Fareham’s Abbeyfield Society, the organisation that runs homes for independent and active older people, celebrates its fiftieth anniversary this year.
The society has two houses in the town’s East Street where older people who no longer want to live alone can find companionship.
Although the homes have permanent staff they are run by an executive committee of volunteers and two of them, Gill Cairns and Roy Taylor, told members all about the friendly ‘family’ home atmosphere the staff strive to provide.
“Each home has a housekeeper and they go that extra mile for the residents,” said Mrs Cairns. “There are a number of social activities such as cream teas, barbecues and gatherings at Christmas for those residents who don’t go to stay with family.”
Residents cater for themselves at breakfast but “they all get together at lunch and at tea time,” said Mr Taylor.
Each resident has their own bedsitting room with their own furniture with an en suite bathroom. They have their own front door key allowing them to be independent.
Both houses have a guest suite so that visitors can stay and there is a laundry room as well as parking spaces for cars and buggies. Housekeepers live in and are on call 24 hours a day.
Fees are inclusive of food and any expense you would incur in your own home except for telephone bills.
“Prospective residents can come and stay for a trial week to see how they like it,” said Mrs Cairns. Anyone interested can telephone for more information on 01489 881287.
The two speakers were thanked for their interesting talk by Stella Astbury who presented them with a donation of £50.