Got a question? Have some feedback? Want more information? Use the forms below, and we'll aim to respond to you as soon as we can.

How are we doing?

If you'd like to tell us how we're doing - good or bad - please do. Get in touch and let us know your thoughts.  We really appreciate your feedback.  It helps us know what we're doing well and what we can improve on.

Make an enquiry

If you're thinking of living at Abbeyfield, no doubt you'll have lots of questions.  We've tried to answer as many as we can in the FAQs below.  But if there's one we haven't covered, then drop us a line and we'll answer it as soon as we can.

Complete Enquiry form

FAQs

Here is a list of questions we get asked frequently.  Take a look and see if we've answered yours.  If not, please use the enquiry form above to ask your question.

Who lives at Abbeyfield? 

Any older people who no longer wants or feels able to continue living on their own.  We're open to everyone, but give particular consideration to local people, or people with family in the local area.

Can couples apply?

Yes

How much does living at Abbeyfield cost?

We try to be affordable to everyone, and charges vary among our different houses. You'll need to ask the particular house where you hope to live.  You may be eligible for benefits or pension credits to help.

You can get help choosing the right options for you by contacting an individual Abbeyfield home directly, the Citizens Advice bureau, or your local benefits office.

Will you need to know my financial situation?

We'll go through it all and explain everything in more detail before you need to make a decision.  Having low income won't stop you being able to live with Abbeyfield.

What's the difference between a sheltered house and a care home?

Sheltered houses are for older people who want an independent lifestyle, but with the reassurance of support if they need it.  House managers and volunteers are there when required, but residents look after themselves as much as they want to.  There are tasty cooked meals provided every day.  Our care homes are specially designed to accommodate those who need more looking after, with staff on hand 24 hours a day, and a wide range of services and care packages available.

What is a 'first -caller'?

It's always useful for our residents to have a trusted relative, friend or professional to act as their 'first-caller'.  Someone we can contact in case of an emergency, who'll make sure your needs are met and offer you continued support, just let us know if you need help finding someone, we have lots of Abbeyfield dedicated volunteers who'll be glad to get to know you.

Will my room be furnished and decorated?

We want you to feel at home as soon as possible, so all rooms are tastefully decorated, usually with carpet and curtains, but not furnished.  This means you can bring your own furniture and possessions when you move in and get your room looking just they way you want it.

Will l look after my own room?

In all our care homes and some of our sheltered houses, cleaning and tidying of your room is included.  However, in many houses it's your responsibility, although if you want domestic help you can pay for your own cleaner.

Are meals provided?

Meals at Abbeyfield are pretty flexible, and we want you to be free to do as you wish as much as possible.  Your house or home manager will make sure you're provided with one or two nutritious cooked meals every day.  In care homes, staff prepare all daily meals.  Please notify the house or home manager if you have any special dietary requirements.

Will I have my own bathroom?

Most of our houses have en-suite bathrooms with toilet, and the new developments we're building will all have them.

Is smoking allowed?

Different houses have different rules on this.  You might find that if you can smoke it'll be in your own room and not in the communal areas of the house.  This is dependent on the individual house or home.  Please speak to them directly.

Can I bring my pet with me?

This will vary from house to house.  It's best to ask it's not always possibly to take pets like cats or dogs, but you may be able to take smaller ones like a budgie or fish.  Talk to us and we'll see what we can do.

Will I have a phone and television?

In most places, you can plug your phone into an existing socket, if you're happy to pay for it.  Often, you'll find a payphone that everyone can use.  Usually, there's a TV in a communal lounge too, but you're very welcome to bring your own television for your room.

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

All of our houses and homes have different facilities and atmospheres, so we'd encourage you to visit a few times before you make up your mind.  There are a number of different options - in some of our houses or homes you can have a trial stay overnight in a guest room and have a meal or two with us.  Then you'll have time to chat with volunteers, house managers and residents to find out more about what life is like at Abbeyfield.

What happens if I become ill?

If it's only minor, we'll look after you at home.  If you have to spend time in hospital your room will be waiting for you when you're feeling better.  If we have to make plans for your long-term care we'll do that as and when required, and consult you, your first-caller, your family and friends and the local health authority.  Your needs are the more important thing to us.

How do I apply?

Once you've found a house or home you'd like to move in to, you can apply directly.  A house or home manager, administrator or volunteer will also be able to help you with any questions you have, organise your visit or help you with your application.