Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have a Question?
Find answers to all your questions about Abbeyfield with our comprehensive FAQ page.
​
Questions about our homes in Ryde:
​
What is Sheltered Housing?
Sheltered Housing allows you to live independently in a shared house in the company of others knowing there are staff on hand for a friendly chat, to cook daily homemade meals and support you when you need it. Key features include:
• Your own private room with en-suite facilities
• Two homemade meals per day
• Communal areas to socialise with other residents
• High level of independence
• 24 community alarm system
​
What’s different about living in an Abbeyfield home?
Our homes are not ‘care homes’ but we care very much about our residents and their families. At Abbeyfield Ryde we aim to provide the perfect blend of independence and peace of mind, and our staff and volunteers are here to help and advise if needed.
​
What will my room be like?
Our rooms are bedsit style with a kitchenette, and en-suite shower room. All of our rooms come unfurnished, so you can bring your own furniture and most treasured possessions with you when you move in and get your room looking just the way you want it.
​
Will you help me take care of my room?
Your room is your own home, so it will be yours to look after. Our cleaner will clean your bathroom once a week, but if you feel that you need help cleaning the rest of your room, we may be able to arrange that at an additional cost.
​
Can I have a television in my room?
Every room has an aerial point, so you can bring your own television. Television licences are covered under our accommodation licence, so you won’t need to have your own individual licence.
​
Is there a landline phone in my room?
Every room has a landline phone socket. If you wish to install a phone, you will need to organise this with a telecoms provider.
​
Will the home have Wi-Fi?
Both of our homes have Wi-Fi networks available for residents to use.
​
What is the food like?
Food forms a very important part of the day in our homes. Our housekeepers and cooks pride themselves on serving two delicious home cooked meals every day. The main meal is at lunchtime, followed by a ‘high tea’ in the evening.
​
Can my family visit?
Yes – family and friends are welcome to visit you whenever suits, after all, this is your home. Our homes have warm, welcoming communal spaces for you and your guests, as well as lovely gardens for entertaining in the summer. Family and friends are also welcome to join you for meals, events and activities. We also have a guest room for family and friends to stay over. Guest parking spaces are also available at both of our homes.
​
Are there laundry facilities available on site?
Both of our homes have a laundry room with a washing machine and tumble drier for residents to use on a rota basis. Detergent and fabric condition are supplied.
​
Can I bring a pet?
Unfortunately pets are not allowed in our homes because it is difficult to accommodate them.
QUESTIONS ABOUT MOVING
​
How will I know if Abbeyfield is right for me?
Moving into one of our homes is a big decision and it has to be right for you. You are welcome to come in for lunch one day and chat to our residents, who can tell you what life is like in one of our homes.
​
We can also off the opportunity for a trial stay in our guest room. Many residents who have a trial stay often love it so much they make their decision to stay in the first few days but, of course, there is no pressure to stay after your trial has ended if you don’t think the house is right for you.
How do I apply to live at Abbeyfield Ryde?
Once you feel ready to apply, contact our house by phone (01983 563540) or email (abbeyfield-ryde@abbeyfield.com) to arrange your visit. When you visit we will talk you through the application process from the start to moving in.
Questions about financing your move?
​
How much does it cost to live at Abbeyfield Ryde?
We are a charity providing not-for-profit accommodation, and as such we do not put profit before our residents. Our current charges are between £1,400 and £1,600 per calendar month. You may be eligible for funding from your local authority to help with the cost of living with us.
​
What is included in the monthly fee?
The monthly fee includes the following:
• Your own bedsit style room
• Supply of utilities – heat / light / water
• Two home cooked meals per day
• Bathroom cleaned once a week
• All maintenance work
• 24 hour community alarm system
• Maintained gardens
Questions about health?
​
What happens if I become ill?
If you have to spend time in hospital, your room will be waiting for you when you’re feeling better. If you need to make plans for longer-term care and assistance, other arrangements may have to be made in consultation with you, your family, and the local health authority.