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Disabled people
Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing can offer you a range of services to help you live independently with the added security of having someone to call on in emergencies.
Sheltered accommodation is different from other housing because a scheme manager or warden lives on the premises or nearby. They can be contacted through an alarm system if necessary. Some schemes are designed specifically for people with disabilities and may have specialised facilities and specially trained staff to provide care.
Extra care sheltered housing
Sheltered housing that offers a greater level of care is also available, known as 'extra care sheltered housing' or 'very sheltered housing'. It can be ideal for people who are less able to manage on their own, but who do not need the level of care available in a residential home. Services offered will vary between schemes, but meals and some personal care are often provided.
You may have the option to buy a sheltered housing scheme property so you still own your own property but have the reassurance of support if you need it.
Your local housing office and/or the housing association have their own eligibility criteria but this should include a general assessment of your needs. There is sometimes a waiting list for sheltered housing.
Sheltered housing staff
Housing association staff members, who sometimes live on site, provide support to people living in sheltered housing. The general responsibilities of a scheme manager may include:
- making regular checks on your well-being
- liaising with your local doctor and your relatives, if required
- managing the day-to-day running of the scheme
Normally, scheme managers or wardens do not provide care services for residents or carry out tasks like shopping or cleaning. You can still apply to social services for support (for example, having meals delivered to your home if you have problems cooking) if you live in sheltered accommodation. Your local authority social services department should be able to give you details about these.
If you live in your own home but need extra support, for example, at a time of sickness or crisis, sheltered housing can sometimes be used as a short-term care solution.
Costs and service changes
To cover the cost of running the sheltered housing scheme, residents may have to pay a monthly service charge. This contributes towards paying for things like the scheme manager and building repairs.
The amount you have to pay will vary, so always ask how much the service charge will be. It's also important to check what the service charge does not cover. For example, heating may not be included.
If you're an owner-occupier you may also be asked to pay 'one-off' payments to cover things like the cost of unexpected building repairs.
Choosing the best sheltered housing for you
It could be helpful to think about the following factors:
- how much is the service charge and how is it worked out?
- who is responsible for repairs, maintenance and improvements?
- are there any ground rent and insurance charges?
- are there any special clauses that could terminate the lease that are important to be aware of?
- if applicable, what happens if you want to sell the property later on?
- what is the accommodation like?
- is a cooker or fridge provided?
- what kind of heating system is there?
- is there a communal entrance door and are there any security arrangements?
- what laundry facilities are available?
- are visiting health services available, for example, community nurses?
- what does the warden or care manager do and is there 24 hour cover?
Contact your local social services department at your local authority for more information on sheltered housing.
Apply for sheltered and supported housing locally
The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can apply for sheltered and supported housing and/or find out more.
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