Sheltered housing: independent living with added peace of mind
Arranging care for a parent or loved one can be challenging, but sheltered housing might be a good option.
Research conducted by Which? Elderly Care found that four in ten (44%) of the sandwich generation (those aged 40-60) are worried about caring for an older relative. Depending on your parent or loved one’s needs there are a number of options available. This can include downsizing their current home or moving to a retirement village or care homes. If your parent or loved one is relatively independent, but would like the reassurance of additional support, one option could be sheltered housing.
What is sheltered housing?
Sheltered housing is a type of development that usually consists of 20-40 self-contained flats with communal facilities. In most cases, they are available to people aged 60 and over, although some schemes may be open to those over 55 years old.
Sheltered housing can be bought or rented, either by an individual or a couple. Residents can pay privately, or if they meet certain eligibility criteria, they can apply to be allocated sheltered housing by their local council or housing association. All the properties in a sheltered housing development will have their own front door, kitchen and bathroom. Residents live independently with the freedom to come and go as they please, but the main advantage is that help is at hand when required.
Most sheltered housing developments offer support in the form of a scheme manager, or warden, living on or off-site. The managers provide residents with advice, ensure that communal areas are clean and arrange any maintenance or repairs. Each property will also be fitted with 24-hour alarm system, allowing residents to call for help if they have fall, or need assistance in an emergency.
Who would benefit most from sheltered housing?
Sheltered housing is a good option for older people who enjoy independent living but want the reassurance of additional support. If you are looking into sheltered housing on behalf of a parent of family member the questions you should ask yourself include:
- Does their home no longer suit their needs? It might be that their current property is simply too big for them or that they are having trouble keeping up with maintenance and repairs. Sheltered housing can offer a smaller and easier-to-manage alternative.
- Do they suffer from reduced mobility? Properties in sheltered housing are built with older people in mind, and are usually smaller and easier to get around. Most have been built or have been adapted to suit people with reduced mobility or disabilities.
- Do they no longer feel safe living alone? Sheltered housing can feel more secure than living alone. It can also offer reassurance as your parent or loved one will know that other people are around – to talk to, give advice or help with problems. Scheme managers are on duty during the days and some stay on site overnight. Another key benefit is the opportunity to socialise with other people of a similar age. Many sheltered housing schemes have a community feel, with shared spaces and organised activities for residents.
- Do require support with personal care? Standard sheltered housing is most suitable for older people who are relatively fit and healthy, as personal or medical care is not usually provided onsite. However, a small number of sheltered housing schemes are starting to provide personal care such as washing and dressing. These schemes are called extra care sheltered housing schemes.
The majority of sheltered housing schemes require residents to have a certain level of independence. All schemes are run differently so, when researching you should be sure to enquire about:
- What duties is the scheme manager responsible for?
- What hours does the scheme manager work?
- What happens if your parent or loved one needs emergency help when the scheme manager is not on the premises?
- Are any changes being planned for the way in which the service is delivered?
- How much is the service charge and, if appropriate, can your parent get any financial help towards the charges?
The pros and cons of sheltered housing
Sheltered housing can be a great option, but it’s important to check first that your parent or loved one knows what to expect and that the accommodation is suitable for their needs. The drawbacks of sheltered housing can include additional costs, such as bills and service charges (if you own the property), the limited availability of choice, the rules that residents have to live by – e.g. limiting noise or pets not being allowed. Other things to consider include the reduction in space and the variation in care available, as wardens may not live on site.
It’s important to weigh up the drawbacks against the benefits; these include the freedom to live independently, the support and reassurance that comes from assisted living, the ability to allow couples to remain living together and the social aspect of living in a community with people of a similar age.
For more information on sheltered housing and the other residential options that are available to older people, together with care services and products to help improve your parent’s quality of life, please visit Which? Elderly Care
