Who can apply for a place at Rider House?

Places at Abbeyfield Houses are open to all older people in the community  without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, culture, social or financial status.

Any potential resident (and/or relative, friend or advocate) showing an interest in coming into Rider House should, at an early stage, be encouraged to visit, making arrangements with the Housekeeper, even if we do not have any immediate vacancies. You will be asked to complete an application form. On receipt of the completed form you will be asked to come along to the house so that an assessment of your needs can be carried out and to enable you to see what the house is like if you have not visited before.

We select residents according to their needs for this type of accommodation and care that we can offer. In particular, if your present accommodation is no longer suitable for you, if you feel isolated and lonely and feel unable to cope much longer on your own, then we give you priority.

We will need to make an assessment of you and your health and we will ask you to let us ask your doctor or consultant about you. If while you are with us you become less fit, then we promise to look after you for as long as we can and as long as it is your best interest for us to do so.

How does all this happen?

You will be invited to stay at the house for a few days, to see if you like living with us and if you think this type of accommodation is what you want. You will be shown a room that could possibly be yours and we will talk about furniture, carpets and curtains, redecoration and so on.

We will need to talk (in confidence) about money. Not everyone can afford for long the modest charges that Abbeyfield homes make. You may be eligible for housing benefits/Supporting People grants towards the rental charge. If you need personal care the local authority Social Services department will assess you and your circumstances if you ask them to help with the cost.

What if I want to know anything else?

Please feel free to raise any concerns or questions you may have with the housekeeper or a member of the committee. If you want to know more about the Abbeyfield Society, you can contact our Secretary or the Society's head office at St. Albans on 01727 857536

A printable application form is available for download here.