Older residents seeking companionship have an independent option to help them live their retirement years in comfort.
Abbeyfield Australia is a national not-for-profit community housing provider with a base in Melton South.
The organisation offers places for ten Melton pensioners, over the age of 55, offering assisted ‘low care’ or assisted independent living aged care accommodation.
Residents are able to live independently while benefiting from a full-time housekeeper and all meals are provided.
The Melton South house was purpose-built on land donated by Melton council 27 years ago, with the project sponsored by the local Lioness Club.
Alice Kerr works as the live-in housekeeper for the Melton South house, which is managed by a voluntary committee and operates off donations.
“It’s a really good step for people who have lost their husband or lost their wife and they’re in a unit on their own, and they’re lonely,” Ms Kerr said.
While some residents have the option to receive extra care to meet their individual needs, the house provides autonomy for older people as well as a sense of community.
“It’s independent living and you can come and go as you please, it’s not a nursing home at all,” Ms Kerr said.
“Everybody watches for each other and everybody looks after each other, the fact is there’s always somebody there.
“There’s always someone to chat to in the lounge, somebody to go for a walk down to the shop with.”
Abbeyfield house in Melton South currently has vacancies.
Details: www.abbeyfield.org.au
