Sheltered Housing

Sheltered housing is ideal for elderly people who can manage their own home, but who may need a little help to stay independent.

A sheltered housing scheme usually consists of 25 - 35 individual flats. Most flats in sheltered housing schemes have:

•  Their own bedroom, lounge area, kitchen and bathroom

•  Central heating

•  An electric cooker (in some flats)

•  A shared lounge and laundry room

•  A 24 hour warden and alarm service

Further Information
How to apply

Warden cover
Cost
Pets
Schemes and locations

How to apply

You should be 60 or over, with a need for this type of housing. People under 60 may be considered if they have special needs that would be helped by living in a sheltered scheme.

You will need to fill in a Homechoice application from and list the schemes you are interested in. If you need to move for medical reasons, you will also need to fill in a medical referral form. Staff at the property shop or any local housing office will help you fill in the forms and give you advice on sheltered schemes.

Alternatively you can apply on line at www.rochdalehomechoice.org.uk

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Warden cover

All sheltered housing schemes are covered by our warden and alarm service. Each flat, bungalow or bedsit has an intercom alarm. Residents also have pendants to wear that they can use to call help at any time.

Resident wardens are on duty Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm (not including bank holidays) and can help with any problems you are having. The resident warden is also responsible for the day to day running of the scheme.

If you need help when the resident warden is not on duty, your call is automatically passed to a team of trained operators who will ask the mobile warden to visit you and/or to call the emergency services.

The mobile warden service operates 24 hours a day every day of the year, so there is always someone to help you when you need it.

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Costs

Rents usually include heating and a service charge for shared facilities. Residents are also entitled to a lower-priced TV licence. Council Tax is not included.

As part of the Government's new supporting people initiative, rents for sheltered housing are now paid separately to support costs (e.g. warden and careline). However it is a condition of tenancy that you receive and pay for the supporting people charge. The charge is currently £18.42 per week.

If you qualify for housing benefit, the council will pay this charge for you. If you do not qualify for housing benefit you may still qualify for financial help.

For more details about rent and service charges or for information about benefits you may be able to get (including help paying rent and council tax) contact your local housing office or the Homechoice team on 0800 091 2248.

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Pets

Cats and dogs are not allowed in sheltered housing schemes but you may keep fish or caged small animals or birds.

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