National Abbeyfield

Abbeyfield began in 1956 when Richard Carr-Gomm became concerned about the number of elderly and lonely people living in Bermondsey, London . Today the Abbeyfield Society has grown to include about 500 member societies throughout the United Kingdom , and many more in other countries. The member societies provide between them accommodation for over 8000 residents, supported by as many as 10,000 volunteers. The national Society has its headquarters in St Albans , Hertfordshire, where a small staff gives support and advice to the member societies.

The Abbeyfield way of life provides a balance of privacy and caring support which can be ideal for many older people who no longer feel happy living alone.

These days people are living longer, and families are becoming spread farther apart as younger generations move around the country for their jobs. Therefore, the likelihood that older people will spend their last years alone has increased. Thankfully, better standards of living and improved healthcare mean that most people can look forward to an active and fulfilling life in older age, and often people are able to stay in their own homes with the help of community care services.

But to some there comes a time when coping alone becomes too much, when visitors become fewer and fewer, and feelings of isolation and insecurity loom large. Often families are at a distance, and are anxious about their loved ones.

In these circumstances, moving to a lively and supportive Abbeyfield house becomes a real solution.

“I've absolutely no regrets. No more worries about heating bills, shopping or cooking.” (resident)

“These last few years have been great because we've been able to spend much more time together and get to know each other again.” (daughter)

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Nonsuch Abbeyfield is a not for profit charity. We are affiliated to The Abbeyfield Society, but are independent and run our own affairs. Regulators: Industrial and Provident Society 21620R; Housing Corporation H2118 Office: The Old House, Mongers Lane, Epsom Road Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1JZ

 

Our Ethos

Abbeyfield Societies are guided by the shared beliefs of the movement:
•   Older people should be treated with dignity and respect and be encouraged to retain their independence.
• Older people have an important role to play amongst their families, friends and in their community
•  Overcoming loneliness and insecurity can make all the difference to an older person's wellbeing and quality of life
•  Local people have an essential part to play in helping older people in their community

Nonsuch Abbeyfield provides a service that treats each resident as a unique individual. The Society aims to foster an environment which enhances the quality of life and respects the independence of the residents. Each home is a community in which the residents experience support and companionship.

We understand that the decision to give up one's own home is one of the most difficult that anyone has to make. But experience has shown that moving into an Abbeyfield house often gives older people a new lease of life. Free from the worries of paying bills and maintaining a house and garden, they can enjoy the company of the other residents, the housekeeper and the volunteers, and develop new friendships and interests.

“It has given me a chance to take life easy and do the things I want to do.” (resident)

“I have a good life here. No-one would believe the improvement in my health since I moved in.” (resident)

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Nonsuch Abbeyfield Society Limited is a not for profit charity. We are affiliated to The Abbeyfield Society, but are independent and run our own affairs. Regulators: Industrial and Provident Society 21620R; Housing Corporation H2118 Office: The Old House, Mongers Lane, Epsom Road Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1JZ

Our Society

The Nonsuch Abbeyfield Society was set up in 1975 by a group of people from St. Andrews United Reformed Church. A large private residential house at 82 York Road was purchased with money raised locally and a grant from the Housing Corporation. The house was converted into bed-sitting rooms for eight residents and opened in 1980. A second house at 82 Mulgrave Road was similarly converted and opened in 1984.

Over the ensuing 26 years, both houses have been improved and up-graded to meet modern standards. All rooms now have en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes, and both houses have a lift to upstairs rooms.

Since opening, we have enjoyed the company of 70 delightful older people, many of whom lived in our houses for lengthy periods, the record being 20 years.

Our third house - in Epsom Road, Ewell - was added to our portfolio in January 2008 following our merger with Abbeyfield Epsom.

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Nonsuch Abbeyfield Society Limited is a not for profit charity. We are affiliated to The Abbeyfield Society, but are independent and run our own affairs. Regulators: Industrial and Provident Society 21620R; Housing Corporation H2118 Office: The Old House, Mongers Lane, Epsom Road Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1JZ

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Living in Abbeyfield

Residents moving into Abbeyfield are encouraged to bring their own furniture and treasured possessions to make their rooms familiar, homely and comfortable. As well as the individual bed-sitting rooms, each house has a pleasant lounge and garden. There is also a cheerful kitchen and dining area, where the housekeeper prepares and serves delicious lunches and suppers every day.

