Sheltered housing
Our sheltered housing is for people who are
- older (over 60 years) who want to move into ‘retirement’ housing or Rightsize
- younger and are disabled with care and support needs or have issues with their health / mobility.
Sheltered tenants get an enhanced housing service. This housing is popular, because it provides independence, with a little more help on hand if needed.
Every sheltered tenant pays for this enhanced service. This is on top of their rent. If they are on benefits, this may cover their service charge.
The warden is in charge of the overall site. They do not provide any care or personal support themselves. They can:
- get to know the tenants
- offer to keep in touch with them
- give information about local services and support
- act as a point of contact
- help tenants link with their housing officer.
Many tenants arrange support services themselves. For example, help with home care, day care or meals. This helps them to keep independently living in a home of their own. They arrange this privately or from NHS Adult Services.
Many Council tenants ‘right-size’ into sheltered housing. They do this to have a more manageable home and feel more secure in their independence. Or have more opportunities to socialise. If you are interested, ask your housing officer.
Most sheltered housing is in small, grouped developments. Most have one bedroom or are bedsits. Some have communal facilities, including a sitting room, where people can meet and socialise.
Tenants, who want it, can be connected to a 24-hour alarm service (Telecare) to call for help in case of emergencies. To get this service, you need contact details for at least 2, preferably 3 people who are willing and able to act as ‘responders’.
In some sheltered housing, the wardens can respond to emergencies and call for appropriate help during working hours.
The Sheltered housing tenant handbook explains about the warden service.