I had been looking for a supported living option for my elderly mother. She didn’t need full blown residential care, but help with some aspects of everyday living, including meal preparation. I was finding the options were quite limited, until I found Abbeyfield after a search online.

The concept of living within a shared house, as a household, with meals provided, sounded as though it could meet my mother’s needs.

My first impressions on visiting Prestbury House one morning were of a warm, homely atmosphere. There was a delicious aroma of lunch being cooked, and the cook was busy planning meals for the rest of the week. The dining room table was set for lunch (residents eat together), and there was a bowl of fruit on a side table for residents to help themselves to throughout the day. There were fresh flowers throughout the house, adding to the feeling of this being a personal home rather than an institutional environment.

The light and airy room and ensuite bathroom we were shown were freshly decorated and included a fridge and small sink area for making drinks and preparing snacks if desired, in between main meals.

Outside, the gardens were well stocked with trees, shrubs and flowers, and there were areas for sitting outside in warmer weather.

My mother had a 4-week trial stay and on the day she arrived, her rooms were warm, cosy and welcoming. The other residents had written her a card to make her feel welcome.

Within a few days I could see the benefits Abbeyfield was providing for my mother. She was enjoying having her meals prepared, as well as the social aspect of eating together with other residents and chatting with them in the communal lounge. The lockdowns of the past year have been very isolating, so this increased socialisation was greatly beneficial to her mental health.

The trial stay was a success, and my mother has now made Prestbury House her permanent home. I am happy that she is safe, eating well and socialising, whilst still retaining her independence.

My mother will never be lonely at the Prestbury house, as there is always somebody to talk to, be it the House Manager, Sue, a member of the team or one of the residents – it really does feel like an extended family where everyone is made to feel welcome.

Are you, or a loved one, interested in becoming a resident at one of our Abbeyfield Gloucestershire Society homes during Covid, or want to find out more information about our houses, please get in touch.