Sheltered housing

Sheltered housing is housing that has been specially designed for elderly or disabled people. There are different types, but a typical scheme would be a group of around 30 one bedroom or bedsit flats with a communal lounge. There would be a warden or scheme manager on site Monday to Friday.

The idea behind sheltered housing is that everyone should have their own self-contained flat, but they can also spend time with their neighbours or attend social events in the communal lounge when they want a bit of company.

Rents are sometimes a bit higher than for other council or HA housing, but often include heating and hot water bills. The warden usually offers help to tenants in getting health care and services from the council such as a home help.

It can sometimes be easier to get a flat in sheltered housing than other council or HA accommodation, especially if you are willing to accept a bedsit. You usually have to be at least 55 or disabled to be accepted for sheltered housing.

You can apply through the council or to a HA that provides sheltered housing. Details of sheltered housing in London and around the country can be found by clicking on www.housingcare.org.uk. This website contains details of current vacancies and who to apply to for them. There are usually vacancies for schemes in London advertised on the website.

Another website that contains details of vacant sheltered housing is the HOMES site which you can see by clicking on www.availablehomes.org.uk. This website has details of properties managed by councils or housing associations around the country that are vacant and able to be let to someone who doesn't necessarily already live in the area. You can also phone their helpline on 0845 080 1089 (calls are charged at local rates). A photograph and details of each property are usually available. When you find one that you like you can apply directly to the landlord. The landlord then makes a decision about who to let the home to.

More general advice on housing options for older people can be found by clicking on www.ace.org.uk.

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