Connecting to Communities
This week, as Care Home Open Week (16-22 June) and Glad to Care Week (16-20 June) sweep across the nation, we're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible heart and soul behind every Abbeyfield home. It's a time to recognise not just the dedicated individuals who provide care, but also the vibrant communities where residents find renewed purpose and joy.
At Abbeyfield, we believe that care goes far beyond basic needs. It’s about creating connections, encouraging independence, and building an environment where every resident feels valued, respected, and truly at home. Our unique structure of independent membership societies across England and Wales allows us to tailor our approach to the specific needs of local communities, while upholding the core Abbeyfield values that unite us all.
Abbeyfield's purpose
What does "purpose" look like in an Abbeyfield home? It's as diverse and unique as our residents themselves. During Glad to Care Week, with its focus on the rewarding nature of care work, we see countless examples of lives being enriched:
Sharing skills
From baking enthusiasts and knitting clubs, to the seasoned gardeners tending to their beautiful outdoor spaces, residents continue to share their lifelong skills and passions. This isn't just an activity; it's a continuation of their valuable contributions.
Stan is a resident at Abbeyfield Living Society's Hill House care home in Honiton and a remarkable poet who shares his gift.
Community connection
Our homes are hubs of activity. Residents often engage in local community projects, maintaining vital links with the wider community. Intergenerational visits, where schoolchildren share stories or crafts with residents, are a cherished highlight.
Learn how Abbeyfield Lancashire Extra Care Society (ALECS) made their care home, Abbeyfield House, Clitheroe
a community hub.
Creative expression
Whether it's arts and crafts sessions, lively singalongs, or poetry readings, our homes provide plenty of opportunity for self-expression and mental stimulation. These moments of creativity bring great joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Abbeyfield Living Society's Avondale resident Patricia Smith, a lifelong artist from her RAF illustration days, now generously knits for her local hospital and charities.
Personal growth
For some, finding purpose might mean trying something new – perhaps joining a book club for the first time, learning to use a tablet, or simply building new friendships that enrich their daily lives. The supportive atmosphere across all our societies, empowers residents to explore new avenues.
Brian Standring, is an adventurous 86-year-old resident of Ivy House who is skydiving to support Alzheimer's Society during Dementia Action Week.
A home from home
Behind every fulfilling moment for our residents is a team of compassionate staff and dedicated volunteers who are truly 'Glad to Care'. Their commitment ensures that Abbeyfield homes, from the bustling towns to the serene countryside, are places where residents can live life to the fullest, surrounded by warmth and understanding. They understand that a sense of purpose is fundamental to wellbeing, creating environments where residents can truly enjoy their retirement.
This Care Home Open Week, we invite you to experience the Abbeyfield difference for yourself. See firsthand how our independent membership societies contribute to a national network dedicated to enriching the lives of older people, one home at a time.
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