Canadian seniors living alone face a higher risk of developing dementia compared to those living with others. Loneliness and social isolation, often associated with solitary living, are significant risk factors for cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
One innovative solution is Abbeyfield House Society homes. These exist worldwide to enable seniors to stay in their communities in safe, affordable, family-style shared housing designed to foster companionship and ward off social isolation.
Abbeyfield is non-denominational and open to any senior capable of independent living. Each Abbeyfield House is an incorporated not-for-profit entity overseen by an experienced volunteer board of directors. All Houses are affiliated with Abbeyfield Canada and are bound by its policies and guidelines. Abbeyfield Canada also provides resources and expertise.
In Canada, there are currently 19 Abbeyfield Houses, accommodating approximately 195 residents, in Ontario (including Abbeyfield Ottawa), Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. New Abbeyfield Houses are under development, including Abbeyfield Riverside, and several more projects are in the planning stages.
Internationally, the Abbeyfield model is widespread, with about 800 Houses in countries such as Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Each Abbeyfield House balances residents’ privacy and companionship with security and independence in a caring group home environment, provided by dedicated volunteers and a live-in House Coordinator.
Every House becomes a small community in its bigger community. Most have 15 or fewer residents. Rooms are usually private, with housekeeping and meals provided by a small staff. Meals are taken together, and everyday and special activities can become shared experiences in the common living space.
Each Abbeyfield resident lives in their private bed-sitting room furnished with their familiar things. Residents share lunch, dinner, and a self-serve breakfast from a well-stocked breakfast bar. Snacks, drinks and companionship are available throughout the day.
Like any family home, there is a communal lounge, dining room, kitchen and laundry and, in most Houses, a guest room for visitors. A House Coordinator attends to the daily House operations, including shopping for and preparing and serving meals, and overseeing maintenance of the house and grounds.
Time and again, Abbeyfield residents say how lives have improved dramatically after moving into their Abbeyfield home. They value the companionship they have found and friends they have made. They speak of a sense of belonging, and many say they have found renewed energy and interest in life, through activities, events and shared experiences.