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Sheltered accommodation is different from other housing because a scheme manager or warden lives on the premises or nearby. They can be contacted through an alarm system if necessary. Some schemes are designed specifically for disabled people and may have specialised facilities and specially trained staff to provide support.

Sheltered housing schemes are usually run by local councils. Different council housing offices and housing associations have their own eligibility criteria. This should include a general assessment of your needs.

There is sometimes a waiting list for sheltered housing.

Extra care housing

Extra care housing is a type of sheltered housing that can offer care and support. It can be ideal for people who are less able to manage on their own. Extra care housing offers people the opportunity to live in a home of their own, even when they have high levels of care and support needs.

Extra care properties may be offered for rent or for sale, so some people are able to continue to own their own home.

The services offered in addition to care and support vary between schemes with many having a restaurant and organising social activities and learning opportunities.

There is usually a waiting list for extra care housing.

Sheltered housing staff

Housing association staff members, who sometimes live on site, provide support to people living in sheltered housing. The general responsibilities of a scheme manager may include:

Normally, scheme managers or wardens do not provide care services for residents or carry out tasks like shopping or cleaning. You can still apply to social services for support (for example, having meals delivered to your home if you have problems cooking) if you live in sheltered accommodation. Your local authority social services department should be able to give you details about these.

If you live in your own home but need extra support, for example, at a time of sickness or crisis, sheltered housing can sometimes be used as a short-term care solution.

Costs and service changes

To cover the cost of running the sheltered housing scheme, residents may have to pay a monthly service charge. This contributes towards paying for things like the scheme manager and building repairs.

The amount you have to pay will vary, so always ask how much the service charge will be. It's also important to check what the service charge does not cover. For example, heating may not be included.

If you're an owner-occupier you may also be asked to pay 'one-off' payments to cover things like the cost of unexpected building repairs.

Choosing the best sheltered housing for you

It could be helpful to think about the following factors:

Contact your local social services department at your local authority for more information on sheltered housing.

Apply for sheltered and supported housing locally

The following link will let you enter details of where you live and then take you to your local authority website where you can apply for sheltered and supported housing and/or find out more.

• Apply for sheltered and supported housing locally Opens new window