Providing supported sheltered housing for independent elderly people
We are a housing association that offers accommodation to rent in family sized houses, for active independent elderly people.
Anyone over retirement age is eligible to be considered, there is no upper age limit and currently the average age of our residents is 84.
Each resident has their own self contained flat or bed-sitting room, which are mostly en-suite, in one of the twelve houses which are in Poole and Bournemouth, the New Forest and East Dorset. Although each house is different, they all offer the same high standards of safety, security and service. All of our houses have a no smoking policy.
Houses have between 8 and 14 residents and the team of house staff provide two good quality home cooked meals each day, which are served in the dining room. The ingredients for a continental style breakfast are also provided, so that residents can prepare their own breakfasts.
While the staff run the houses on a day to day basis, a voluntary committee is responsible for the well being of our residents and overseeing the houses.
Before anyone moves into one of our houses they would be invited to look around and meet the staff and residents, perhaps staying for lunch or tea. New residents begin their stay with a trial period, usually four weeks, to see if Abbeyfield Wessex is for them.
Abbeyfield would then become their home and residents are free to come and go as they please, there are no restrictions or petty rules. The few house courtesies which we ask residents to observe are only those necessary to ensure that all our residents can live in peace and comfort. Residents bring their own furniture, although we provide curtains, carpets and a fridge. The monthly rent and service charges are reasonable as Abbeyfield Wessex Society is a not for profit charitable organisation and include:
- On site staff
- 24 hour emergency call system
- Electricity, heating, hot and cold water and council tax bills
- Full maintenance of property
- Personal contents insurance up to £2,000.00
- Assissted bathrooms are available at some of the houses and lifts or stair lifts to upper floors
- Electric buggies can be accommodated at many houses
- Two home cooked meals each day and the ingredients for a continental style breakfast
- The use of a residents lounge and dining room
- Landscaped gardens with car parking
- A fully equipped laundry room
The charges are payable monthly in advance by a standing order.
Abbeyfield Wessex Society asks residents to nominate a "sponsor", perhaps a relative, friend or professional advisor who can be contacted and consulted if an emergency arises. No financial involvement is required, just the willingness to offer support if it is needed.
We are not a care or nursing home and our staff are not allowed or qualified to give personal care other than in an emergency and only for a limited time. Staff are also not permitted to administer medication.
Most illnesses can be managed within the Abbeyfield Wessex house. Should a resident become too frail to continue to live safely in the house, the House Chairman will discuss possible alternatives with them and the sponsor. Although it is the resident's and their relatives responsibility to find alternative accommodation, we will do all that we can to assist you.
Many of our houses have a guest room, so that friends or relatives can come for a short stay.
We regret that due to the nature of our houses, we cannot normally accommodate pets.
