Residents - living life to the full
At Abbeyfield residents find friendship and support without losing their independence. In a safe but stimulating environment people can pursue their interests - or develop new skills.Here residents prove that ageing need not be a problem.
Abbeyfield insight - Life in Sheffield
On a recent visit to Sheffield, Sheila Sedgwick, Appeals Officer, chatted to residents about Abbeyfield’s special qualities...
‘People are friends here - otherwise I shouldn’t stay! - It’s the harmony of this house.’explained resident Allan Armstrong of Abbeyfield James Smith House in Sheffield. Like many other residents, 96- year-old Mr Armstrong remains an active participant in the community, in and outside the house. ‘I’m still kept busy with all my activities. I play the organ every week - originally I was the organist at my church until it was bombed in 1940, I can recall the zeppelins coming over Sheffield.’
Everyone at the house enjoys sitting down together to eat at their large dining table, groaning under the weight of a veritable cornucopia of grub. Mrs Gwyneth Jones, who is 90, commented, ‘Having regular meals and a good diet is really important - at Abbeyfield we always have good food.’ Years ago Gwyneth used to be a volunteer for Abbeyfield in Bournemouth. ‘Every week I came in and provided tea and I got to know about the organisation, so I came here because my children lived in the Sheffield area.’
Three years ago an extension was built which included specially designed flatlets. These have proved extremely popular. As Gwyneth said, ‘There is a kitchenette and the shower has a seat, and the bedroom and sitting area are separated. I can enjoy having visitors in my own flat.’ House Manager Pat Dobson said ‘residents here live very independent lives - for instance two ladies drive their own cars - but people watch the news in the evening together and have lunch together.’ Allan Armstrong concluded:‘It’s an excellent home and we have a brilliant housekeeper and cook’
Resident’s view
Alice McAveeny a resident from Barrow-in-Furness writes,‘I have been with ‘Abbeyfield’ for two years, and have settled in well, being well looked after by the staff. The committee is very nice and ‘Millennium House’ is lovely - warm, clean and good food.
In summer I love the roof garden and the balcony, and enjoy tending the plants and hanging baskets. I particularly enjoy days out with ‘Friends of Abbeyfield’, Holder Hall being my favourite, having met Lady Cavendish when she officially opened our ‘Millennium House’ in September 2000.
I also enjoyed visits to Cartmel and the new Lifeboat Station at Roa Island. Being in the town, I love to go out shopping - all the shops are within walking distance.’
Pictured is Alice McAveeny
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