AbleCare Homes Trust  (Charity Number 286826)

The funds are intended to be used to provide entertainment for residents where such costs are not covered by the fee paid. Money raised is used to run a minibus in order to transport the residents of the homes for outings and excursions.

If you would like to make a donation to the trust so that this provision can be continued and hopefully expanded, please speak to our Home Managers or contact Sam Hawker at 73 Rock Lane, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8PQ. Cheques can be made payable to AbleCare Homes Trust.

Volunteering

If you would like to apply to become a volunteer for AbleCare Homes please contact our head office or if you already know someone connected with one of our homes you can speak to the Home Manager.

Volunteers are able to provide practical assistance to our residents and to offer much valued companionship.   Volunteers take pleasure in their work, seeing the difference they make in helping older people to enjoy the high standard of living they deserve.

If you are considering volunteering your services to your local care home you will no doubt have a few questions to ask:

“What can I do to help?”

There are many things you can do to help as a volunteer.  You can provide companionship and assistance to enable residents to make the most of their lives.  You may be able to achieve this by; becoming a friend to the residents; taking them shopping and to health appointments; organising social activities; taking them out in the mini bus for short trips; bringing pets in to the home; or you may be able to suggest other activities based on your interests and hobbies. 

“What does AbleCare Homes expect from it’s volunteers?”

All volunteers are asked to sign a ‘volunteers agreement’ , which clearly lays out the commitment AbleCare Homes expects from them.  We expect our volunteers to take a flexible approach to their work.  They must be reliable and always endeavour to do what they agreed to do.  They must be committed to the values by which AbleCare Homes provide care.

“How much time would I be expected to give?”

The amount of time volunteers are expected to give is decided by mutual agreement between the volunteer and the Home Manager, this will be set out in the terms of their agreement.

“What will I get out of volunteering?”

People benefit in many different ways by working as an AbleCare Homes volunteer.  They get to put their skills to good use and have the opportunity to learn new ones; they devote their spare time to a worthy cause; they get to become part of a caring team, and they get to take pleasure in helping our residents to enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling life.  Volunteering can be a rewarding experience for the individual and can also help people achieve their own aims from the opportunity to gain work experience; gain skills towards an award such as Duke of Edinburgh; to provide that extra something to enhance their CV or help them stand out in a job interview.

“Will I be paid out of pocket expenses?”

We repay out of pocket expenses, such as travel costs and telephone expense subject to the normal AbleCare Homes expense claim rules.

“Will I be supported in my work?”

You’ll be supported by a member of staff or other volunteers.  They will meet with you regularly and you will have plenty of opportunity to talk about how you think things are going.

Remembering AbleCare Homes Trust in Your Will

Just as a Will brings security to your family’s future, a legacy could help us to continue to provide those extra trips and entertainment to the 110 people accommodated in our residential care homes.

Leaving a donation to AbleCare Homes Trust gives you a lasting memorial by helping the charity to continue in future years.

The advantages of writing a will or leaving a legacy

The process of writing a will is relatively easy and inexpensive, yet without one, it can be much more costly and stressful for your loved ones after you die.  There are several ways in which you can leave gifts to both your loved ones and your favourite causes and we would strongly advise you to take professional advice on this.  If you do not have a solicitor, ask friends and family for a recommendation or contact the Law Society England and Wales or the Law Society Scotland.  Alternatively, you may decide to use a homemade Will, in which case the following is an example of the wording that should be use.

“I give the sum of £..., free of all taxes to AbleCare Homes Trust (Charity Number 286826) (“The Charity”) and I direct that the receipt of the Secretary of the Charity shall be sufficient to discharge my Trustees”

Why do I need to make a will?

If you do not, then you have no say over how your estate will be distributed when you die and it could be tied up in a legal process for years.

Do I have to leave money or can I leave some of my belongings?

You can bequeath almost any asset to AbleCare Homes Trust, including property, personal possessions, shares etc and its value will be deducted from your estate, reducing your tax liability.

Can I leave a bequest to a number of charities?

You can name as many charities in your will as you wish.  You may also like to consider leaving one large donation to the Charities Aid Foundation, and instruct them to distribute it to your chosen charities.  This way, you can amend the charities that benefit at any time, without altering your will.

Any donations left to AbleCare Homes Trust will make it possible for our residents to get out into the community, helping them to enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling life.