Housing for Older People
Helping maintain your independence, providing you with support and peace of mind. This page explains what Sheltered Housing and Extra Care are and how you can apply.
Watford Community Housing Trust owns and manages sheltered housing schemes for older people throughout the Borough, which provides a sheltered housing service. In addition we also have an Extra Scheme.
What is Sheltered and Extra Care Housing?
Sheltered and Extra Care Housing is a group of flats specifically for people who are:
- over the age of 60
- retired
- under 60 and disabled, but who do not need constant or immediate help and can live independently.
The Disability Discrimination Act considers a person disabled if:
"You have a longstanding physical or mental condition or disability that has lasted or is likely to last at least 12 months".
In Sheltered and Extra Care Housing, tenants have their own front door and the idea is that tenants live as independently as possible, but help is always available if you need it. For example, each scheme has a Scheme Manager, and each home is fitted with an alarm system so that you can immediately get help in an emergency. In our Extra Care scheme additional support is provided from the onsite care team.
There are comfortable communal lounges and, in most of the Schemes, a guest room. There are also laundry room facilities, and gardens that the Trust maintains for tenants' enjoyment. There are varied social programmes that may include activities such as lunch clubs, afternoon teas, trips out, bingo and other games.
What is a Scheme Manager?
All of our Sheltered Schemes, including our Extra Care Scheme, have a Scheme Manager. Their job is to:
- manage the scheme
- build up a relationship with older people living in their schemes; giving residents information on availability and access to services and encouraging them to ask for additional support from statutory and voluntary organisations when appropriate
- summon help in an emergency.
They do not provide personal care and they are not qualifi ed nurses, so they are not allowed to provide medical help or administer medication. Instead they will help you make arrangements with Adult Care Services or your doctor or the health authority, to access services to assist and support you in your home.
How to apply for Sheltered and Extra Care Housing
All applicants must be registered on Watford Borough Council's Housing Register whether you live within Watford or not. These forms are available from the Council's Housing Department and they can be contacted on 01923 226400.
There is a Choice Based Letting process used in allocating applicants to properties in our sheltered housing schemes. The exception is our Extra Care scheme where allocations are made through a panel to ensure a balanced community of tenants with various care needs.
Assessments
All applicants and referrals for Sheltered and Extra Care Housing will have an assessment carried out to identify their housing support and care needs. This is to ensure that you meet our eligibility criteria, and your housing options and support needs are met effectively.
Home Owners
In some circumstances, we will consider home owners for sheltered housing accommodation. Please contact the Council for further information or an application form.
Rent, service charges and utility bills
- Rent is charged weekly and is due on a Monday. Tenants can pay monthly by Direct Debit if they so wish.
- Tenants who receive housing benefit should have this paid direct to the Trust and is paid four weekly in arrears.
- Tenants are still liable for the services charges, which cover, water, heating and sewage.
- Tenants are responsible for paying their own utility bills e.g. telephone, gas and electric.
Contact Details
To receive further information about our Sheltered and Extra Care Housing you can contact us through the following methods:
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| Call us on 01923 209236 |
Independent Living |
Email us - supported housing@wcht.org.uk |
Further independent information on Housing and Care:
The Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC)
The EAC aim to is to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs. They provide a well respected, comprehensive, free advice and information service to older people, their families and advisors on housing and care needs.
EAC
3rd Floor
89 Albert Embankment
London
SE1 7TPTelephone: 020 7820 1343
Website: www.eac.org.uk
