The Abbeyfield Story
Nichola went to meet Graham Osborn, trustee and house chairman at Abbeyfield Tavistock Society to see this inspirational home for independent living within a community.
The environment for today’s older population is generally focused on problems, reinforced by many people living alone, impacting on their health and well-being. For many this can lead to loneliness, isolation and worries about running a household and the associated cost. Abbeyfield is a not-for-profit organisation and was established in 1956 by Major Richard Carr-Gomm who noticed that in his neighbourhood, around Bermondsey in south London, many of its older residents were lonely and isolated from the larger community. He used his army pension to develop the first Abbeyfield home which was in ‘Abbeyfield Road’ and the mission then, and today, is to enhance the quality of life and make time for older people helping them live independently. There are over 600 Abbeyfield houses worldwide and in Devon we are well served with houses in Torrington, Torquay, Paignton, Kingsbridge, Plymouth, Crapstone and Tavistock.
The Abbeyfield Tavistock Society at Drake Lodge is a registered charity and part of the national organisation which sets and monitors the very high standards that reflect the original core values and best practice. The society has up-to-date attractive, affordable rooms offering high quality living and companionship for people aged over 60 who want to live without the worry of maintaining their own property. The supported housing enables residents to be as independent and self-reliant as possible, while respecting their privacy.
The emphasis is on independent living. Drake Lodge is not a nursing home and does not provide nursing care or have facilities for those with dementia. The accommodation comprises 17 en-suite bed/sitting rooms and 1 flat. Six of the rooms are in the original 1890s grade 2 listed building which was modernised to a very high standard in 2010. A further twelve rooms are in the extension which was opened in 2009. A recently built ‘activities room’ means residents can enjoy presentations by guest speakers, musical afternoons, films, quizzes, computer classes, chair yoga, coffee mornings and many more activities. There are extensive gardens, car parking for residents, visitors and staff, a guest room, laundry facilities, and a lift to all floors. Staff are on duty from 8.30 am until 6.30 pm and each resident is equipped with a 24-hour alarm call system to summon help if necessary.
Graham tells me that Drake Lodge is a home from home, providing a peaceful and friendly family atmosphere, personalising the support services to meet residents’ needs so they can enjoy freedom, security and peace of mind. Residents are free to furnish their room as they wish and make it ‘their home.’
The house is ideally situated in Tavistock, a ten-minute, level walk to the town centre and close to many facilities such as the library, bus station, Wharf theatre and swimming pool. Graham explains that ultimately it is the people that make a house into a home and that includes the staff too, who are professional, dedicated and caring. The team supports the residents, manages the house and produces two nutritious, home-cooked meals daily, meeting any special dietary needs and tastes. Lunch and dinner are served communally in the dining room whilst each resident prepares their own breakfast with the provisions provided.
There is an active team of volunteers who contribute enormously in a variety of roles including befriending residents, organising activities, committee work, the repair and maintenance of the house, and serving as trustees to oversee the development of the society and its finances.
Graham is rightly proud of the Abbeyfield family of residents, staff and volunteers. He recalls a resident emphasising this point and saying: “I was living alone in my bungalow feeling lonely and concerned about the upkeep of the property – and then I heard about Abbeyfield. This is my sixth year at Drake Lodge and what better way to live my life – I am very happy, have a lovely room, companionship, wonderful food and support from the staff and volunteers, and I am free to live my life and follow my interests as I wish.” I would like to know where to sign up as I imagine Abbeyfield to be such fun: like tidy, peaceful student accommodation for the more mature, yet young at heart.
Graham Osborn and Nichola Williams
Through the involvement of our dedicated volunteers, fees for residents are kept comparatively low at less than £35 per day which is all inclusive apart from telephone line rental (linked to the 24-hour alarm call system) and any personal calls. For more information about volunteering or joining the Abbeyfield Tavistock Society waiting list please contact: The House Manager, Abbeyfield Tavistock Society, Drake Lodge, 60 Plymouth Road, Tavistock, PL19 8BU - 01822 614934; abbeyfield-tavistock@abbeyfield.com
The Abbeyfield Home at Pilcher’s Field, Crapstone, Yelverton also provides assisted supported housing for residents in studio apartments and larger flats for single or double occupation, for rent and leasehold purchase. Please visit the website www.pilchersfield.co.uk for further information.