Most people prefer to remain living in their own homes. However if this is not possible there are alternatives that can enhance your quality of life whilst saving you the trouble of maintaining a property that is too large for you. Sheltered housing is sometimes known as “retirement housing”. It is specially designed accommodation available to rent or for sale, mainly for older people.
What does it provide?
There are lots of variations between sheltered housing schemes. However they usually provide many of the following features:
Self contained flats or studio rooms with their own bathrooms and fitted kitchens
*Laundry
*Communal lounge for a variety of social activities
*Gardens
*Guest room
*Security and safety features
*A scheme manager or resident scheme manager
*24 hour emergency assistance through connection of each flat to a call centre
We have a booklet called "Housing Options for Older People" which gives details of the sheltered schemes which are available within the district and contact details of either the Housing Association or the agents responsible for the schemes.
If you wish to apply for any of these schemes please complete the application form and medical/special needs form and return them to our offices. You can also contact the Housing Associations direct, contact numbers are included in the "Housing Options for Older People".
Details of private sheltered housing can be found in our booklet "Housing Options for Older People" or by going direct to Elderly Accommodation Council by using the links on the right.
Residential & Nursing Care
If it is no longer appropriate for someone to stay in their own home, and with the person's consent, it might at that point be appropriate to consider 'residential care'. Lists of homes (if you want to stay in the local area) can be obtained from the Council on this website (in the list of linked documents - 'Housing Options for Older People' below. Information is also available from the "Commission for Social Care Inspection" local office on 01223 771350 - or visit their website (follow the link opposite), and search their Services Directory.
Residential Care Home costs are very expensive and many people cannot afford to pay for them in full. If this is the case, then Cambridgeshire County Council may be able to assist. The rules around paying for care are complex, particularly if the client already owns property, and you are strongly advised to get independent advice from an organisation such as Age Concern or the CAB (links opposite).
Nursing Care homes are appropriate for people who are very frail and require specialised elderly care from qualified nurses. A Nursing Care home cares for people whose frailty requires nursing care, on a regular basis by a qualified nurse. Nursing homes care for people who have limited or lack of mobility, elderly mental health issues, or incontinence.
These types of Homes are in most cases administered by a voluntary or a private agency and are registered and regularly inspected by the Commission for Social Care Inspection. The Council can supply you with lists of local Nursing Care homes, or you can contact the Commission for Social Care Inspection local office on 01223 771350 - or visit their website.