About Us

What is Abbeyfield

Abbeyfield is a nation wide volunteer-led charity providing housing with support or care for older people.

The Abbeyfield (Lancaster) Society

The Abbeyfield (Lancaster) Society is an independent society within the Abbeyfield organisation.  It has two houses, Aldcliffe House, a supported sheltered house and Chirnside House, a registered care home.

Chirnside House was purpose built in 1994 and extended in 2004.  The building has been planned and equipped with the needs of the frail and elderly in mind.

All 30 single rooms have en-suite facilities and are furnished to a high standard.  There are spacious communal areas for the residents and their guests including 2 lounges, a dining room, an activities room and a hairdressing salon.  The house & gardens are wheel chair accessible.

Chirnside House has been awarded 3 stars by CSCI. It is recognised as a Preferred Social Care Provider by Lancashire County Council and has Investors in People status.

Both the matron/manager & the deputy have nursing & recognised management qualifications and all the care staff have NVQ 2 or above in Social Care. There is a continuing training programme in place and staff assessments are carried out at regular intervals.

Chirnside House prides itself in having staffing levels above the legal requirements. A Bursar is employed by the society to deal with financial matters.

All admissions, be they long term or respite, are assessed for suitability by the manager or deputy who have total control in this area.  Care planning is undertaken in partnership with the residents & their sponsors.  These care plans are updated on a regular basis.  Long term & respite care is available.

Activities within the home and in the community are encouraged so that residents can maintain as full a life as possible.  An Activities Organiser co-ordinates daily activities & outings.  The residents have the use of an activities room and they are encouraged to pursue their individual hobbies.

One of the volunteers oversees the Residents’ Circle where residents’ views are sought on a wide range of issues.

Residents are seated in small groups in the dining room where menus are varied and residents are offered a choice.  Special diets are catered for.

Full hotel services are provided on site.

Building is about to commence on a 6 bedded unit with lounge, dining and activities facilities. This will cater for residents in the early stages of dementia and will offer pre-bookable respite care as well as long term care.  As before, admissions will be individually assessed by the manager or deputy for suitability.

It is envisaged that this unit will be ready for use in December2008/January 2009. 

To view the latest CSCI inspection report click - here