Abbeyfield Wessex Society

15/09/2026

How do you start a conversation about a change of living situation? 💜

Talking about where and how someone lives — and whether things might need to change — can feel like a difficult conversation to begin.

Here are a few gentle ways to open the conversation, listen to what matters to them and explore what might be possible.

Sometimes, it’s simply about starting the conversation.

14/09/2026

A really interesting perspective on how the places we live and the communities around us can support healthy ageing. 💜

At Abbeyfield Wessex, we believe that living well is about more than having a place to live — it’s about connection, companionship, independence and feeling part of a community.

This is an important conversation, and well worth a read. 👇

These World Health Organization figures make one thing clear: responding to cognitive decline is not only about medical care. It is also about the places where people live, the relationships they maintain and the opportunities they have to remain active and involved.

The Abbeyfield model offers a practical, community-based response:
• Small, homelike houses where residents live with others—not alone.
• Shared meals and everyday conversation that create regular social contact.
• Opportunities to participate, contribute and maintain familiar routines.
• A supportive environment that encourages independence while reducing isolation.
• A model that can be adapted across countries and cultures.

Abbeyfield is not a treatment or cure for dementia, and social connection alone cannot remove the risk of cognitive decline. However, homes that foster companionship, participation and belonging can help address several issues identified in the WHO report, including social isolation, inactivity and loss of connection.

Alongside accessible health services and professional support, we need more age-friendly homes and communities where older people can live with dignity, purpose and connection. Abbeyfield is one part of that solution: bringing people together, strengthening communities and helping older people age well.

Read more here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240123557

14/09/2026

There’s always more to discover about our residents! 💜

We’ve loved hearing Maureen’s story — from living in Greece to becoming a published author, with some beautiful illustrations along the way.

What a fantastic achievement, Maureen! 👏

11/09/2026

Many of Abbeyfield Wessex's houses have regular exercise sessions. These are often open to all (please check with your local house). Keep fit, and have fun the Abbeyfield way! 🙌💜

10/09/2026

Didn't we have a lovely time at Poole Quay!

Residents from Pennant House, Poole, headed out with the team for a lovely trip to Poole Quay — complete with a delicious pub lunch and a little bit of dodging the raindrops! 😄

Despite the showers, everyone had a fantastic day, enjoying the fresh sea air, good food and, most importantly, good company.

That’s the Abbeyfield spirit! 💜✨

10/09/2026

Let’s go on a scarecrow hunt!

The residents at Abbeyfield House Bradford on Avon have really got into the autumnal spirit and have spent some time making these fabulous mini scarecrows to hide around the house, creating a trail for our young friends from the local nursery to find.

We absolutely love spending time with the children, who had so much fun running around the house searching for the hidden scarecrows!

They even discovered our life-size scarecrow, who they proudly named Billy.
We think Billy has settled in rather nicely at Abbeyfield!

Our young friends were so inspired they went on to create their own - aren't they fabulous? What do you think their names should be?

08/09/2026

Could you help shape the future of Abbeyfield Wessex? 💜

We’re looking for two new volunteer Trustees to join our Board and help us build a strong and sustainable future for our charity and the older people we serve.

Abbeyfield Wessex provides independent living accommodation across 13 houses in the Wessex region, helping older people stay independent while enjoying the companionship, community and support that Abbeyfield provides.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people with financial expertise, legal experience and/or knowledge of regulation in the social housing sector. We’re also keen to create a more diverse Board and welcome people who can bring different perspectives, experience and ideas.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to use your skills and experience to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: 31 October 2026
Full details on our website www.abbeyfieldwessex.org

Abbeyfield House Chipping Sodbury Abbeyfield England

08/09/2026

We’re hiring at Clandon House, Dorchester!

Are you organised, reliable and enjoy working as part of a team?

We’re looking for a part-time Kitchen Assistant to join the team at Clandon House, helping our chef prepare fresh, high-quality meals for the people who live in our welcoming Abbeyfield home.

It’s a role where what you do each day really matters — from helping the kitchen run smoothly to contributing to enjoyable mealtimes for our residents. 💜

The role:
Clandon House, Dorchester
18 hours per week – 6 hours per day
£12.90 per hour
Alternate weekend working

We’re looking for someone who can be a proactive member of the kitchen team and share our commitment to enhancing the lives of older people living independently.

Interested? Find out more from our website www.abbeyfieldwessex.org

06/09/2026

What do our residents love about life at Abbeyfield? 💜

It’s the little things that make a big difference – friendly faces, good company, home-cooked meals, shared laughter, activities to enjoy and the comfort of knowing there’s support when it’s needed.

Here's what our residents said are the main things they love about life at Abbeyfield.

Find out more about independent living with Abbeyfield Wessex on our website https://abbeyfieldwessex.org/blog

05/09/2026

Abbeyfield FAQs 💜

We’ve been answering some of the questions we’re most often asked about life at Abbeyfield Wessex — from food and costs to community, independence and making your space feel like home.

But is there more you’d like to know?

Perhaps the best way to find out if an Abbeyfield Wessex property is the right fit for you is to come and visit us. Have a coffee, enjoy lunch, chat with our residents and take a tour. ☕️🍽️

And if you like what you see, you can even come and stay with us for a one-month trial, with no obligation*.

What happens next? Simply get in touch with your local Abbeyfield Wessex property to arrange a visit. We’d love to welcome you.

Want to see all of our FAQs in one place? Take a look at our latest blog on our website https://abbeyfieldwessex.org/

*Please speak to the House Manager for details and eligibility.