Your Questions Answered
ARE ABBEYFIELD HOUSES CARE HOMES?
No, our Houses are not care homes. Our residents come and go as they wish, enjoying their continued independence but with the security of supported communal living.
DO YOU PROVIDE MEALS?
We provide home cooked lunch and High Tea every day. Our residents come together to enjoy good food and company. We are here to look after our residents and we encourage them to tell us what they would like to see on the menu. Our food is yummy but don’t take our word for it. Come to lunch and try it out for yourself.
IS BREAKFAST INCLUDED?
Residents also breakfast together in the dining room at Timberlog. At The Octagon, our residents enjoy breakfast in their flats although we provide what they need.
IS TV, WI-FI and TELEPHONE PROVIDED?
WI-FI is provided, likewise TV connections and aerials. With such a wide and varied choice, we have found telephones are best left to residents to arrange. We also have communal tv in the lounge areas in both Houses.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE WILL LIKE ABBEYFIELD?
Come and see us. Have a look round. Meet the staff, chat to the residents. Have a coffee. Stay for lunch. Then, if you think you might be happy here, come and stay for a week’s free trial. We think a week’s stay is important so that you can really get an idea of what life is like with us before you take the plunge.
WHO IS A TYPICAL ABBEYFIELD RESIDENT?
Our residents are people who want, and are able, to enjoy living later life in their own space but feel they would like the company of friends around them and the reassurance you get from supported living.
CAN COUPLES LIVE AT ABBEYFIELD BASILDON?
Yes! Most of our residents are living on their own when they come to us but we welcome couples as well.
HOW MUCH DOES IS COST TO LIVE IN ABBEYFIELD HOUSES?
Charges are currently around £420 per week, inclusive of food and utility bills. If affordability is an issue, you may be entitled to claim Housing Benefit. Your amount of savings can affect your entitlement to benefit.
HOW ARE ABBEYFIELD HOMES MANAGED?
Abbeyfield Basildon is a registered charity, a not for profit organisation. We are run by a Board of Trustees who give freely of their time. Our Trustees come from different backgrounds but are at one in their commitment to serve the interests of our residents by keeping our Houses well run and ensuring that they remain the happy and caring places they have always been.
WILL I HAVE TO LOOK AFTER MY OWN ROOM?
Your room is your own home. So yes, it’s yours to look after, tidy and clean. However, we do help and, as part of our service, we clean your en-suite bathroom on a weekly basis, and give your flat a regular deep-clean for you.
HOW WILL MY ROOM BE DECORATED OR FURNISHED?
All rooms are freshly decorated and come with carpet and curtains but are unfurnished. This allows you to bring your own choice of furnishings and to make your space a home from home. Some rooms also have kitchenettes.
DO YOU ALLOW PETS?
Unfortunately, residents are not able to bring their own pets.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FALL ILL?
Minor illnesses can be managed within the House. You may be able to arrange paid care services should this become necessary, either at your own expense, or with funding from Social Services. If you have to stay in hospital for any reason, your flat will , of course, be waiting for you when you come out. If your situation changes and you need long term, or nursing care, other living arrangements may have to be made in consultation with you, your family, and the local health authority.
CAN I ARRANGE A VISIT?
You can use the Contact Form link below to arrange a first visit.
Alternatively, you can call on 01268 530 414 (The Octagon) or 01268 550 880 (Timberlog).
We can then talk you through our current vacancies and discuss which House might best meet your needs.