Frequently Asked Questions
Are you interested in leading a fulfilling life in an Abbeyfield Wessex house and want to find out more about our Service? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions we receive from prospective residents.
Who are Abbeyfield's residents?
What's the difference between a supported sheltered home and a care home?
Why can't Abbeyfield Wessex offer care?
What does the monthly rent include?
Will my room be decorated and furnished?
Will I have a telephone and television?
How can I find our if an Abbeyfield Wessex house will suit me?
Who are Abbeyfield's Residents?
Our residents are men and women who are no longer able to continue living on their own. We welcome older people from every walk of life, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, sexuality, class or religious beliefs.
What's the difference between a supported sheltered home and a care home?
Supported sheltered houses offer rented accommodation for older people who want a supported, but independent lifestyle. Residents receive as much support from their house manager and volunteers as they require, yet are able to look after themselves in many other ways. One, and often two cooked meals are provided every day.
Care homes are specially designed and staffed to accommodate those who require 24-hour care.
Why can't Abbeyfield Wessex offer care?
As we are not a care home, we are legally restricted from offering care.
What does the monthly rent include?
It includes on site staff, 24 hour emergency call system, all electricity, heating, hot and cold water and council tax, full maintenance on the property, personal contents insurance up to £2,000, assisted bathrooms are available at some of the houses and lifts or stair lifts to upper floors, electric buggy accommodation, two home cooked meals each day and ingredients for a continental style breakfast, use of a residents' lounge and dining room, landscaped gardens with car parking, a fully equipped laundry room and activities at some of the homes.
Will my room be decorated and furnished?
All rooms are unfurnished, but usually come with a carpet and curtains and some fitted cupboards. This allows you to bring your own choice of furniture and furnishings to your room.
Will I have a telephone and television?
There is usually a phone socket in each room if you wish to install a phone at your own expense. Similarly, our houses have a communual TV and you can install a TV in your own room at your expense.
Can couples apply?
We primarily cater for older people living on their own. However, some couples do live in Abbeyfield Wessex houses, these being Pennant, Ferndown and Westbourne House because these houses offer larger accommodation for two people.
What is a sponsor?
We ask our residents to nominate a trusted relative, friend or professional adviser to act as their 'sponsor' or representative. This is someone who can be contacted in case of an emergency. No financial involvement is required, just their continued interest and support.
Your sponsor helps ensure that your requirements are met. They liaise with the house on your behalf, which is especially important if and when you're ill. If you're unable to suggest someone, your Abbeyfield Wessex Society may be able to recommend a suitable local person.
When are staff on duty?
As you can imagine, there are various members of staff working at each house from 8.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 6.30 mainly covering meal times. After this, night staff come on duty and of course there is a 24 hour emergency call system.
How can I find out if an Abbeyfield Wessex house will suit me?
All our houses are different; they each have different facilities and atmospheres. We advise that you visit a few before you make up your mind. We suggest that you talk to the volunteers, the house manager and residents to find out about what life is like at Abbeyfield Wessex. We also provide rooms in all our Houses for short stay or holiday use. You can find more details of this facility in the 'Holidays' page of this website.
What happens if I become ill?
Minor illnesses can be managed within Abbeyfield house. In many houses, our residents are able to bring in paid care services whose costs are either covered privately or by Social Services. If you have to stay in hospital for any reason, it will be taken for granted that you will return to your room.
Should you require long term care or nursing care, other arrangements may have to be made in consultation with you, your sponsor, family or friends and your local health authority.
Can I bring a pet?
Unfortunately, the answer is no, as cats and dogs can be difficult to accommodate. However, please speak to the house manager when you visit for more advice.
How do I apply?
Please contact each house in which you're interested to request a brochure and application pack. A house manager, volunteer or administrator will be able to talk you through the process of making an application. Alternatively, you can phone us on 01202 880958 and our office staff will be delighted to forward you an application pack.