On Saturday 29^th June, we hosted a party at Kift Lodge to mark ten years since it first opened its doors.

Since 2014, Kift Lodge has been providing a unique opportunity to people in later life to maintain their freedom and quality of life while having access to a community of support and company.

Purpose-built after the former house and land were generously donated to them by well-loved local character Peter Kift, it is one of four houses run by Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham.

Joleigh, the house manager, has welcomed many residents over the 8 years.

“I love making sure residents feel like they’re ‘home’ and they matter – because they do,” she said. “We may not provide care, but we do care. That’s what makes people so happy here and why they stay at Kift Lodge.”

The residents’ feedback is testament to this. Of her decision to move to Kift Lodge, resident Val said: “You always know in your heart and your mind that you’ve chosen the right place with Abbeyfield. I just like the atmosphere and the freedom. There’s always somebody to help when you need it.”

Residents’ families also benefit from the reassurance that Kift Lodge provides: “Truly she hasn’t looked back -she’s so happy there,” said Gail of her mum. “Where she used to live, she was finding it hard to go out, felt a bit friendless and a bit lonely. Now she goes into the park every day and meets people there and people on her table are pally – she’s certainly not lonely anymore.”

The past ten years have not been without their challenges, the pandemic being the main one.   “I felt very sad when we had to isolate residents and serve them meals alone in their rooms, rather than in the communal areas,“  said Joleigh. “The testing requirements were a struggle, but the residents and staff really pulled together.”

There have also been many heartwarming moments, a party for a resident unable to celebrate her 90^th birthday with family being one. “It was like a wedding breakfast,” explained Joleigh. “Some of her family were able to join in from outside; it was such a memorable occasion; she still talks about it.”

Community and connection are at the heart of the Abbeyfield ethos, and the Hanham community has provided their support in abundance over the last ten years. Joleigh said: “We’re extremely grateful to the many groups and individuals in the community for helping us to provide our residents with a fulfilling stay at Kift Lodge, from the pupils at Christ Church School who have given their time to our chaplain Reverend Anne-Louise Critchlow and Reverend John Goodridge from Christ Church Hanham.”

So, what do the next 10 years have in store for Kift Lodge? Adam Rees, Abbeyfield Bristol & Keynsham’s CEO said: “Our priority is to keep helping people in later life stay independent without being lonely. We actively seek to help residents live well and socialise, at the same time providing them with financial peace of mind.

“We’re looking forward to further developing our community connections, supporting existing residents and help more people in later life to benefit from Kift Lodge’s beautiful surroundings, enviable location and distinctive offering.”

You can find out more about Kift Lodge and are other houses here.