If you want stay independent, but in a smaller, easier-to-manage home, with support, then sheltered housing might be the right option for you.
There are a wide range of purpose designed housing available for older people and where help or care can be called on when needed.
Sheltered Housing (or Retirement Housing) and Extra Care Housing, offers a well designed home of your own plus communal facilities and some services which will usually include a residents’ lounge, a visitors’ room, a communal garden and a laundry with a full- or part-time manager whose job includes providing support and advice to residents. Properties may be bought or rented.
A complete guide to Sheltered Housing is available from ageuk.org.uk and from independentage.org.uk.
More information on finding and applying for Sheltered Housing can be found at the following links:
Assisted Living and Extra Care schemes provide a more intensive level of support than traditional sheltered housing for older people who need some personal care or other types of help, but who are otherwise able to live safely and independently on their own. There will usually be at least one member of staff on hand 24 hours a day and some schemes are able to continue caring for people who develop dementia.
A guide to extra care housing is available from independentage.uk.
More information on Assisted Living and Extra Care schemes can be found at the EAC.
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