Council Housing - Sheltered Accommodation
Sheltered accommodation is independent living for persons 55 years of age or over.
For further information please see below or contact Rhona Gudgin on 01543 462621.
Eligibility for Sheltered Accommodation
- Single people and couples aged 55 or over.
- Out of Area applicants aged 55 or over with a local connection.
- Owner occupiers aged 55 or over.
In all cases the applicant must have a need for sheltered housing and whose housing related support needs can be met by the Council's Sheltered Housing Service.
How do Sheltered Housing Schemes Work?
Sheltered Housing Schemes are designed to suit older people who do not need residential care, but are looking to move out of their present accommodation.
This could be due to poor health or disability, because they want a home which is smaller and easier to manage or they need a little extra support and security.
Sheltered Housing is not a residential or nursing home. It is ordinary housing offering privacy - residents have their own flat and own front door and there is a Scheme Manager on duty to call on for help if needed, hours vary per scheme.
For peace of mind there is an alarm system where you can pull a cord to speak directly to the Scheme Manager when on duty or to the Council's Central Control Care Team providing cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Sheltered Housing Schemes are available to persons aged 55 years and over. The Schemes offer independent living in comfortable surroundings. Residents can make use of the scheme's facilities as well as participating in the various activities organised for their enjoyment.
Sheltered Schemes within the District
Below is a list of addresses where sheltered accommodation is available |
|---|
Longford Court |
Caxton Court |
St. Barbara House |
Grace Moore Court |
Sheltered Lifestyle
What is the lifestyle like within the scheme?
We are committed to excellent customer care for all our residents. We also encourage resident activities. Here are some typical lifestyle features:
Social Committee - you may find there is a social committee in your scheme, which organises social activities and outings. This committee is typically made up of residents and elected by the residents. The activities they organise can be open not only to residents, but to your family and friends as well.
Residents' Association - There may also be a more formal association that represents residents in discussions with staff. We will consult with such associations when considering changes in policy or other matters affecting you. Joining such an association can also be a good way of meeting people. Should you wish to get more involved please speak to your Scheme Manager.
Communal Lounge - as mentioned before, each scheme typically has a lounge in the communal area where residents can gather for informal activities such as watching television, playing cards or just chatting.
Other activities - we encourage you to organise as many activities as you like. If you want to pursue a hobby or a special interest, why not see how many others are interested and set things up together?
Other Changes - suggestions to improve schemes are always welcome if you have any ideas speak to your Scheme Manager. The Council actively support your involvement in the running of the scheme.
Sheltered Limitations
Are there any things I cannot do in Sheltered Housing?
We try to keep the limitations on our residents to a minimum, but with people living together and sharing some facilities, we have to have some 'rules'. Here are some that often come up:
Pets - you may keep a small caged bird, or fish in an aquarium, but you must have written permission for anything else. Cats and dogs are not allowed. If you have a pet of any kind, you must arrange for it to be looked after if you become ill. Please tell your Scheme Manager what these arrangements are.
Smoking - as a general rule, no smoking is allowed in any of the communal or public areas, such as the lounge and its attached kitchen, the hallways or communal toilets. You and your visitors may smoke in the privacy of your own home, but remember you should never smoke in bed. You may also smoke outdoors in the gardens and grounds, provided it does not annoy others, and you do not litter these areas with smoking leftovers such as cigarette ends.
Fire precautions - Our schemes usually have a fire alarm system, including smoke alarms. All are tested regularly. Please do not ignore any alarms you hear; instead, know what to do if you hear the alarm - and do it. Please do not prop any fire doors open. They are designed to stop any fire from spreading, but obviously work only when closed. For the same reason, please do not interfere with (or remove) the self-closing mechanism on internal doors and, of course, do not use the lift in case of fire; if there were an electrical failure, you could be trapped in it. If you have or find a fire, use the fire alarm system immediately. If you have any hearing difficulties please inform the Scheme Manager.
Door locks - You must not fit extra locks to your front door, as this prevents people getting in if there is an emergency.
When more support is needed
What if I need more support than the scheme can provide?
Sheltered Housing is designed for people who can live independently with a little support. If you find you need more support than you get in your sheltered home, it is best to talk to your Scheme Manager about it. They can discuss with you other possibilities and help you make contact with the appropriate organisations.
Last Updated: 05/03/2018
