a) What does it cost to be a resident and what’s included ?

 

Residency charges at Brian Lewis House are deliberately kept at an economical, affordable level. They are set annually, payable on a monthly basis.

A standard room costs from about £1,300 per month. A few larger rooms, when they become available, cost a little more.

 

Charges are ‘all inclusive’ i.e. cover all essential living expenses. These include: enjoyment of a private room with ensuite bathroom; access anytime to all communal rooms and garden; all food (with two hot meals every day); utilities (heating, electricity and water); cleaning of residents’ rooms and communal areas of the house ; repairs and maintenance of the house and garden; laundry; and security (all rooms have an emergency telephone alarm button for call-out assistance).   The only extra bill to pay is a resident’s telephone line and TV licence.   

 

 b) Will you need to know my financial circumstances ?

The Society will need to ask you how you will meet the charges and will request you sign an occupancy agreement in which you undertake to pay for the services to be provided. We do not, however, make detailed enquiries into your financial affairs. All personal information that we do request is always treated in the strictest confidence.
 

We ask residents to nominate a trusted relative, friend or professional adviser to be a sponsor, or representative, who can be contacted and consulted in case of emergency. No financial involvement is required; rather it is the sponsor’s continuing interest and support that is important. The role of the sponsor is to support a resident, ensure that his/her interests are met and to liaise with the Society in times of illness or if there is a problem.
 

You would usually move into an unfurnished room, although it will have carpet and curtains. This is to allow you to bring your own choice of furniture and furnishings into your room. The room will be decorated to a high standard.
 

Lunch and evening meal are provided. Food and facilities are available for you to prepare your own breakfast and snacks when you wish. Special diets can usually be accommodated. Talk about your particular needs as soon as is convenient and certainly when you stay with us on a trial visit.
 

f) Can I continue my current arrangement with my personal carer visiting?
 

Yes, any care package you have in place can be continued at Brian Lewis House – possibly with the same carers if you have been living locally. Should your requirements change at any time, we can help you extend the care by liaising with local services.
 

Yes, in your room - but not in bed! However, smoking is not permitted in the common areas of the house, including lounge, dining area, conservatory, kitchen, corridors and hallway.
 

Brian Lewis is intended to be your home. There are no rules other than those which are designed to ensure your safety and common courtesy to other people in the house.
 

i) Could I bring my pet ?
 

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate pets at Brian Lewis House. However, we can put you in touch with an organisation which will find your pet a good home.
 

There is a phone point and TV aerial in each room. A telephone would be installed at your expense. There is also a communal television.
 

We have a thorough procedure which allows you time to get to know the house. This includes the opportunity for you to stay with us for a few days to see whether the house and its services are suitable.
 

Minor illnesses may be managed in-house. Longer-term frailty can be covered by buying in care services – privately or through Social Services Departments. If you become very frail, it may be advisable to move to an Abbeyfield registered care home or one run by another organisation. Should you require long-term nursing care, then other arrangements may have to be made in consultation with you, your sponsor, family or friends and the local health authority. If you have to stay in hospital for any reason, you would normally come back to Brian Lewis House when you are well enough. If, however, your illness had seriously damaged your health, the hospital and the Society might

need to do an ‘assessment’ before your discharge to ensure that enough support can be given at the house.

 m) What is a registered care home ?

If you become unable to look after yourself in your own room, you may need the additional facilities provided by an Abbeyfield care home. This type of home provides 24-hour care and a wider range of support than provided at Brian Lewis House. Such homes are usually larger houses too.
 

n) Why can’t I choose an Abbeyfield house as I would an hotel ?

An Abbeyfield house is a small household rather than a public hotel. Each society has a responsibility to assess the needs of those who apply for its limited number of rooms. Inevitably, some are selected, but not others. Full details of our selection procedure are available from our Administrator.
 

In principle, there are no limits to the length of time a friend or relative can stay, subject to availability. Our Administrator can advise on terms and costs.
 
 

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