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.
What is Sheltered Housing
Also 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.
Most of the properties that become available at these schemes are advertised via the Home-Link scheme (see link to the Home-Link website on the right of this page). You can apply to this scheme by completing the on line registration form on the Home-Link website (go to the Registration page) or by contacting your local council and requesting a paper form to complete and return.
Once your application has been accepted you will be able to express an interest (also known as making a bid) for the properties that are advertised. The Home-Link website and user guide that you will be sent once you have registered gives more information on this.
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.