Frequent Questions PDF Print E-mail
  • Is Abbeyfield Saskatoon a registered charity? Yes. As a registered charity Abbeyfield Saskatoon can provide a charitable receipt for donations it receives.

  • How does Abbeyfield Saskatoon receive its funding? The operating costs of Abbeyfield Saskatoon rely on the monthly rent paid by residents.

  • What is the current cost to reside at Abbeyfield Saskatoon? The monthly rate is $1450/month. Residents may access cable television for a small monthly fee. Private telephone landline is the responsibility of the resident.

  • What does it cost to use the guest room at Abbeyfield Saskatoon? The current fee is $35 per night and $10/day/person for meals.

  • Is parking available? Yes, off-street parking is available. Residents who choose to access electric plug during the winter months are charged $20/month from November to March inclusive.

  • How many Abbeyfield Houses are located in Saskatchewan? Presently there are two Abbeyfield Houses: Abbeyfield Prince Albert and Abbeyfield Saskatoon.

  • Is there additional storage space for a resident? Yes. Each resident is provided with a locked storage area that is 4' by 5' located in the lower level of the house.

  • May a resident have a small fridge in their bed-sitting room? Yes. A small fridge may be necessary for some medications or to refrigerate preferred items.

  • Can residents and their families access the activity room? Yes. Families can pre-book the activity room located in the lower level for family gatherings. Ask for a copy of the guidelines for usage of the activity room.


Twenty Two Questions : Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada

Most Ofter Asked About Living in an Abbeyfield House

  1. Why would I want to live in an Abbeyfield House?
    Abbeyfield Houses have the atmosphere of a normal single-family home because they have only five to ten occupants and are usually located in residential neighbourhoods.
    You would have the privacy, dignity and freedom needed to continue leading a normal life, but you would also be in a more secure environment, with the companionship of others.
  2. What is the role of the House Coordinator?
    Most Abbeyfield Houses have a a live-in House Coordinator who mainly endeavours to create the 'home like atmosphere' described above. They do the grocery shopping and cook meals, and may act as caretaker of the building and its grounds.
  3. Who may apply for accommodation?
    If you are over the age of 60, reasonably fit, and are uncertain about your current housing you may consider applying. Preferences often given to people with local connnections. Some applicants may be asked to go on a waiting list if no immediate vacancy is available.
  4. Can married couples be accommodated?
    Since Abbeyfield's priority has been to house people who are living alone, most rooms are unsuitable for married couples. Howeve, there may be a few exceptions
  5. What are the monthly charges for room and board?
    Naturally, costs vary from House to House, but rates are often more favourable than retirement homes. Please inquire more directly. The aim is also that low income should not be a barrier to residing in an Abbeyfield House.
  6. a) Is there and upper limit of income?
    No.
    b) Is a capital deposit required?
    Some Abbeyfield Houses have resident funded units.
  7. Do I need to be sponsored?
    We ask each applicant to designate a trusted relative, friend, or professional advisor who can be contacted and consulted in case of an emergency or other difficulty. No financial involvment is required on their part.
  8. Are there rules and regulations?
    There are usually no rules and regulations other than those of normal household courtesy. You will be totally free to do as you choose, to come and go as you wish. Abbeyfield is your home.
  9. Is smoking forbidden?
    Each house makes its own decision about smoking.
  10. What type of personal belongings may I bring?
    You will need to frunish your own room. However, if you have little or no furniture, some Abbeyfield Societies may be able to help you acquire suitable furnishings.
  11. Will someone clean my room and do my laundry?
    No, each occupant is usually responsible for their owh room and laundry, but cleaning supplies and laundry facilities are available. If you need help, you may wish to employ domestic help at your own expense.
  12. Will I have to share bathroom facilities?
    Bathroom failities vary from House to House. Some Abbeyfield Houses provide a private sink and toilet for each room, with bathing facilities shared. In other houses, all bathroom facilities may be private.
  13. Could I bring my pet?
    A small caged bird or a goldfish possibly, but not likely a dog or cat.
  14. What meals will be provided?
    To maximize your flexibility, you are usually responsible for making your own breakfast.
    However lunch and dinner are prepared daily. If you know you will be away for a meal, just let the House Coordinator know ahead of time.
  15. Can an Abbeyfield House cope with a special diet?
    Yes, if the House Coordinator understands the diet and feels able to prepare it.
  16. May I do some cooking or gardening?
    If you enjoy cooking or gardening (or any other activities), you will most likely have the opportunity to engage in them. Just let the House Coordinator know what you want to do.
  17. What happens if I become ill?
    As in any family household, minor ailments are dealt with at the house. If you are hospitalized, it is taken for granted that you will return to your room at Abbeyfield - provided that it is the wisest thing for you to do.
  18. What if I should need nursing care?
    Whle Abbeyfield Houses do not provide nursing care, a visiting nurse may be able to address your needs. However, if you can no longer look after yourself in your own room, other arrangements may have to be made by you with the help of your designated relative, friend or advisor.
  19. Can I try the life-style first?
    Sometimes a House may have a guest room that would allow you to try out the life-style before you move. Abbeyfield encourages applicants to keep their former housing arrangement available until they feel settled.
  20. Can my friends or family have lunch or stay over night?
    Let the House Coordinator know in advance. Often another plate can easily be added to the table. Some Houses have a guest room or sofa-sleeper that can accommodate overnight guests.
  21. Can I have a full list of the addresses of the occupants?
    Our Houses are the private addresses of the occupants, therefore lists are not available.
    However, you may inquire about the availability of a House in a specific area, and the address of a local Society representative can be made available to you.
  22. Why isn't there a Society at...?
    Volunteers in a given area start a Society. If you or someone you know would like to establish an Abbeyfield House, please write to the National office for more information.