?
• What happens if I become ill?
• What is a care home?
• Can I go straight into a care home?
• Why can't I choose Abbeyfield as I would an hotel?
• Do all Abbeyfield societies operate in the same way?

Who is Abbeyfield for?  Anyone over pensionable age who does not wish to live alone at home. Particular consideration is given to local people. Abbeyfield strives to practise equal opportunities and thus is open to all, regardless of race, gender, colour, religious belief and ethnic origin. Preference is usually given to applicants in greatest need and those with local connections.

Can married couples apply?  Abbeyfield primarily caters for older people who are living alone. At present we have no plans to offer accommodation for couples.

What are the charges?  Current charges (2010) are: St.Stephen Street -  £155p.w.  Harriet Street - £165p.w.

Low income is not a bar to coming to Abbeyfield. You may be entitled to claim Income Support or Housing Benefit when living in an Abbeyfield supported sheltered house. The level of your savings may affect your entitlement to benefit. Individual Abbeyfield societies, Citizens' Advice Bureaux or the Pension Service (tel: 0845 60 60 265) may offer advice on the best options for residents.

Will you need to know my financial circumstances?  The society will need to ask how you will meet the charges and will request that you sign a tenancy agreement. All personal information is always treated in the strictest confidence. You may wish to ask for help in claiming certain benefits. If not, your privacy will be respected.

What is a 'sponsor' or representative?  Abbeyfield asks residents to nominate a trusted relative, friend or professional adviser to be a sponsor or representative who can be contacted and consulted in case of emergency. No financial involvement is required; it is the sponsor's continuing interest and support that is important.
The role of the sponsor or advocate is to support you, ensure that your interests are met and to liase on your behalf with the society, especially in times of illness. If you are unable to suggest someone, the local Abbeyfield society may be able to recommend suitable people who live locally.

Will my room be decorated and furnished? You would usually move into an unfurnished room, although it may have a carpet and curtains. This is to allow you to bring your own choice of furniture and furnishings to your room. Societies often use the opportunity of a temporarily vacant room to redecorate.

Do I look after my own room?  Cleaning your room is your own responsibility, but you can engage domestic help at your own cost if you wish. The social services department may provide assistance.

Cooking is a real chore and I need a special diet. Can you help? Abbeyfield houses employ a house manager who is responsible for providing two meals each day. Residents are usually responsible for the preparation of their own breakfasts - with items supplied by the house manager. This means that you can get up and eat breakfast when you wish.
Special diets can usually be accommodated. Talk about your particular needs with the house manager or with a committee member of the house where you wish to live. All meals are provided in homes.

Will I have to share a bathroom?  No, we offer en-suite facilities.

Is smoking allowed? Residents may smoke in the privacy of their own rooms, but no smoking is permitted in any of the communal areas of the house.

Are the rules strict? There are no rules other than those of common courtesy. Abbeyfield is your home.

Could I bring my pet? No.

What about a telephone and television? Our houses have a phone point in each room if you wish to install a phone at your own expense. You can use your own TV within your room.

How will I know if an Abbeyfield house will suit me?  Talk to committee members, the house-keeper and some residents to find out about the house. We have guest rooms you could stay in for a few days in order to help you make a decision. If not, you could ask if you could come to a meal or meals.

What happens if I become ill?  Minor illnesses may be managed within the Abbeyfield house. In an increasing number of houses, residents are able to buy in care services (privately or through social services departments) should they need them. If you have to stay in hospital for any reason, it will be taken for granted that you will return to your room in Abbeyfield when you are well enough.
If you become very frail, it may be advisable to move to an Abbeyfield extra care home or one run by another organisation. Should you require long-term nursing care, then other arrangements may have to be made in consultation with you, your sponsor, family or friends and the local health authority.
It is important to ask at the house you are applying to what sort of frailty or disability cannot be supported.

What is a care home?  If you become unable to look after yourself in your own room, you may need the additional care offered by Abbeyfield extra care homes, which  provide 24 hour care and a wide range of support in specially designed (usually larger) houses.

Can I go straight into a care home?  Residents currently living in Abbeyfield supported sheltered houses are usually given priority in moving to an extra care home. But societies do not exclude direct entry from the local community if places are available. There are around 80 Abbeyfield extra care homes throughout the UK. Residents needing financial support will generally have to be assessed by the local social services department.

Why can't I choose an Abbeyfield as I would an hotel?  An Abbeyfield house is a small household. Each society has a responsibility to assess the needs of those who apply for its limited number of rooms. Inevitably some residents are selected, but not others.

Do all Abbeyfield societies operate in the same way?  All Abbeyfield societies are bound by Abbeyfield's guiding principles; but otherwise they are locally managed and are responsive to local needs and conditions.