Sheltered Housing in Shepway

Roadshow at Philippa House

There are 14 different sheltered housing schemes in Shepway and they are outlined below.

What is sheltered housing?

Sheltered housing is purpose-built accommodation designed to make your home and life easier to manage.

All schemes include a well-equipped laundry room, kitchen and communal lounge where tenants can meet with friends and neighbours, and all schemes are built with safety and convenience in mind and have door entry systems, fire alarms and smoke detectors. Each flat (or studio flat) is fitted with alarm cords which put tenants in contact with a member of staff in an emergency situation.

All flats have their own front door and front door key, meaning that all tenants have their own private facilities.

Generally your neighbours will all be of pensionable age, but occasionally younger tenants may also need the support that this type of housing can provide. Sheltered housing does not provide a "child-free" zone - that is impossible to do. Children do visit their relatives who live at the schemes. Also if there are children living nearby, they may well play in the vicinity of the scheme. However, you will almost certainly find it quieter than family housing on large estates.

Sheltered housing is not like an old peoples home or a nursing home. Tenants maintain the same responsibilities and independence they have always enjoyed. Supported Housing Officers do have a master key, which will access all flats in an emergency, however, privacy and independence is always fully respected.

Is there a member of staff there 24 hours a day?

No. Supported Housing Officers have many other duties, and spend only a part of each day on the scheme. During their time on the scheme they will give each tenant a daily call via the alarm system (optional) to discuss any concerns.

What sort of activities take place in sheltered housing schemes?

Almost all schemes have coffee mornings or afternoon tea get-togethers - also outings to sights of interest, country drives and cream teas. Trips to the theatre are also popular. The activities available depend on the scheme.

What if I don't want to join in?

All activities are entirely voluntary and tenants can pick and choose which they would like to be involved in.

Will I be able to bring my domestic pet with me?

Managing animals in sheltered housing can sometimes be difficult, but as long as tenants are sensible and consider their neighbours there are seldom any difficulties. Dogs and Cats may present some problems as the gardens are not usually fenced, and of course it would be important that it did not foul in the grounds and was kept on a lead. If you have a pet be sure to speak to the staff before your move into sheltered housing. They will be happy to advise you on the schemes ability to take animals.

What would happen if I needed help?

It would depend on the seriousness of the situation and the nature of the problem. If it was an everyday problem, such as not being able to go shopping because of a headache, then you would do exactly as you do now, perhaps phone a relative or friend to go for you. If you needed to speak to your GP about a medical problem you would do so.

One of the biggest fears of prospective tenants is that they would suddenly be seen as helpless and dependent. This is not the case.

If you suddenly became ill and needed assistance your alarm would put you in touch with our staff, who would assess the situation and ensure any help needed was quickly despatched. Sheltered housing can ensure that in an emergency any help you need is quickly called 24 hours a day. It may never be needed but it is reassuring to know that it is there - just in case.

I have heard that the staff will want to know who my doctor is, and about my relatives. Is that right?

Yes. If you pulled your alarm cord in an emergency and were unable to speak to us the staff would need to ensure the right help was with you as soon as possible.

It would also help us if we knew a little about your medical history. The staff would then be able to convey the urgency of the situation to your doctor or the ambulance service.

All information is protected under the Data Protection Act and is never disclosed to unauthorised persons.

What is semi-sheltered housing?

There are nineteen semi-sheltered schemes across Shepway. These are groups of bungalows or flats built with the older person in mind. Though, as with fully sheltered housing, not all tenants will necessarily be of retirement age.

Supported Housing Officers also visit semi-sheltered schemes, but usually only those that require a link or introduction to other services or agencies such as social services. The Supported Housing Officer does not have access to a master key. There are no communal facilities and generally organised events do not take place. However, flats do have the alarm system, which enables tenants to call for help in an emergency.

Do any other organisations offer rented sheltered housing?

There are other providers. This information refers only to sheltered housing provided by Shepway District Council. However, many Registered Social Landlords (formerly housing associations) also have schemes within the area. Discuss your options with a member of staff from the Allocations section when you apply.