FAQ'S

We often get asked a lot of questions about Fairseat Foundation. This is a summary of the most common questions we receive. If none of these contain the answer you require please email us: admin@fairseat.org

Who owns Fairseat?

Fairseat Foundation is a not-for-profit registered company. It is registered with KRA as a charity and is not required to pay company tax subject to maintaining its tax-exempt status. It is run by a Board of Directors – the present make-up of the Fairseat Board can be found here.

What type of accommodation is available?

Rooms/bedsits – en-suite with a verandah overlooking lawns and gardens.
Apartments – similar to bedsit but with a separate sleeping area and en-suite bathroom (total area is about 50 Sq M)
Single cottages - one large bedroom en-suite, central sitting/dining room with fire place, small kitchen, office/carer’s room – they tend to vary slightly from each other depending upon when they were built.
Double Cottages – similar to single cottage but there are two large bedrooms en-suite. They vary slightly to each other

How much does it cost?

It all depends! Costs depend upon the services utilised, the premises occupied and a number other individual parameters. Details of fees and charges can be found here but it is advisable to make an appointment with the Manager to discuss your likely costs.

What qualifications must I have to move into Fairseat Foundation?

There are no rigorous “pre-requisites” for entry to Fairseat. Applicants need to be medically fit for their age and be able to pass our Medical Interview. Fairseat is NOT a nursing home and applicants with dementia or Alzheimer’s will not be considered. Applicants need to be able to demonstrate that they are financially able to afford to live at Fairseat. Potential residents are generally advised NOT to wait until they think they are ready for Fairseat – experience shows that this is often a year or two too late.

How can I get more information about Fairseat Foundation?

Prospective residents are encouraged to visit Fairseat Foundation by calling the Administration Office and scheduling a time to learn more about the choices offered. Appointments can be obtained by emailing or calling the Administration Office using the details on the Contact Page.

How long is your waiting list, and how do I get on it?

As of September 2015, we have over 230 individuals or couples on our waiting list. Do not be disheartened though. The demand for a place varies greatly in terms of the type of accommodation and the time frame they might want it in. It is almost impossible to gauge the demand at any one time and we simply go to our list and put the word out whenever we have a property available. Sometimes, where we have a known prospective resident who is very senior on the list, we simply enquire directly with those few members who have seniority rather than going to the whole list and raising unreal expectations. More details on the process can be found on The Process Page on this site.

What services are included in the monthly fee?

All utilities and 24-hour security.
Full board including breakfast, lunch, light dinner, morning tea and afternoon tea.
A carer for approximately 4 hours per day, 365 days per year, to undertake general house work, personal assistance with dressing, washing or toileting, any washing or ironing of clothes, and anything else that the resident may deem necessary and would be considered reasonable.
Extra service care is available if it is required or desired at an additional cost. The most popular options are:
- Full Day Care – where a resident has exclusive use of a carer for the full working day of approximately 8 hours
- 24-hour Care – where a resident has a carer with them at all times.
- Details of fees and charges can be found here
Access to a range of community activities – details of which can be found here.
Wi-Fi that covers most of our grounds and residences.

What services are NOT included in the monthly fee?

All items of a personal nature – including:

o alcoholic drinks,

o medications, vitamin supplements etc

o reading material, newspapers etc.

o transport costs

Are pets allowed?

We welcome pets but specific application must be made to the manager for each and every pet. The manager makes the decision as to whether a pet is allowed and there is no further avenue of appeal or negotiation. The major determinate as to whether a pet is allowed is its ability to add to the quality of life of the community – and most certainly not to detract from that in any way at all. All pets must have current vaccinations, appropriate licenses, be controlled, properly cared for and in good condition.

Can I entertain guests?

Guests are always welcome. Entertain at your residence or in the Fairseat dining room. Overnight guests are welcome to stay with you in your residence if appropriate or you may reserve one of our guest apartments if there is one available. There is a fee for all guest meals and stays which is intended to simply recover costs. Details of fees and charges can be found here. Alternatively, residents can do their own catering or employ outside caterers if they prefer.

Can I come and go as I like?

Yes – we are a community, not an institution. Residents are encouraged to let the kitchen know if they are out for meals in order to assist with catering. Residents are also asked to let the manager know when they are planning to be away overnight or for an extended period of time to assist with catering, staff requirements and security. If residents are away for a significant period, currently after 6 days, then there are credits available if the manager has been given appropriate notice. Details of fees and charges can be found here.

Can I bring my own staff with me to Fairseat?

It all depends! A number of our residents own cars and employ drivers. This is quite acceptable and we encourage our residents to be out and about as much as possible. However, no residents are permitted to bring with them, or employ directly, any domestic staff.

Do I need to sign a contract to come to Fairseat?

Yes – all prospective residents are required to sign a formal contract with Fairseat Foundation and pay the necessary deposits before they take up residency. As part of the contract, prospective residents are required to give us two guarantors to secure any debt with Fairseat.

A typical contract for Fairseat can be found here.

Do you have full-time nursing care?

Fairseat Foundation is NOT a nursing home and we do not accept applicants who will need nursing. Having said that, we do employ qualified nurses and there is normally a qualified nurse on duty 24 hours per day.

Do I need to have medical insurance if I am coming to live at Fairseat?

All residents are encouraged to have medical insurance, and if they have it already, then to maintain it. Any resident who does not have medical insurance is required to put down a substantial deposit. Details of fees and charges can be found here.

What happens if I want to go overseas on holiday?

That is absolutely fine – many of our residents travel internationally on a regular basis. We simply request that you give the manager the dates of your travel so that we can plan for staffing, catering etc. After a certain number of days you are entitled to a refund – Details of fees and charges can be found here.

Do I earn interest on my deposit?

No.

Who is able to act as a guarantor for me? What are the implications for them?

Anyone can act as your guarantor who we can actually go back to for payment if you leave Fairseat with debts unpaid. It is most common for family members to be asked to act as guarantors but they should be financially able to act as a guarantor. They must understand that if you leave Fairseat Foundation with debts unpaid, then we will look to them to pay the outstanding dues. It is important that they understand that some of these debts may be well be third party liabilities – for example:

Fairseat will purchase prescription drugs for a resident,
Fairseat will sometimes assist residents to exit a local hospital easily and quickly by having the hospital bill settled on its account
The guarantors will be held responsible for any such debts that remain unpaid.