How the house runs - FAQs
What is sheltered housing?
Sheltered housing, sometimes referred to as sheltered accommodation or retirement housing, provides private independent rooms and flats with the use of shared common areas such as the garden, summer house, large conservatory and additional sitting room. Residents can live independently without the worry of maintaining their own home.
What type of sheltered housing does Abbeyfield Reigate offer?
Abbeyfield House is a large Victoria house which over time has been upgraded to provide comfortable and spacious communal areas as well as well-appointed resident accommodation. We have 6 single rooms with en-suite facilities, and 4 sheltered flats that are suitable for couples and contain two rooms, a kitchenette, and en-suite facilities. Residents bring their own furniture, and each room has sockets for a tv and phone. Resident rooms on the 1st floor or the house can be accessed by a lift, and the 2nd floor has a stair lift part way to aid people with reduced mobility. Sheltered accommodation is available on a rental basis, with rooms starting at £1,400 per month.
What is included in the monthly rent?
We offer a fixed monthly rent which includes 2 meals per day, careline alarm pendant, TV licence, WIFI, council tax, contents insurance, gas, electricity and water utilities. Residents also enjoy the use of all communal areas within the house as well as a beautiful garden with large summer house and separate greenhouse. All maintenance and repairs are included in the rental charges so residents no longer have the worry of arranging and paying for household repairs when they move to sheltered housing at Abbeyfield Reigate.
Does Abbeyfield have staff on site 24/7?
Our House Manager is on site daily between 9am to 1.30pm and 4.30pm to 6.30pm, and outside of these hours residents have their emergency pendants if they need to request help. Monitoring is provided 24/7 by Mole Valley Life and the costs of this service is included in the monthly rental fee.
Who manages Abbeyfield Reigate?
Abbeyfield Reigate is an independent charity affiliated to the national Abbeyfield England Society. Our staff employed are employed by Abbeyfield Reigate and are supported by a volunteer trustee board who oversee the running of the home and forward planning. This not-for-profit model helps us keep rental fees affordable. We are also fortunate to have a strong volunteer team who work with the staff and residents to help with outings, shopping and other tasks that help our residents stay independent and enjoy life to the full.
Does Abbeyfield Reigate provide care?
Abbeyfield provides a home from home environment for independent and supported living. Residents are supported by family members or friends who takes the role of sponsor. The house manager and other staff at Abbeyfield do not provide any personal or nursing care or administer medication. If this is required separate arrangements can be made by the family or sponsor of the resident. All residents complete a medical form which is available in the event of an emergency. This information includes next of kin, and is shared with Mole Valley Life who oversee the emergency pendants that each resident has.
What support can I expect?
As well as preparing the daily meals, the House Manager is available to help residents with activities as required such as organising repairs if required, assistance making appointments, dealing with phone calls and visitors to Abbeyfield. We have a gardener who comes weekly to tend the garden and use trusted suppliers to undertake maintenance, painting, decorating and small repairs. Abbeyfield will organise the setup of your careline personal alarm pendant which is monitored 24/7 by Mole Valley Life. Mole Valley will be provided with a comprehensive medical form and contact details of your next of kin so they may assist in the event of an emergency.
Are meals provided?
Residents enjoy a lovely home cooked meal at lunchtimes and a light tea in the evening with residents providing their own breakfast. Residents take an active part in helping the House Manager plan menus, and we do also encourage residents to share a morning coffee in the garden room.
Are there communal areas I can use?
We have a several communal areas for residents to enjoy. Our bright new garden room is the perfect place to congregate for morning coffee and enjoy a view of the garden. Some of our residents use this space to play board games, do a puzzle, read the paper or chat. At Tthe rear of the garden and we have a large summer house which also provides a peaceful places to sit. The summerhouse is heated and well insulated so usable all year round. Residents are of course welcome to help with the gardening if they are interested, and we have a greenhouse which residents can use!. The lounge at the front of the house is ideal for residents to receive guests as an alternative to their room. The Dining room is where residents sit together for lunch and an evening meal. Residents are free to use all communal areas inside and outside the house - it is important that residents feel 'at home' and confident making the most of the facilities and space on offer at Abbeyfield Reigate.
Is there assistance available for doing my laundry?
Personal laundry is the resident's responsibility and washing machines and tumble dryers are available. We can help you arrange any domestic help you may require.
What activities can I get involved in?
We have an active volunteer group who regularly pop-in to chat with residents and also organise shopping trips to the local supermarket and regular outings. We also have regular armchair aerobics, craft and music sessions.
Can you offer any financial assistance?
We cannot offer financial assistance; however, we do have a contact that may assist with completing Attendance Allowance applications. Should you require housing benefit, we are happy to provide any supporting documentation require by the council to support your application.
Do you have a parking area for a mobility scooter?
We have a dedicated mobility scooter shed which has space for up to 3 scooters with their own charging point. There is a small additional annual charge for the use of the scooter store.
What amenities are nearby?
The house is in an excellent location to the North of Reigate town centre, and we are just a short walk from the train station, bus stop, local shops and doctors surgery.
What opportunities does Abbeyfield Reigate provide for volunteers?
We have a range of volunteering opportunities at Abbeyfield Reigate, and volunteers provide an essential contribution to help our residents make the most of their later years. Volunteer roles include support for shopping outings, or medical appointments, buddies who chat with residents one-to-one, and also the important role of trustee. We are able to match volunteer opportunities to people’s skill set and availability, and we also provide volunteer events for corporate teams.