Most of the bed-sitting rooms are fully en-suite and our Sutton and Cheam houses also have compact kitchenettes. As residents are responsible for their own breakfast, they have facilities to prepare it in their rooms and can therefore, rise at whatever time they wish and are able to make drinks during the day

The housekeeper lives in a self-contained flat within the house. As well as providing two cooked meals a day, she plays a central role in making the house a friendly and supportive home for the residents. Each house is managed by a volunteer house committee, and individual members of this committee act as shadows or befrienders to each resident.

“I was made most welcome by Committee members, staff and residents. I also appreciate the friendship of my ‘shadow' – a wonderful bonus.” (resident)

There are plenty of social activities throughout the year in each house, ranging from theatre trips to coffee mornings to exercise classes and visits from the local Brownie troup. They are all optional, however, and residents are encouraged to keep up their own interests and hobbies.

“We are allowed our own space and able to do our own thing, which has always pleased me. The Housekeeper plays a big part in this, advises if requested, but never interferes. I enjoy the outings, and visits to see my grandchildren. I also look forward to visits from my ‘shadow', who calls regularly.” (resident)

Nonsuch Abbeyfield is firmly rooted in the local community , and all three houses are ideally placed to allow residents to make maximum use of the wide range of opportunities and facilities available locally, such as churches, libraries, craft clubs, parks, cinemas and theatres. Volunteers known as House Friends are happy to provide transport if needed. The House Friends also cook meals in the houses on one day a week.

“Pre Abbeyfield Mum didn't have any social interaction, so her life has been enriched here.” (son)

Each house has a guest room, where friends and family members can stay. The house committee welcomes the involvement of family members and sponsors. Residents and their family/sponsors are invited to give their views, share any concerns and make suggestions at regular consultation and review meetings.

Because the three houses offer sheltered accommodation and not care facilities, new residents have to be able to care for themselves and live reasonably independently. However, people grow older and more frail, and find simple tasks of day-to-day living harder to accomplish. In these circumstances, Nonsuch Abbeyfield can assist residents to arrange for someone to help with laundry and housework, and for community based carers to give personal help with washing and dressing etc.

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Nonsuch Abbeyfield is a not for profit organisation. We are affiliated to The Abbeyfield Society, but are independent and run our own affairs. Regulators: Industrial and Provident Society 21620R; Housing Corporation H2118 Office: The Old House, Mongers Lane, Epsom Road, Ewell, Surrey KT17 1JZ

 

Our Future Plans

The number of older people in our communities is growing as life expectancy increases. At the same time, older people are choosing to stay longer in their own homes. They are able to do this because of increasing levels of fitness, and because of the increase in care services provided in the community and the availability of ready made meals and other labour saving advances.

Therefore, when many people do decide to move nowadays, they tend to be older and frailer than in the past. Nonsuch Abbeyfield has been considering for some time how to improve and extend our services to meet the changing needs of older people. After a great deal of research and thought we have decided that we need to provide residential housing with 24 hour care support.

To this end we have purchased a local site and applied for outline planning permission. However, we have to raise a considerable sum of money before we can commit to detailed plans and specifications.

Even when the extra money has been raised, there will be quite a considerable amount to do before the building work can begin. Architects have already been selected, but they will have to draw up and submit detailed plans for full Planning Permission. After that the building contractors will have to be selected and briefed.

Given the size of the fundraising challenge, we think it likely that the start of the construction period will have to be deferred until 2009, or even 2010. This would imply an opening date in 2011 or 2012. We will be seeking advice and views from our residents and their families in all aspects of the design and implementation of the new facilities.

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Nonsuch Abbeyfield Society Limited is a not for profit charity. We are affiliated to The Abbeyfield Society, but are independent and run our own affairs. Regulators: Industrial and Provident Society 21620R; Housing Corporation H2118 Office: The Old House, Mongers Lane, Epsom Road Ewell, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1JZ