Making community living Accessible: the Abbeyfield approach
Finding the right home in later life is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about feeling at ease, keeping your independence and knowing what everything costs - with no surprises.
At Abbeyfield, affordability isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into how we design our communities, the way we structure charges and the support we offer to help residents make the most of their money.
Many older people tell us they want a friendly community, light-touch support and clear prices they can plan around. Families want the same - a fair, transparent approach that gives peace of mind. As a long-standing charity, Abbeyfield reinvests for residents and communities, aiming to keep life simple, sociable and great value.
Our approach to affordable senior living is simple - transparent prices, everyday value and guidance on the benefits that may help, so residents can focus on living well.
Affordability at a glance
- Clear, predictable charges: monthly costs cover your home and shared spaces, with transparent service charges explained in plain English.
- Everyday value: shared meals, activities and maintained spaces reduce individual outgoings and the hidden costs of living alone.
- Guidance on entitlement options: many residents supplement their rent through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit which can help towards with rent and service charges. We can help signpost you to the application process.
- Community benefits: living among friends helps reduce isolation and loneliness, which supports wellbeing and can lower health risks and unplanned costs.
What “affordable” means at Abbeyfield
Affordability means clarity, fairness and support. Residents see what they pay for - their own space plus the shared lounges, gardens and dining rooms that make daily life easier and friendlier. Service elements are explained up front, and we help residents understand which costs may be eligible for support (e.g., certain service charges via Universal Credit where criteria are met).
As a charity and not-for-profit housing and care provider, founded in 1956, our aim is to keep quality high and costs reasonable, reinvesting into homes and community life rather than paying shareholders. The result is accessible community living that balances independence with gentle reassurance.
Why affordability matters for later-life living
- Comfort and control: knowing the monthly total helps with financial planning and avoids variable and unexpected household bills.
- Financial support pathways: Pension Credit or Universal Credit can top up income and unlock further help.
- Covering essential service charges: our team provides clear guidance on service charges, helping you identify the specific costs that qualify for financial support so you don’t pay more than you need to
- Wellbeing: NHS and Age UK highlight that loneliness can harm health; a sociable setting supports mood and confidence.
Affordable doesn’t mean basic - it means right-sized, transparent and supportive so residents can live well.
How affordability works across Abbeyfield services
Here is a summary of our carious services to help you coonsider our value for money:
Independent Living
- Staff on-site during the day (if needed)
- Self-contained apartments for over-55s with easy access to communal areas such as lounges, activity rooms and dining rooms.
- You manage your own household budget with optional paid services such as meals.
- May suit those who want lower ongoing property maintenance while staying fully independent.
Sheltered Housing
- Private rooms or apartments with shared lounges and dining.
- Predictable monthly costs; many homes include regular meals, utilities, council tax and activities, reducing the need to budget for solo food and leisure costs.
- Staff on site (typically during the day), to provide every day advice and support.
Residential Care
- For those needing daily personal care with personalised care plans.
- Staff available and on-site 24/7.
- All meals, refreshments and bills included.
- Private en-suite rooms with shared lounges, activity rooms and dining rooms.
- Planned activities tailored to resident requests organised by an Activities Coordinator.
- Fees are higher due to staffing and care costs; CQC-regulated standards apply across England.
Dementia-Friendly Care
- All of the above mentioned in Residential Care with the addition of specialist dementia support.
- Clear fees reflecting higher staffing and therapeutic environments, with CQC regulatory oversight.
Affordability comparison table across our various service categories
| Affordability attribute | Independent Living | Sheltered Housing | Residential Care | Dementia-Friendly Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home and Accommodation | Self-contained apartment or bungalow. | Private en-suite room within a supported community. | Private en-suite room. | Specialist designed secure room/suite. |
| Care & Support | Maintenance and communal support included. | Housing-related support and wellbeing checks. | Full personal care and 24-hour support. | Full personal care, and specialised 24/7 memory care. |
| What’s typically included |
|
|
|
|
| Safety & Security | On-site staff. Secure entry and emergency call systems. | On-site staff presence and 24hr emergency cover. | Fully CQC regulated and monitored safe environment. | Secure, dementia-friendly navigation and safety. |
| Predictability of monthly costs | Medium | High | High | High |
| Potential subsidised benefits |
|
|
|
|
| Community and wellbeing value | Strong | Very Strong | Very strong care-led value | Strong clinical and therapeutic value |
Curious about how our prices work in your area and whether you could receive support with costs?
Find a home near you, talk to our friendly team, and arrange a visit to see how Abbeyfield makes community living accessible.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Downsizing running costs, sharing well-maintained spaces, and having regular meals, activities and utilities included in many sheltered houses can reduce separate monthly outgoings.
Yes, depending on your circumstances. Pension Credit can increase your income and open access to further help such as Universal Credit. Contact your nearest home for further information.
Yes. Where personal care is provided, services in England are regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Unlike care homes, sheltered housing is not inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Instead, all our housing services are regulated by The Regulator of Social Housing. We strictly adhere to their comprehensive standards and guidance to ensure your home is safe, well-managed, and provides a high-quality living environment.
The NHS and Age UK highlight that loneliness can harm health; being connected can support wellbeing and reduce risks associated with isolation.
While our house teams cannot complete applications on your behalf, we are here to support you. We can provide direct links to official resources and connect you with expert local advisors to guide you through the process.
Next steps
What type of care do I need?
If you think you, or someone you know, needs care, the first step is to get a care needs assessment from your local council. We've put together a guide on the care needs assessment process, how to prepare and what happens after you've had an assessment.
When is the right time to move into a care home?
Arranging care at home or moving into residential care or sheltered living can be a complex process, but we’re here to help. We’ll take you through paying for care, step by step.
Housing options for older people
If you’re thinking about where you might like to move as you get older we can help. We've listed some housing options for older people for you to explore and find out the difference between each.