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Renting sheltered housing
What is sheltered housing?
What is sheltered housing?
Sheltered housing allows older or disabled people or people with particular needs to live
independently, with the right support, in a comfortable and
secure environment.
It is suitable for those who may find it increasingly difficult to maintain an independent lifestyle in their current accommodation, perhaps through increasing ill health or unsuitable accommodation.
Security and peace of mind are offered through an alarm system and support. Sheltered housing also gives the opportunity for social contact and companionship, if desired, and equally respects an individual’s right to privacy.
What is very sheltered housing?
We also provide accommodation known as very sheltered housing which gives a higher degree of support to those in the most need.
Very sheltered housing is self-contained accommodation where on-site support and home care is given to allow older or disabled people or people at risk to maintain their independence. Meals are given and there are communal areas.
What facilities does sheltered housing offer?
Most sheltered housing have been designed to provide barrier free access and include specific features that make the property suitable for use by
people with limited mobility.
Some of the features include:
- electrical switches and sockets placed at a suitable height to avoid bending
- handrails at strategic positions
- a tiled shower room giving easy bathing facilities
The majority of sheltered housing have communal facilities including:
- a residents’ lounge
- a laundry
- guest bedrooms
- a daytime support service during the week helping residents in emrgencies
- community alarm service when sheltered housing officers are off duty
How does the alarm system work?
A community alarm intercom system is installed in all our sheltered housing flats and communal areas. You can use these to call for help in an emergency.
The alarm system lets you talk to the staff on duty or an operator at the control centre.
You can activate the alarm by:
- pulling the cords located in each room
- pressing the button on the intercom
- pressing the button on a radio pendant or remote trigger, which you can wear around your neck or carry with you
The staff on duty, or an operator at the community alarm control centre, will answer your call. The system identifies where you have made the call from.
If you cannot speak for any reason, the operator will assume that you are injured or ill and will send for help.
The community alarm control centre operates when the sheltered housing staff are off duty or away from the scheme.
Further information and advice on the Community Alarm Scheme is available your local Housing office.
What are my rights and responsibilities as a sheltered housing tenant?
As a sheltered housing tenant, you have similar rights and responsibilities as other council tenants.
How can I find out more about sheltered housing?
If you want to find out more about sheltered housing, please contact your contact your local Housing office.
Some housing associations also provide sheltered housing. You can contact them to find out more about their sheltered housing schemes.
