Find a home

Independent living

We offer a range of homes which give you the option of a supported lifestyle. If you’re aged 50 or above and looking for a safe, secure home that also allows you to maintain your freedom, we can help.


Our independent living homes include a range of options which provide security and flexibility, and help you to connect with a friendly community.

They offer generous and comfortable living spaces along with attractive gardens, with qualified and friendly staff helping to create close-knit communities. The properties that are available range from one-bed and two-bed apartments to studio flats, helping you to live in a home that’s the right size for you.

If your mobility, health or age increase the likelihood that you will need ongoing support, our flexicare homes can provide the added reassurance of having trained staff at hand for assistance, whilst still allowing you to live your life the way you choose. Our schemes have a 24-hour emergency call-out system and secure door entry, to make sure you are always able to reach someone who can help.

Our Independent Living team provide information, advice, support and practical assistance with your housing and care requirements to help you to maintain an independent living environment.

Frequently asked questions

Independent living and flexicare – what are the differences?
We have two types of accommodation – independent living and flexicare. The accommodation is similar, but there are some differences which might influence your choice.

In independent living homes, tenants are free to come and go, and to invite friends to visit, just as they would if they lived elsewhere. These flats contain added security and support for your peace of mind – each flat is connected to a Lifeline alarm system which means that in emergencies you can always call for help. 
Independent living is also about your life outside your home, so there are regular social activities and events, a communal lounge and in most schemes we offer laundry facilities and guest rooms, should you wish to use them.  

In a flexicare scheme, you will live in your own flat, but with the added bonus of access to 24-hour on-site care and support (there is a separate cost for any commissioned care). Flexicare enables individuals and couples to rent a flat within a safe community, with housing-related support and care services on site. The services are flexible and can be adapted to suit your changing needs, so that you are always in the best situation for your health and wellbeing.

Flexicare is ideal for those who, due to their environment and physical condition, are finding it gradually more difficult to maintain their home. Flexicare is an alternative way of living which enables you to retain your independence and security for as long as possible. 
 
Where are your independent living homes?

We have 11 schemes in total across Watford and Abbots Langley, including two flexicare schemes – Dale Court and Rutland Lodge. They are conveniently located, with access to public transport, shops and amenities nearby.

For more information, please get in touch on 0800 2182247 or email enquiries@wcht.org.uk

How do I apply?
Flexicare living:
To apply for Flexicare living, you must be over 50 years of age and have personal care needs, including assistance with daily living and housing related support needs. You must also have a sufficiently close connection to the Watford area (e.g. be a resident of Watford when applying, wishing to move to be closer to family, etc).

If you qualify then you can apply to us directly by completing this form and sending it to us at 59 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1LA - or you can email the form to independentliving@wcht.org.uk. We will notify you when we receive your apllication.

Please note that you will be placed on a waiting list and when suitable accomodation becomes available, we will contact you. When we contact you, we will arrange for you to complete an independent living service needs and risk assessment with the commissioned care provider.

Independent living:
If you would like to apply for an independent living, there are two routes you can take. 

If you live in Watford currently and have done so for at least the last five years, and are over 50 years old, you can register for housing at https://watford.homeconnections.org.uk/. Once registered, you can bid on the properties that are advertised on the Home Connections website.

Alternatively, if you are over 50 years old and either would like to live in Watford or currently live in Watford but only for less than five years, then you can apply to us directly by completing this form. Once completed, please send it to us at 59 Clarendon Road, Watford, WD17 1LA, or email the form to independentliving@wcht.org.uk. We will notify you when we receive your application.

Please note that you will be placed on a waiting list and when suitable accommodation becomes available, we will contact you. When we contact you, we will arrange for you to complete an independent living service needs and risk assessment - this will help us determine what accommodation needs you have and what services you require. 

Please be aware that this process may take longer and you will have less choice than when registering with Home Connections.

Please note that we cannot accept applications from homeowners.