A clean home creates comfort, confidence and a warm sense of wellbeing - especially in later life.
A clean and comfortable home is one of life’s simple pleasures. It brings calm, supports wellbeing, and helps every day feel brighter. For many older people, knowing that the environment around them is cared for brings true peace of mind.
Our Sheltered Housing is designed to make life feel easier. While residents enjoy the independence of their own private rooms, our dedicated teams ensure that communal spaces - the heart of our homes - are kept warm, welcoming, and hygienic.
Cleanliness is part of how Abbeyfield helps residents feel relaxed, cared for and at home.
Please note: While we take full responsibility for shared areas, cleaning of resident private rooms is not provided as standard. However, a number of our homes may offer this as an additional service. Please enquire with your local House Manager for details.
Cleanliness at a glance
- Cleanliness supports health, comfort, dignity and emotional wellbeing.
- Regular routines reduce germs, allergens and fall risks in later-life settings.
- Communal areas are cleaned daily to create a pleasant, hygienic environment.
- Housekeeping helps residents enjoy independence without the strain of heavy chores.
What cleanliness means in Abbeyfield Sheltered Housing
Cleanliness at Abbeyfield is more than tidying or housekeeping. It is a commitment to maintaining a comfortable, hygienic environment where residents feel safe and relaxed. Our homes are cleaned regularly by trained staff who focus on shared areas, kitchens, communal bathrooms and high-touch surfaces.
This includes:
- Daily cleaning of communal areas.
- Regular maintenance of shared kitchens and dining rooms.
- Clean and tidy outdoor spaces.
- Laundry facilities (with support in some homes).
- Housekeeping for resident rooms depending on location.
Cleanliness supports independence by removing the physical strain of maintaining a home, while keeping the environment calm and comfortable.
Why cleanliness matters in later-life housing
- Comfort and wellbeing: a clean home helps residents enjoy their surroundings, relax and feel settled.
- Health and hygiene: according to NHS guidance, regular cleaning reduces germs, allergens and the likelihood of common infections in communal living settings.
- Safety: clutter-free, well-maintained spaces help reduce fall risks, especially for older adults according to Age UK.
- Independence: clean, organised spaces make it easier for residents to move around safely and confidently.
- Peace of mind for families: families appreciate knowing their loved one is living in a home that is consistently cared for and hygienic.
How cleanliness supports residents across Abbeyfield services
Independent Living
Residents often manage their own cleaning, but many homes offer optional housekeeping to help ease the load.
Sheltered Housing
Daily cleaning of communal spaces is standard, with some homes including housekeeping support for private rooms. This is especially valuable for those who appreciate a little extra help.
Residential Care Homes
Cleaning routines are more frequent and tailored to care needs. Resident rooms, bathrooms and communal areas are maintained to high hygiene standards.
Dementia Friendly Care Homes
Frequent cleaning routines as mentioned under Residential Care Homes. Calm, clutter-free spaces support orientation and reduce overstimulation, which is particularly important for people living with dementia.
Cleanliness across service types (comparison table):
| Cleanliness Attribute | Independent Living | Sheltered Housing | Residential Care | Dementia-Friendly Care |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communal area cleaning | Varies by home | Daily | Daily | Daily |
| Room cleaning | Self-managed | Self-managed | Fully included | Fully included |
| Bathroom hygiene | Self-managed | Self-managed | Regular cleaning | Regular cleaning |
| Laundry support | Self-managed | Facilities available in many homes | Provided | Provided |
| Infection control | Self-managed | Staff supported | High standard | High standard |
(Swipe horizontally to view full table)
If you would like to learn more about how we keep our homes clean, comfortable and welcoming, our team is here to help.
Find a home near you and talk to our friendly team today
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Communal lounges, dining rooms and shared spaces are usually cleaned every day to maintain a hygienic and pleasant environment. This includes surfaces, floors and high-use touchpoints.
Not typically, although this varies by home. It is best to check directly with your preferred location.
Yes. Cleaning routines follow guidance that helps reduce germs, allergens and infection risks - particularly important in shared living settings. NHS guidance emphasises good hygiene for older people.
All houses offer communal laundry facilities for resident use, while some of our services provide support with laundry as part of the service.
Clutter-free and well-maintained spaces help reduce fall risks and create smoother movement through the home.
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.