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1. Why would I want to live in an Abbeyfield House? Abbeyfield Houses have the atmosphere of a normal, single-family home because they have only ten to twelve residents and are usually located in residential neighbourhoods. You would have the privacy, dignity and freedom needed to continue leading a normal life, but you would also be in a more secure environment, with the companionship of others. 2. What is the role of the House Co-ordinator? Each Abbeyfield House has a live-in House Co-ordinator who mainly endeavours to create the home-like atmosphere described above. The Co-ordinator does the shopping, cooks meals and acts as caretaker of the House and grounds. 3. Who may apply for accommodation? If you are over the age of 60, reasonably healthy and are uncertain about the appropriateness of your current housing, you may consider applying. 4. Can married couples be accommodated? Since Abbeyfield's priority has been to house people who are currently living alone, most rooms are unsuitable for married couples. There may, however, be exceptions where adjoining rooms are available. 5. What are the monthly charges for room and board? Costs vary from House to House but rates are usually much more favourable than for-profit retirement homes. Please enquire directly about rates. Our aim is that low income should not be a barrier to living in an Abbeyfield House. 6. Is there an upper limit of income? No. 7. Do I need to be sponsored? We ask each applicant to designate a trusted relative, friend or professional advisor who can be contacted and consulted in case of an emergency or other difficulty. No financial involvement is required on their part. 8. Are there rules and regulations? There are usually no rules nor regulations other than those of normal household courtesy. You will be totally free to do as you choose, and come and go as you wish. Abbeyfield would be your home. 9. Is smoking forbidden? Each Abbeyfield House makes its own decision about smoking. For example, the Abbeyfield House in Ottawa is smoke-free. 10. What type of personal belongings may I bring? You will need to furnish your own room. If you require furniture, some Abbeyfield Societies may be able to help you acquire suitable furnishings. 11. Will someone clean my room and do my laundry? No. Each occupant is usually responsible for his or her own room and laundry, but cleaning supplies and equipment and laundry facilities are available. If you need help, you may wish to employ domestic help at your own expense. 12. Will I have to share bathroom facilities? Facilities vary from House to House. In planning an Abbeyfield for Kingston, each room will have a private barrier-free bathroom. 13. Could I bring a pet? A small caged bird or goldfish possibly, but dogs and cats are not permitted for the comfort of other residents. 14. What meals are provided? Lunch and dinner are prepared daily, and breakfast is available for residents. 15. Can Abbeyfield cope with a special diet? Yes, if the House Co-ordinator understands the diet and is able to prepare it. 16. May I do some cooking or gardening? If you enjoy cooking or gardening (or any other activity or hobby), you will most likely have the opportunity to engage in them. Just let the House Co-ordinator know what you would like to do. 17. What happens if I become ill? As in any family household, minor ailments are dealt with at the House. If you are hospitalized, it is taken for granted that you will return to Abbeyfield —provided that is the wisest thing for you to do. 18. What if I should require nursing care? While Abbeyfield Houses do not provide nursing care, a visiting nurse may be able to address your needs. However, if you can no longer look after yourself in your own room, other arrangements may have to be made with the help of your designated relative, friend or advisor. 19. Can I try the lifestyle first? Sometimes a House may have a guest room that would allow you to try out the lifestyle before you move in. Abbeyfield encourages applicants to keep their former housing arrangements until they feel settled. 20. Can my friends or family have lunch or stay the night? Let the House Co-ordinator know in advance. Often, another plate can easily be added to the table, and some Houses have a guest room that can accommodate overnight guests. 21. Can I have a full list of the addresses of all the Abbeyfield Houses in Canada? Our Houses are the private addresses of the residents and therefore, lists are not available. However, you may enquire about the availability of a House in a specific area and the address of a local Abbeyfield representative can be made available to you. There are 29 Abbeyfield Houses in Canada, 5 of which are in Ontario. 22. Why isn't there a Society in...? Because no one in that area has volunteered to start one. If you, or someone you know, would like to establish an Abbeyfield House, please write to the Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada for more information on how to get started. |