Abbeyfield International
Abbeyfield International
Canada joined Abbeyfield International in 1985 and remains committed to the Abbeyfield ideals first articulated by the founder Major Richard Carr-Gomm.
In 1956, Richard Carr-Gomm resigned his commission with the British Army and brought a property in South London for 250 Euros. It was run down, had six rooms, an outdoor lavatory, and two cold taps. It was to provide housing for four people – the only qualification being loneliness. He was the first housekeeper and the press dubbed him, “The Scrubbing Major.”
Today, this prototype has provided a vision and the impetus for hundreds of Abbeyfield Houses operating all around the world.
Abbeyfield International promotes the Abbeyfield concept globally using its network of member national societies and through them, an extended network of local societies.
Currently there are many countries affiliated to Abbeyfield International, with hundreds of Abbeyfield Houses providing homes for thousands of Seniors.
Depending on the location you may be interested in, our homes can hold 10-20 residents. Each of whom is able to care for themselves independently and choose to live in shared accommodation. These homes are a spacious purpose built house or re-purposed which is a suitable building in a neighbourhood or location that is predominantly for housing. The houses are integrated into the streetscape and are non-institutional in design and operation. Every resident has a private and comfortable room (bed-sitter) with ensuite, fully equipped bathroom. A guest room is typically available for visiting family and friends. The house has a fully furnished lounge room, dining room, and laundry. Residents furnish their private bedrooms and ensuite bathroom.
Most Abbeyfield Houses have a 'live–in' professional housekeeper. The housekeeper keeps the common areas of the house spic and span, does the shopping and cooks superb meals! An Abbeyfield Housekeeper is a valued employee but their role does not include being a maid or butler to residents.
An Abbeyfield House is designed to help people stay independent and active in their community, whilst providing some day to day living support.
