Some people need support to help them to maintain their tenancy. This may be short-term support, perhaps as they move into their own home for the first time. For other people, such as the elderly or disabled, this may be longer term support, to help them to remain in their own home for as long as they wish.
The support that people may receive is around assistance to manage tasks, such as paying bills, arranging repairs or advice about benefits. Housing support does not include things that would be classed as personal care. This can be arranged separately.
Housing support is provided in different ways, often dependant upon where you currently live. These are summarised as follows:
a) Accommodation that has housing support included
This is housing such as sheltered housing (mainly for older people) which has a warden service and community alarm. You receive a housing support service from your sheltered housing warden because this is arranged for the sheltered housing scheme. You will have agreed to receive this service before you moved into this type of accommodation. There may be a separate charge for the housing support the warden gives. You will be informed about this by your housing provider before you move into the accommodation.
Some other providers also have services that link the accommodation with the support, for example some services for people with learning disabilities, where they live in purpose built, supported accommodation.
b) Other housing support
The other type of support that is available is visiting support. This support can be offered to you, regardless of where you live. This involves a support worker visiting you in your own home. For example, this could be for a young person who has just got their first council tenancy, or an older person with mental health problems, living in the family home.
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