Q1. What is Sheltered Housing
It is specially designed accommodation, available for rent or for sale, mainly for older people. It is sometimes called retirement housing. Some sheltered schemes are called 'extra care sheltered housing' or 'very sheltered housing'.

Q2. 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 with their own bathrooms and fitted kitchens
Communal facilities such as

• laundry
• communal lounge for a variety of social activities
• gardens
• guest room

• A warden scheme manager or resident manager
• 24-hour emergency assistance through connection of each flat to a call centre

Q3. What does the scheme manager do?
Again, this varies according to the nature of the scheme and the needs of the residents.
They usually:

• Help newcomers to settle in and explain how everything works.
• Make regular contact with each resident
• Deal with emergencies
• Encourage social activities
• Report and monitor repairs and maintenance work
• Assess needs and, in consultation with residents, liase with families, statutory, voluntary and private agencies to ensure these needs are met.
• Co-ordinate and give advise on (though usually don't directly provide) services such as shopping, cleaning, cooking, personal and nursing care.

Q4. Who is eligible for Sheltered Housing?
Different providers and landlords set different criteria but most state that you should be over 60. There is rarely an upper age limit.

Much older people can now move into and remain in sheltered housing, because the buildings are specially designed for the easy delivery of health, care and support packages. Your particular requirements will usually be discussed with you before you move in to ensure that services are in place prior to your arrival.

Most sheltered housing providers do not provide care but may be able to assist prospective residents to access it

People living alone or in couples

Q5. How much does it cost?
If you rent, you will pay a weekly rent plus a service charge

If you buy, you will pay a service charge

The service charge in both rented and owner occupied schemes includes the costs of the scheme manager, cleaning, gardening and maintenance of common areas.

You may be entitled to assistance from Housing Benefit or Income Support and you will be advised about this on application

Q6. What are the benefits of living in sheltered / retirement housing?

• Good quality housing
• A home for life wherever possible
• Your own front door
• Independence
• Peace of mind, with help on hand via scheme manager or central control in emergencies
• Security
• Company when wanted
• Remaining part of a community
• Choice of landlord/provider

Q7. What should I look for in a sheltered housing scheme?
Be clear about what you want and decide which of the following factors are important to you:

• Location - ease of access to shops, transport and surgeries
• Design - suitable for special needs (wheelchair, visual impairment etc)
• Communal facilities (are they what you want?)
• Size and layout of flat (does it meet your needs?)
• Atmosphere
• Scheme manager (are they welcoming, informative?)
• Cost - including the service charge
• Other residents (what do they say about living there?)

Q8. How do I find out more about sheltered / retirement housing?
Approach your local council, Housing Associations and private retirement housing providers and arrange to visit some schemes