Abbeyfield Polonia House
Affordable Accommodation and Companionship for active Polish seniors in Ottawa
About Us
"Nothing happens unless first we dream" - Carl Sandburg
In 2021, five motivated volunteers came together with the goal of creating an affordable residence for active Polish seniors in the Ottawa area who no longer wish to live on their own.
Our journey led us to embrace the Abbeyfield concept.
- 12-15 residents per home
- family style accommodation
- private affordable accommodation
- nutritious meals
- safe secure living
- FREEDOM to live the life you want without the extra worries
Abbeyfield Polonia House is a provisional member of Abbeyfield Canada (https://abbeyfield.ca/). We are incorporated as a not-for-profit organization in the province of Ontario and are have federal charitable status designation.
OUR Team
Zofia Wald-Mroz
President
Zofia is a semi retired Audiologist . Born in England to Polish parents displaced by the War, she has lived in the Ottawa area for many years and is passionate about improving the services for Polish seniors.
Agnes Warda
Vice President
Agnes has worked in Federal Government, Carleton University, with NGO’s and currently co-owns a consulting company. Agnes is a representative of numerous community organizations at City Council and NCC. Agnes is highly recognized for her volunteer work and has received many awards.
Monika Roczniak
Secretary
Monika emigrated to Canada with her family in 1987. Landscape designer by education, for the past 25 years working in Family medicine clinics in the Ottawa area. Hobbies include gardening a reading. Proud grandmother.
Marianna Zurawski
Treasurer
Marianna is the owner of Living with Care Inc., a successful home health company serving the Ottawa Area. Her primary focus is on the elderly population with physical and cognitive challenges. Marianna is active in the community and enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren.
Danuta Tardif
Director
First generation Canadian, has lived in Ottawa for over 40 years. Has worked as a legislative assistant for Members of Parliament and for Global Affairs Canada. Passionate about volunteer work especially assisting vulnerable members of society (awarded Ontario Volunteer Award 2014).
LIVING AT ABBEYFIELD POLONIA HOUSE
The Polonia Abbeyfield House will be a home for up to 15 retirees of Polish background. The residents will be part of a big family bonded by Polish language and culture. The home will provide companionship for those no longer wishing to live on their own but who are physically active and wanting life on their own terms.
Supportive Environment
Residents will no longer have the worry of managing and maintaining a household nor will they need to plan, shop for and prepare their own meals. Two main meals per day will be prepared and served on the premises by a member of staff. The menu will be selected to bring back memories of home. Residents will be able to share their meals together in the dining room. Breakfast will be provided buffet style. Cleaning of all communal areas will be the responsibility of the Abbeyfield staff and high standards of cleanliness will be maintained at all times.
Comfort and Privacy
The house will be located in an area close to shops and local amenities and surrounded by greenery so that residents will be able to enjoy the outdoors and if desired, practice their gardening skills.
Each resident will have his own private living area and ensuite bathroom which he/she will be able to furnish at will to give it the feeling of “home”. There will be access to communal areas including the gardens.
Affordability
Abbeyfield Polonia House is a not for profit society. Rent will be set at an affordable rate and will include board and lodging, food, power, house maintenance and overhead costs. The monthly charges will be more reasonable than those of most “for profit” homes.
Why Polonia Abbeyfield House
Polonia Abbeyfield House will cater to the needs of seniors of Polish background. Often as we age the desire to return to ones roots becomes stronger but the return to ones homeland is often not possible or practical …this environment would give residents the possibility to spend their senior years with people of similar linguistic and cultural background.
HISTORY OF ABBEYFIELD HOUSES
Major Carr-Gomm started a non-profit society caring for lonely elderly in the East End of London. Abbeyfield was the name of the street where the first volunteers met to establish the Abbeyfield House Society. Since then, over 800 Abbeyfield Houses have formed around the world, in countries such as Australia, Belgium, New Zealand, South Africa, Poland and the United Kingdom
Abbeyfield Houses Society of Canada was established with the first House being built in Sidney, BC in 1985. There are currently 19 Abbeyfield Houses in Canada including one in Ottawa
( https://abbeyfield.ca/ottawa/ )with additional Houses under development and construction or in the planning stages across the country.
https://abbeyfield.ca/locations/ontario/ https://www.abbeyfield.com/
https://abbeyfield.ca/
https://www.abbeyfield.com/sheltered-housing/father-popieluszko-house-in-acton-at-w3-9ly/
https://www.abbeyfield.com/sheltered-housing/norvid-house-in-balham-at-sw12-8ea/
https://www.abbeyfield.com/member-societies/london-polish-society/
https://polskidomopieki.pl/
F.A.Q. - 1
Will Polonia Abbeyfield House be suitable for me?
of Polish background
a physically active mobile senior
able to take care of yourself independently
able to maintain your own medication routines
able to live and share meals in amicable environment
in need of companionship - no longer wish to live on your Own…….
…then this is the place for you
How mobile do I have to be?
Personal care services will not be provided through ‘Abbeyfield but can be accessed through the community.
What accommodation will be provided?
What happens if a resident becomes ill?
F.A.Q - 2
Who will run the House?
Will it be possible to accommodate married couples?
Will housekeeping services be included in the rent?
Will pets be allowed?
Will residents be able to smoke?
Will I need a sponsor to be accepted into the home?
How much will it cost to live in the Home?
Get involved
VOLUNTEER
Become a Volunteer! The background of the Abbeyfield initiative in the volunteer support and Polonia House welcomes applications from enthusiastic and passionate individuals who would like to become part of out team. We are particularly looking for persons with interest or experience in fundraising, social media, accounting, marketing. If this describes you please reach out to us at polonia@abbeyfield.ca
Contact
- Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
If you feel that you need further information please contact us.
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