Affordable Abbeyfield Houses -Ten People Living With Dignity
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February 26, 2013I have recently found out about Abbeyfield Australia, a national not-for-profit providing affordable housing for older people and people with disabilities who wish to live independently within a supportive environment. It represents 26 independent Abbeyfield Societies in towns and suburb across Australia.
The Abbeyfield Solution
An Abbeyfield House is a local solution to a local need and exists because of some wonderful Abbeyfield volunteers and much community support.
Every Abbeyfield house or hostel is managed by a legally incorporated Association overseen by a local community Committee of Management.
Abbeyfield works closely with governments at all levels, with local communities and with communities of interest to ensure that the particular needs of people are taken into account in a strategic and needs based way.
There are three categories:
- assisted independent living for adults with mild intellectual disAbilities
- ‘low care’ (Hostel) aged care accommodation
- assisted independent living for those aged 55+
What An Abbeyfield House Is…Is Not
An Abbeyfield house is an ordinary house in an ordinary street. It is not an aged care facility (though there are three excellent aged care Hostels within the Abbeyfield Australia group).
An Abbeyfield house is a not-for-profit charitable entity. It is not designed or resourced to provide personal or medical care (though these services can usually be readily organized by regular HACC service providers). Residents must be able to manage their own personal care needs.
An Abbeyfield house provides companionship and a home in which to live with dignity, self respect and independence. It is non-denominational. All people of all cultures, religions or persuasions are welcome!
What Does It Cost To Live In An Abbeyfield House?
The fortnightly rent in an Abbeyfield House is based on 70 per cent of the basic aged care pension/disability pension, plus federal rent assistance.
The rent covers the majority of household expenses including meals, electricity, property maintenance, heating & cooling, rates and employment of the Housekeeper. Residents must pay for any personal items (such as clothing, toiletries, insurance of personal belongings, and laundry detergents etc. If a resident has a private telephone, then he/she also pays all costs associated with it.)
A laudable model
