Sheltered housing facilities

Flats in sheltered housing schemes are designed to meet the needs of older people. Some of the main features are level access, lifts, wide corridors and good lighting.

There is central heating to individual flats and all communal areas. Doors are wide enough for people who need to use wheelchairs or walking aids. The flats are let unfurnished.

Cooking is by electricity. There is no provision for the use of gas cookers.

Every scheme has a laundry room with washing and drying machines. There is no separate charge for this service.

Sheltered blocks have their own dedicated caretaking teams who visit regularly, picking up litter in the grounds and maintaining the paladins. They will change communal light bulbs within one working day after a report is received.

Find out more about sheltered housing standards

Emergencies and alarms

Every flat has a two-way internal communication system so you can talk direct to the scheme manager or our telecare service.

In emergencies you can call for help 24 hours a day, every day.

Accommodation options

We have:

  • single-person flats
  • larger one-bedroom flats for couples
  • a limited number of two-bedroom flats.

The two-bedroom flats are intended for two people who, for medical or other reasons, essentially need separate bedrooms.

Some schemes have flats that are specially designed for wheelchair users.

What's provided in sheltered housing

Every sheltered scheme has a communal lounge that is available to all tenants for social and recreational activities or simply as a place to meet and talk at any time. There is usually a wide range of social activities, including bingo, shopping trips, outings and various entertainment. Everyone is welcome to take part but no one is forced to do so. If you think there are activities you would enjoy that are not available, you can discuss this with your scheme manager.

Most schemes have a visiting hairdresser and library service.

Television sets are not provided, but there is a special concession so that the majority of tenants need to pay only a very small amount for their television licence.

Most schemes have a guest room available if you have a relative or close friend visiting you for a short period. A small charge is made.

You are welcome to keep a domestic pet such as fish or a small caged bird. Unfortunately, cats and dogs are not permitted in sheltered housing.

Tenants are encouraged to contribute their views either individually via scheme meetings or as part of the Tenant Participation Forums. We aim to keep tenants informed and to listen to views on issues affecting individual schemes and the service in general.