An Abbeyfield House
An Abbeyfield House aims to be “a typical house in a typical street” offering companionship, independence and support at a price affordable to most older 
people. An Abbeyfield House provides a warm supportive family-styled independent lifestyle for up to ten men and women, usually in their 70’s, 80’s and beyond. The House is staffed by a housekeeper/cook who lives on the premises, takes care of the shopping and prepares the two main meals of the day, taken at the family dining table. Like any family home, there is a communal lounge, dining room, kitchen and laundry and a guest room for visitors. Residents are involved in the management of their house and the selection and agreement on who may join their household.
Abbeyfield Residents
The “mix” of residents is a major factor in the happiness of an Abbeyfield House. The selection is made by the House Committee and residents after the applicant has tried the lifestyle by living for one to two weeks in the Guest Room of the House. Abbeyfield Houses are designed for people 55 years and older, but are particulary
suitable to those over 70 years of age; the current age range in New Zealand’s Abbeyfield Houses is currently 65+ to 90+ years. Residents enjoy reasonably good health; any health conditions are self-monitoring and they need to be able to maintain their own medication regimes. Mobility aids such as walking frames, electric wheelchairs and scooters are catered for in the House design. The Society does not provide personal care services, however, residents are assisted to access home support services.
Housekeeper/Cook
The housekeeper is the key figure in the success and happiness of an Abbeyfield House. The live-in housekeeper/cook is responsible for the cleaning of all communal living areas, prepares the main two meals of the day and does the household shopping. The housekeeper/cook is required to maintain daily records detailing house events and operations, conduct regular fire drills, and be familiar with the fire alarm system and other safety measures and ensure that the general standards of health, hygiene and safety are maintained in the House.