What is sheltered housing?
Who can apply for Sheltered Housing?
Does it cost more?
Can I continue to keep pets?
What does the Scheme Manager do?
What happens in an emergency?
A summary of the Scheme Manager’s normal duties
Out-of-hours cover
Visits to sheltered schemes

What is sheltered housing? [Top]

Sheltered housing is for older people who want to lead an independent life in their own home. It is designed to provide independence in a secure and friendly environment.

Residents should normally be of retirement age. They must be able to lead an independent life. There is usually a waiting list and places will be offered on availability and level of need.

You pay rent as usual but there is an additional service charge for the services and the call centre. However, if you are entitled to housing benefit, this charge will be covered by a ‘Supporting People’ grant.

Permission should be asked before a resident moves in, each sheltered scheme is different and therefore permission is given on each individual case.

The Scheme Manager’s role is to support tenants, encourage independence and help tenants in organising social activities.

If necessary they will contact Social Services or other health professionals on your behalf to arrange for additional help to be given to you in your home. For example, meals-on-wheels, or help with personal care.

Scheme Managers are not on duty 24 hours-a-day and cannot provide nursing or home care services.

Each sheltered scheme has a two way speech system which means that you are able to contact the Scheme Manager in an emergency. When your Scheme Manager is not on duty, you can still get assistance in an emergency as your call will be diverted to an out-of-hours response service.

Tenants will be asked for contact information about their relatives, friends and doctors so that they can be contacted in an emergency.

This information is passed onto the out-of-hours response service so that they can get in touch with these people if need be.

• Make regular visits on all tenants in sheltered accommodation to ensure their general health and well being.
• Contact the tenant’s doctor when necessary, ensuring that relatives are informed of any illness (with the tenant’s agreement.)
• Manage the general running of the scheme.
• Respond to emergencies during working hours.
• Facilitate communal activities in the sheltered scheme.
• Monitor repairs service.
• Maintain records of tenant’s doctor and next of kin.
• Ensure the security of the scheme.
• Liaise with Social Services and other agencies to arrange support for residents when required.
• Help organise social events.
• Administer TV Licence concession scheme where appropriate.
• Help residents to settle into their new home, giving advice on facilities and ensuring that all tenants are aware of sources of support and help.
• Look out for signs of need and maintain regular contact with housing management staff.
• Liaise with Rent Account Manager on any rent queries.
• The Scheme Manager does not handle tenants’ finances, administer medication or provide personal care.

Our out-of-hours cover provides a 365 days-a-year emergency service to ensure that help is available even when the Scheme Manager is not on duty.

Your call will be dealt with by someone who is trained to respond to emergency calls. They will know who you are and will have details of your family and friends. All calls are recorded.

Outside normal office hours, the call centre will contact your relatives or, depending upon the severity and nature of the call , contact emergency services (a doctor or ambulance). This is part of our sheltered housing service.

If you would like to visit any of our sheltered schemes you are most welcome to do so.

Please contact Sara Gohl, Sheltered Service Co-ordinator on 01730 237 554.

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