How to Find Sheltered Housing

Applying for Housing Association or Council Sheltered Accommodation

Oct 26, 2009

Metropolitan Housing Association Sheltered Scheme, K Duffy

Sheltered housing is an option for older people who may have health or welfare needs but who are capable of independent living.

Many people believe sheltered housing schemes are the same as nursing homes. However, this is a mistaken perception. Sheltered housing is for older people who require some support due to their needs, but who are capable of independent living.

Sheltered housing usually consists of self-contained flats or bungalows for one or two people, often providing a communal laundry and common room. There will be a Scheme Manager on site or living nearby.

Some residents in sheltered housing may be wheelchair users or have general mobility problems; others may have less obvious needs such as depression or arthritis. Feelings of isolation or inadequate housing are all features that are regarded as legitimate reasons for an applicant requiring sheltered housing. All applicants will have one feature in common – they are capable of independent living.

Where to Find Sheltered Housing?

Sheltered housing schemes are everywhere in the UK. Nearly all Councils have sheltered housing schemes and there are many housing association providers, like Abbeyfield and Metropolitan Housing, who run excellent schemes. Some schemes give applicants the choice of renting or buying.

To find sheltered housing in a particular area:

Contact the local council to find out about their sheltered housing schemes.
Look in the local Yellow Pages under "Sheltered Housing" or "Housing Associations".
This link. or similar links may be useful. Bear in mind that not all sheltered housing schemes are on such lists.

Visit Local Sheltered Housing Schemes

When thinking about sheltered housing, consider how easy it is to access vital amenities such as transport, shops, and the doctor’s surgery. Phone the relevant schemes and make an appointment to see the scheme manager. This will be an opportunity to look around a scheme, discuss needs, and fill in the necessary form to go on the waiting list.

Each sheltered housing scheme has its own atmosphere and facilities, so there is no substitute for going along to a scheme and speaking to the scheme manager.

General Rules for Applying to a Sheltered Housing Scheme

The following criteria can apply to anyone considering an application for sheltered housing. However, there are sometimes exceptions to these general rules so check with the specific scheme manager of the sheltered scheme concerned.

Most sheltered housing schemes require applicants to be over 55, but this can vary.
It is helpful to be on the local council housing list. This is a requirement for those wanting sheltered housing from the council itself. However, it is also useful for those applying to a housing association for sheltered housing. This is because the council will refer an applicant who is on their list to the housing association of their choice, thus making the application go through much more quickly.
When applying for sheltered housing owned by the council, applicants normally need to have close ties to the area. This could be through minimum years of residency, past or present work ties, or relatives in the area. The same criteria may also apply to housing associations although rules may be more flexible.
Many sheltered housing schemes can accommodate couples.
You can claim housing benefit and some service charges when in sheltered housing. The scheme manager can advise you.

Advantages of Sheltered Housing

Living in sheltered housing means residents are part of a community, but still preserve their privacy and independence. The overall advantages are:

There will be a scheme manager on site or living nearby who, in an emergency, can be contacted through alarm systems installed in each flat. Emergency help can be summoned day or night.
Communal activities are organised. These are not compulsory. Often regular coffee mornings are available, as well as clubs, outings, lunches and similar activities.
Sheltered housing flats are easy to manage and many have specially designed accommodation for wheelchair users.

Waiting List for Sheltered Housing

Although many sheltered housing schemes have a waiting list, it is still worth applying and putting one’s name down. Quite often an applicant can find themselves offered accommodation more quickly than anticipated. There are a number of reasons for this, among them:

Residents leave sheltered housing to go into a nursing home;
Residents decide to live with relatives;
Applicants on the waiting list decide not to take up the offer of accommodation;
Residents pass away.

Sheltered housing is an excellent option for those thinking about their future living needs, either due to health concerns, or general housing welfare needs.Find out everything possible about sheltered housing schemes in the local area, visit these schemes and get on the waiting lists.

Planning ahead can make the future seem a lot brighter.