Sheltered housing
If one or both of your parents are struggling to manage in their own home and are looking for an option that provides privacy, independence, security and a social life if they want it, sheltered or retirement housing could be the solution What is it?Broadly speaking ‘sheltered’ usually refers to council or housing association property and 'retirement’ to the private sector.
Most sheltered or retirement schemes provide self-contained accommodation, specially designed with the needs of older people in mind.
They are different from care homes or nursing homes, in that personal and/or medical care are not included.
‘Very sheltered’ housing schemes offer some degree of extra care for those who are frailer and less able to manage, but do not need the level of care provided in a care or nursing home.
What does it consist of?There are a huge number of different types of sheltered housing to rent or to buy.
Most schemes consist of between around 16 and 60 self-contained living units ranging from flats to bungalows, houses and luxury homes.
What facilities are offered? Most schemes offer shared laundry facilities, a communal sitting room, garden and guest room for visitors, together with safety and security features, a 24-hour emergency call alarm system and warden or scheme manager, who may or may not live on site. It’s their job to manage the property, keep in touch with residents, liaise with their families and outside agencies, and be on hand to deal with emergencies. Check out what the set up is, as there is an increasing trend for wardens and scheme managers to live off site.
Who is eligible?Single people and couples over 60 (or occasionally 55 or even 50). If you want to rent you will usually have to show that you are in need of housing –for medical or social reasons - and that you are not in a position to buy. You may also have to say why you want to move into a particular area, for example because friends or relatives live nearby. If you’re after council accommodation you’ll usually need to have been living in the area for a certain amount of time.
Who provides rented accommodation?
Most rented sheltered housing is provided by councils or housing associations, also known as registered social landlords (RSLs), such as the Anchor Trust. There are also voluntary organisations such as Abbeyfield, Almshouses or Housing 21, formerly The Royal British Legion Housing Association. The latter used to be reserved for ex-service people but is now open to other older people.
How do I apply?
Get in touch your local housing department or housing association. Some housing associations operate their own waiting lists but you usually need to be referred by your local council. For schemes run by other organisations such as Housing 21, Abbeyfield or Almshouses, get in touch with them direct. Who provides accommodation to buy?Properties are usually built by a private company or developer and run by a separate management company, which employs the warden and is responsible for care and maintenance. If you can’t afford to pay the market price there are various schemes available that can make things more affordable such as leasehold schemes run by some housing associations, shared equity schemes, and Life Interest Plans, in which you buy the right to live in a property for the rest of your life at well below the market price. There can, however, be pitfalls. For a start you don’t get the money back if you live for more than five years which is why it’s important to get all the facts and seek legal advice before going ahead.
How do I buy sheltered accommodation?
Look for adverts in the property press or check out the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC) website, Retirement Homesearch or Retirement Homesearch Scotland, if you live north of the border. It’s important to know exactly what you’re buying and what’s included in the service charge, as costs can soon mount up, so check it out carefully. The NHBC Sheltered Housing Code requires builders to provide a Buyer’s Information Pack, containing details of developer or management organisation, legal rights together with a breakdown of service charges and information on resale arrangements and charges for new-build properties constructed by builders who belong to the NHBC.
What can I expect to pay?
Rental costs can range from £75 to £150 a week, depending on where you live and the provider, and the service charge is usually included in this. Bought properties can range from around £50,000 to £200,000 plus. You will have have to budget for the service charge to cover the cost of the warden and the alarm system, building repairs, maintenance, gardening and most other services. This usually amounts to around £30 to £50 a week. You’ll also have to pay ground rent (from £50 to £300 a year), plus of course the usual bills such as council tax, water, contents insurance, telephone, gas and electricity. Written by Patsy Westcott
This article was created: 7 August 2006.
This article was last edited: 11 December 2006.
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