Abbeyfield Houses Society of Ottawa
The Abbeyfield Houses Society of Ottawa is a Canadian nonprofit organization and registered charity (Business Registration Number: 899344758RR0001) providing affordable housing and companionship for independent seniors. Operating under the national Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada™, it adheres to a model prioritizing community-driven care, dignity, and social inclusion for older adults.

Model and Operations

The organization manages residences where seniors live semi-independently in private rooms while sharing communal spaces. House managers oversee daily operations, including meals and housekeeping, fostering a balance between privacy and companionship. This structure addresses isolation among elders by integrating them into a supportive, community-based environment.

Eligibility and Services

The society primarily serves individuals aged 60+ who are mobile and capable of independent daily living. While emphasizing affordability, it offers no subsidies, charging a fixed fee for accommodation. Some locations provide short-term stays for respite, convalescent care, or guests through an available guest room.

Governance

Local volunteers form the backbone of the society, managing residences through autonomous boards under guidelines set by Abbeyfield Canada. The national umbrella organization provides policy oversight, training, and promotional support. Across Canada, 20 Abbeyfield Houses operate under this decentralized model, emphasizing grassroots volunteerism.

History and Affiliations

As part of the Abbeyfield International network, the Ottawa branch aligns with principles of non-denominational inclusivity and nonprofit operation. Its development reflects a broader mandate to expand dignified senior housing through community collaboration.

The society’s Ottawa residence accommodates up to 10 individuals, exemplifying the focus on small-scale, personalized care within urban neighborhoods. Its operations avoid institutionalization, instead promoting aging-in-place with social integration.