WHAT IS AN ABBEYFIELD SUPPORTED SHELTERED HOUSE?

It is a homely place where a small group of people of retirement age live together, with help from staff and volunteers. Each resident has their own room with en suite facilities. Residents may bring their own furniture and may be consulted about the decor; there are TV and telephone points in all rooms. There is a lift to the first floor. Each resident has a key to their room and a front door key and is free to go out and about as they choose. Life in an Abbeyfield house is an active life, with a large measure of independence. Residents are responsible for their own rooms and their own laundry, but may employ help with these if they so wish. We have a “short stay” room available for holidays or respite care. Why not come along and try it?

DAILY LIFE IN GARRAD HOUSE.

Residents get up when they like and get their own breakfast; cereals etc are provided by the Housekeeper; it is easy to make hot drinks at any time of day, and residents provide a small fridge in the room for milk and fresh fruit etc. Residents meet together at other meal times; food at Garrad House is home-cooking, prepared by the staff on the premises. We take account of medical diets and birthdays and other festivities. Occasional outings and entertainment are arranged, and coffee mornings for any who wish to attend. There is also a garden for walking and exercise, or just lazing in the sunshine (when available!) Frequent visits from friends and families are welcome at any convenient time. A guest may join the residents for a meal at a very reasonable cost.

PERSONAL CARE

Garrad House does not employ care staff, but residents may buy in help with bathing and there is a specially equipped bathroom available. Short term nursing care may be provided by the District Nursing service, with help as appropriate from the residents family or sponsor. Meals will be taken to rooms in the case of a minor illness that is best treated by a few days in bed. Staff are trained to give basic First Aid care. There is always some one “on call” at night but Garrad House does not provide 24 hour staff cover. If a resident becomes unable to look after themselves in their room they may need to move to a residential care Abbeyfield House (such as Friars Mead next door) or to some other residential care home. This decision is the responsibility of the resident and their family or sponsor, in consultation with the staff at Garrad House.

FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS

Abbeyfield charges are very reasonable because we are a non-profit making charity run by a committee of local volunteers. There are no hidden extras such as heating and electricity bills. The management will need to discuss financial matters in confidence with each prospective resident or their sponsor, and you may wish to ask for help in claiming certain benefits and credits.

WHERE IS GARRAD HOUSE ?

Garrad House is in the village of Kings Langley, with easy access from the M25 (exit 20) and main line trains from Euston. The house is quite near the shops for good walkers; taxis, or lifts from friends, are often available. Kings Langley is a pleasant village with a long history, some nice shops and several social clubs; the performing arts societies are very active and parties of residents are taken to matinees of the shows. There are lively church congregations and transport to services is always available.

CONTACT

Please ring 01923 270791 (maybe an answer phone) or email abbeykl@garradhouse.f2s.com  if you would like more information. The office is not always manned and we may have to contact you later with the information you require.