Over the last few months, Abbeyfield Chief Executive Paul Allen has had the opportunity to visit Abbeyfield locations in Japan, Italy and Belgium. Paul had the following to say about his visits:
"From what I saw in these three countries, I am tremendously impressed with the way in which the Abbeyfield mission is being delivered outside the UK. In Japan, I was struck by how similar the house at Gifu was to Abbeyfield in the UK: the house is a very attractive Japanese design but is delivering the traditional Abbeyfield model of residents having their own private rooms coupled with community living with the sharing of meals.
At Liscate, just outside Milan, I was especially impressed by the way this new residence had been integrated into a larger community centre including a kindergarten and auditorium.
Finally, in Brussels I was struck by how the model of community living has extended to residents cooking for each other rather than relying upon a house keeper. Overall I can see that Abbeyfield is thriving in these countries, with many similarities but some differences from which we can all learn"