A private bed-sitting room with en suite facilities for each resident. Shared dining and sitting rooms, TV room, kitchen, laundry and guestroom. Some Houses have a garden. 

The volunteer Board of Directors of each local Society is responsible for the House. The board members handle all applications, employ the staff, maintain the property, and takes an active interest in the well-being of residents. 

Typically, Abbeyfield Houses accommodate ten to fourteen residents.

The residents must be able to care for themselves independently.

Minor ailments are handled in much the same way as in a family home. If you have to go to hospital for any reason it is taken for granted that you will return to Abbeyfield, provided that you don’t need ongoing assistance beyond that which can be provided by visits from a home care nurse until you regain your independence.

Normally, men or women over the age of 65 years who often have ties with the area in which the House is located. The majority of residents are over the age of 70 years but many Houses have a waiting list so it is wise to register your interest early.

This varies from House to House depending on the physical layout.

Residents are responsible for furnishing their own suites and the Society furnishes the remainder of the House.

The rules are determined by the volunteer board of each Society and usually are similar to those of a courteous normal Household.

Yes. The Housekeeper does not clean residents’ rooms or handle their personal laundry. You may engage domestic help at your own cost, or a relative or friend may be able to assist you. Rooms must be kept clean.

Each Household makes its own decisions in relation to pets.

Yes. Abbeyfield properties are entirely smoke free.

Yes, a House Coordinator is employed to do the shopping and plan and prepare the two main meals of the day (breakfast is self-serve). In some cases the Coordinator has their own apartment adjacent to the House. The Coordinator manages the House under the direction and supervision of the local Abbeyfield Society Board of Directors.

Each incoming resident is asked to nominate one or two trusted friends, relatives or acceptable alternatives who can be contacted and consulted in case of an emergency or difficulty, by either the resident or the Society. No financial involvement is required on their part.

You need to contact your local Abbeyfield Society and complete an application form. All Canadian Societies are listed on the web site.

Yes, in most houses there may be a a guest room or vacant bed sitting room which can be used for a trial period by an interested applicant Alternatively, prospective residents can usually trial the lifestyle by participating in events at the House.

Yes, friends and family are able to stay in the guest room if there is one available. There is a small charge for the room and for meals.

The charges vary from House to House but are frequently more reasonable than other senior accommodation options due to the voluntary management by the Abbeyfield Society and the nonprofit cooperative philosophy of Abbeyfield. In Canada, as of 2021, the range is between $1500 and $2200 per month. This is expected to increase in some new cases, depending on construction costs or other unforeseeable circumstances.

All local Societies are bound by Abbeyfield’s Guiding Principles, but they are independent bodies and are responsive to local conditions which do cause some minor differences in practice. All local Societies are registered Charities affiliated to Abbeyfield Canada and bound by its policies and guidelines.

Yes, many Houses could potentially have a waitlist. So if you’re interested in a few different Houses, we suggest sending your inquiry to each.