Moving home during Covid-19
If you're considering a move, here’s all you need to know about moving home during Covid-19 into an Abbeyfield South Downs house.
We are now open to new residents. So here’s all you need to know about moving into an Abbeyfield South Downs house during Covid-19.
If lockdown has been lonely or isolating, you may be considering a move to a supportive, friendly, retirement community.
Supported Living offers many benefits, from companionship to hearty home-cooked meals. It is great for those who value independence but also appreciate the reassurance of a supportive environment.
Our houses are open to new tenants and we can promise a warm welcome, friendly supportive staff with the reassurance of living in a Covid secure home.
Companionship not care
We are a home that cares, but not a care home. Instead, we offer homely rooms where you live independently, with communal areas available. This means you have the benefit of our supportive services and the freedom to live as you wish.
Of course, we remain vigilant across our houses in preventing the spread of Coronavirus to protect our residents and staff. We have implemented measures to help keep everyone as safe as possible.
11 Ways we are keeping safe
Here are eleven ways we are supporting our residents during Covid-19.
- Infection control – Hand sanitisers are available all around our houses, and we are cleaning frequent touchpoints and communal areas regularly. All our staff have received infection control guidance, and many have completed Covid-19 infection control accredited training.
- PPE – Our staff have been provided with PPE and will not enter your room without wearing it.
- Social distance – Our staff work in Covid secure environments and our dining areas are arranged to ensure a 2-metre distance between residents.
- Home-cooked meals – Home-cooked meals mean that residents do not need to worry about food shopping or deliveries, as delicious, nutritious food can be enjoyed every day.
- Social contact – Although we ask you to maintain a 2-metre distance, you can socialise with others at the house and arrange small events. Our communal areas are only open to residents, so we can keep the areas Covid secure for our residents and staff.
- Family visits – You are welcome to invite your visitors to your room. We ask that you only have one household visit at a time. Only have as many people as you can accommodate with 2-metre distancing in your room. Ask your visitor to follow our infection control procedures when moving through the house to your room. Unfortunately, we cannot permit visitors in our communal areas.
- Staying connected – You’ll have your 24hrs community alarm in case of feeling unwell or emergency. We can also help you arrange WIFI and set up your own digital devices, or arrange video calling from our own equipment.
- Keeping you informed – With so much information issued, we’ll keep you informed of changes to Government policy and Abbeyfield South Downs protective procedures in a clear and simple format.
- Support if you must self-isolate – We’ll be there to check on you and provide meals to your room. You only need to stay safe and focus on keeping well.
- Testing – Staff can help arrange a test for anyone with Covid-19 symptoms.
- Government Guidelines – We look to apply the least restrictive measures on our residents, whilst following the latest Government Guidelines to ensure the safety of residents and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How can I look around the home?
We can send you a virtual tour by email or WhatsApp. In-person viewings are arranged by appointment at times when there is the least amount of people around. We will carry out a simple screening form and ask you to wear a mask while viewing the house.Our staff will provide you will full details of our procedures when arranging an in-person viewing with you.
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Will I be tested before I move in?
Ideally yes. But if that’s not possible we will complete a simple screening form. If you are feeling unwell prior to your move, you must obtain a test and delay your move until you are feeling well again.Once you move in, we ask that you follow our social distancing and infection control precautions.
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Will I have to self-isolate?
You only need to self -isolate if you have symptoms of Covid-19 or you have been in close contact with someone with Covid-19. As we are operating social distancing within the houses, you do not need to routinely isolate after moving in.
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Can families visit Abbeyfield South Downs residents? What restrictions or measures are in place?
Yes, families can visit providing they do not have symptoms of Covid -19.
- Wash/sanitise your hands-on arrival at the house
- Ensure you sign in, so we may track and trace you if needed
- Wear a mask
- Travel directly to the room of the resident you are visiting
- Maintain social distance whilst moving through the house
- Avoid touching surfaces
- Avoid using the lift; if it needs to be used a mask & gloves must be worn
Our staff need to be able to work in a safe environment, therefore we cannot permit visiting in our communal areas or access to our kitchens.Our staff cannot monitor the movements of visitors in our houses; we expect everyone to join in the collective responsibility to keep residents, staff and visitors safe.
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Are there still communal activities or opportunities to socialise with other residents?
Yes (as mentioned above). Although we ask you to maintain a 2-metre distance, you can socialise with others at the house and arrange small events. Our communal areas are only open to residents, so we can keep the areas Covid secure for our residents and staff.
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What are the costs?
Our rents start around £300 per week inclusive of all service charges. Our management team will be happy to discuss your individual circumstances. Abbeyfield South Downs welcomes people eligible for Housing Benefit.