A post by CEO, Adam Rees

Moving house is stressful at the best of times. But moving out of a home you’ve lived in for decades? That is a whole different level of daunting.

At Abbeyfield Bristol and Keynsham, we are aware of the emotional pressures on prospective residents, and we don’t expect anyone to make a massive commitment on day one. Instead, we offer a trial month, essentially a low-pressure, high-comfort “test drive” of what life looks like here.

Above: Room 19 at Henleaze House, Westbury

This is one of our rooms at our Henleaze House, freshly prepped by the team for a new resident. Our amazing team ensures everything is sorted before they even step through the door:

• 🛋️ Cozy furniture in place.
• 🛏️ Fresh bedding ready to go.
• 🍫 A welcome basket of treats.

Why trial stays works (and why I love them)

As a leader, I’m incredibly proud of this brilliant approach for two reasons:

1.  It lowers the stakes: It removes the paralysing weight of an “absolute decision”. Many new residents come to us after a significant life event such as a bereavement or illness. This is not the time to be forced into permanent life decisions. It turns out, when you remove the pressure, people can actually relax. 

2. It ensures the right fit: It gives people a chance to see if they actually enjoy Abbeyfield life before they change their address, pack up their lives, or say goodbye to a beloved home. For us, it’s also a gentle way to ensure a prospective resident can maintain their independence and get the most out of living with us.

There’s a common misconception that moving into an retirement living means giving up your freedom. Our model proves the opposite. Our fantastic staff handle the exhausting bits like paying the bills, cooking meals, organising activities and doing a deep clean. But our residents very much live their own lives, using the house as a perfect, supportive base to explore Bristol, catching up with old and new friends.

Making it official 🏡

The system clearly works, because most people who join us for a trial choose to stay permanently. Once that trial month is up and they’ve decided this is home, the real fun begins, as they have creative control over their flat. There is nothing better than seeing a room transformed with a resident’s own cherished furniture, mismatched family photos, and sentimental knick-knacks.

We don’t just provide a room; we provide a space where people can bring their history with them.

If you’d like to find out more about our trial month and available rooms please get in touch with the team on 0117 973 6997.