Can i get sheltered housing

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If this is the case, sheltered housing sometimes known as retirement housing, and known in Westminster as Community Supportive Housing may be the solution for you. Sheltered housing schemes are properties for rent aimed at people over 60 years of age, although depending on where you live some schemes are available for slightly younger people.

There is no upper age limit on who can live there. Tenants are generally able to do most things for themselves. They are often still quite active, want to be as independent as possible and come and go as they please.

If a tenant does need some assistance with day to day tasks then they can arrange this as they would in any other accommodation. Sheltered housing properties are usually self-contained, unfurnished, purpose-built flats, houses or bungalows with their own front doors, kitchens and bathrooms. They are usually designed to be easily accessible for people with wheelchairs or other mobility issues.

Many schemes will have flats for couples, as well as one-bedroom and studio flats for single people. There's often also a communal area where residents can socialise and organise and attend events and activities, and there will usually be a communal laundry and gardens. In sheltered or community supportive accommodation there is often a property manager or scheme manager who lives on site. They will visit or call residents from time to time to make sure that they are well and comfortable, will address any concerns which they may have and offer advice, and can put them in touch with additional support when required.

In some accommodation there is not a manager living on site, but a locally-based team will regularly call on and check residents to make sure that they are okay.

Residents will also be provided with an alarm system so that they can call for help in an emergency at any time of the day or night - the scheme manager or off-site team will be the person who usually responds to an alarm call. If you own a mobility scooter, are there storage facilities available? Pets: if you have pets, will you be able to take them with you? Some properties allow pets but have a policy that if your pet dies, you're not allowed to replace them.

Visitors: Can you have guests to stay in your apartment? Some schemes offer guest rooms that can be rented to visitors. ARHM-registered companies should follow its code of practice. Residents live in self-contained homes — often a flat or bungalow — but care staff are available to help with getting into and out of bed, washing and dressing. They might also help with cleaning or provide meals.

Care staff are sometimes based on site, but they can also be community based, and are typically available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. How do you choose suitable sheltered housing, and what facilities does it offer?

Our guide to sheltered accommodation explains your options. W Which? Editorial team. In this article What is sheltered housing accommodation? How to find sheltered housing How to apply for council or housing association sheltered housing Almshouses How to buy or privately rent sheltered housing How much does sheltered housing cost?

The pros and cons of sheltered housing Checklist for choosing sheltered housing View more links. What is sheltered housing accommodation? Most offer additional support, such as: A hour emergency alarm system within each property, so that residents can call for help if they have a fall, for example.

A scheme manager or warden living on- or off-site, who gives advice to residents, ensures that communal areas are clean, and arranges maintenance and repairs. Regular social activities and communal areas where residents can meet together. You might want to consider sheltered housing if: your home no longer meets your needs you have reduced mobility you're feeling lonely or you no longer feel safe living alone.

How to find sheltered housing The majority of sheltered housing schemes are operated by local councils and housing associations. How to apply for council or housing association sheltered housing Properties are generally allocated to those who need them most, so applicants will have their needs assessed against a list of criteria.

Different councils and housing associations have their own eligibility criteria — here are some of the questions they may ask when assessing you: Are you unintentionally homeless? What is the condition of your current home?

For example, is it unsuitable for your needs due to stairs or difficulties with using the bathroom? Do you have a medical or social need to move, such as an illness or disability? Do you need to move to be nearer family in order to receive or provide care? Are you unable to buy a property or afford a private rent, and need to rent from a social landlord instead?

Are you an existing council or housing association tenant? In England and Wales: gov. In Northern Ireland: the Housing Executive has information about sheltered housing on its website. In Scotland: contact your local authority to find sheltered housing schemes in your area. Almshouses Almshouses offer low-cost sheltered housing to people of retirement age who have limited financial resources and live in the local community. Each almshouse is run as an independent charity, and they often have unique eligibility criteria when assessing you, such as: living in the area for a certain length of time having worked for a particular profession during your working life being a single older woman identifying with a particular religious faith.

How to buy or privately rent sheltered housing You can buy a sheltered housing property as you would a normal leasehold property. There is also a national company called Girlings Retirement Rentals that offers age-exclusive properties for private rental. How much does sheltered housing cost? Find out more in our guide to the additional costs of sheltered housing The pros and cons of sheltered housing The benefits of sheltered housing Independence: the freedom to live independently in a safe environment.

Reassurance: an alarm system in case of emergencies; some schemes also offer daily checks on residents.