Wagga Murrumbidgee

 
Wagga Murrumbidgee welcomed Abbeyfield Australia which is a national not-for-profit community housing provider and the peak body representing 26 independent Abbeyfield Societies in towns and suburb across Australia.
 
Abbeyfield Australia currently provides three types of affordable accommodation:
  • assisted independent living for adults with mild intellectual disabilities
  • 'low care' (Hostel) aged care accommodation
  • assisted independent living for those aged 55+.
What is an Abbeyfield House?
  • Ten residents share a spacious purpose built house.
  • The houses are integrated into the streetscape and are non-institutional in design and operation.
  • Every resident has a private and comfortable bedroom sitter (with ensuite).
  • A guest room is available for visiting family and friends.
  • The house has a fully furnished lounge room, dining room, and laundry. Residents furnish their private bedrooms and ensuite.
  • Nutritious midday and evening meals are prepared daily (weekdays) by a live-in house keeper. Breakfast provisions are also provided. (A single meal is served on Saturdays and Sundays, and provisions for provided for other meals.)
  • Every Abbeyfield House has a 'live–in' professional housekeeper. The housekeeper keeps the common areas of the house spic and span, does the shopping and cooks superb meals! An Abbeyfield Housekeepers is a valued employee but their role does not include being a maid or butler to residents.
  • Residents must maintain and clean their own private room / ensuite and do their own laundry.
  • Residents must abide by House rules centered on respect for other residents and the house. Residents are encouraged to participate in house life and sometimes assist with minor house keeping chores.
  • Every Abbeyfield house or hostel is managed by a legally incorporated Association overseen by a local community Committee of Management. It is a local solution to a local need and exists because of our wonderful Abbeyfield volunteers and much community support.
  • An Abbeyfield House is designed to help people stay independent and active in their community, whilst providing some day to day living support.
 
 
What does is cost to live in an Abbeyfield House?
  • The fortnightly rent in an Abbeyfield House is based on 70 per cent of the basic aged care pension/disability pension, plus federal rent assistance.
  • The rent covers the majority of household expenses including meals, electricity, property maintenance, heating & cooling, rates and employment of the Housekeeper. Residents must pay for any personal items (such as clothing, toiletries, insurance of personal belongings, and laundry detergents etc. If a resident has a private telephone, then he/she also pays all costs associated with it.)
  • The new Abbeyfield house to be built in Wagga will be for young adults with mild physical or mental disability. In December 2012 a steering committee researched the need for this type of accommodation and facility in Wagga with a resounding need established. In July 2014, the committee secured $1.5 million dollars which helped in securing a block of land close to shops and amenities in Stanley Street, Kooringal. The house requires another $250 000 from the local community to furnish the house, landscaping and final touches. After this point the house is self funded. It is aimed at 20-40 year olds who are too young for nursing homes but need basic support and appropriate housing. It is a small concept but provides quality housing and gives families with disabled children an option for the future. The home will hopefully be completed in 2017, and although the concept plans are in further government funding is required for completion.
  • For more information on the new Abbeyfield House please contact Lyn on 0408460443 or bandlquigley@bigpond.com