FOR many people, a retirement flat or bungalow is an attractive option. Whether it is the company of other residents or the added security of a warden, it can prove an ideal alternative to going into a care home. In this section we outline the different retirement housing options available to you…

What Is It?

RETIREMENT housing is aimed specifically for older people. Also known as sheltered housing, it tends to come in schemes of about 20 to 40 flats or bungalows. There is usually an alarm system and the majority of schemes have a warden. There are normally shared facilities such as a communal lo unge, garden and laundry. Meals aren’t provided unless it is in extra care sheltered housing.

Is It Right For You?

A RETIREMENT home may be more manageable and offer more security than your current property. But it might also be in a location you aren’t familiar with and be a long way from friends and family. Also, you may not be able to take your pet with you, if you have one.

An alternative to retirement housing is investigating whether you could get additional security and support in your current home. One consideration would be installing an emergency alarm system. Contact your social services department for more information.

Buy or Rent?

Renting: The majority of rented sheltered housing is provided by local councils and housing associations. Demand for this accommodation is very high in most parts of the UK. Both councils and housing associations try to help people with the biggest need and they set criteria describing the applicants with the highest priority. Normally, you will need to prove that you’ve a housing need because of the physical condition of your current home, or you have medical or social reasons for wanting to move. If you’re already a council or housing association tenant, you should approach your landlord and request a transfer to sheltered housing.

There are also some private providers of rented sheltered housing. Contact the Elderly Accommodation Counsel on 020 7820 1343 for more details.

Buying: The majority of retirement housing is sold on a leasehold basis on the open market. In some parts of the country, there may be schemes for people who cannot afford to pay the full market price, such as shared ownership. For information about schemes in your area and shared ownership schemes, contact the Elderly Accommodation Counsel (020 7820 1343).

Choosing A Home

FACILITIES in retirement housing blocks vary and there are things you may want to consider before you make your choice:

Location: Is the location easy to get to? Are there any hills to climb to get to it? How do you feel about moving away from friends and family? Are there shops, banks, chemists and medical services nearby? What about libraries, parks, churches, pubs and day centres? And what about public transport? Is the scheme on a bus route?

Alarms and Wardens: Emergency alarm systems are usually linked to a communications centre, which can summon help for you in the case of an emergency. The people at the centre would contact a doctor, relative, or emergency service as appropriate.

Most retirement schemes have a warden or manager. Most wardens are expected to manage the scheme, report repairs, help out in emergencies and give residents information on access to services. They do not carry out personal services such as cleaning, shopping and cooking.

Service Charges

ON TOP of rent or mortgage payments, you usually have to pay a regular service charge for the upkeep and cleaning of communal areas. Then there are support service charges that cover the warden and alarm service.

The funding system Supporting People may help you pay towards housing-related support services such as the warden and alarm service. If you are struggling to pay for these supporting charges, you might be able to receive help. If you are on Housing Benefit, you’ll not be charged for your support service. Contact your local Supporting People team. Your council will have details.

Don’t forget that you will also have to pay water rates, Council Tax, contents insurance, TV licence, phone and energy bills. If you’re on a low income, you might be able to receive help to pay your Council Tax or rent.

Extra Care Sheltered Housing

THIS is a type of sheltered housing offering extra facilities for those people who need personal care services, such as help with dressing and bathing. Accommodation is usually in self-contained flats, but unlike normal sheltered housing, there may also be a shared dining room where meals are available. There might also be care staff to provide personal care.

Extra care sheltered housing can either be rented, owned or part-owned. This housing is usually run jointly with social services and people are normally housed there after undergoing a social services assessment. Contact your local council to find out whether there are any in your local area.

Abbeyfield Houses: These are run by voluntary organisations and cater for people looking for support in sheltered housing. Most of the accommodation is in houses of eight to 12 unfurnished bedsits, most with en-suite facilities. They usually have a shared dining room, lounge and garden. The residents receive two main meals a day. Call the Abbeyfield Society for more on 01727 857536.

Almshouses: These are run by charitable trusts and provide low-cost homes for older people. Each charity has its own regulations about the people they can house. Some, for example, were set up for retired workers from a specific trade. Almshouse residents, as charity beneficiaries, don’t have the same legal rights as other tenants. There is no security of tenure and the person’s rights as a resident are outlined in a Letter of Appointment provided by the trustees. For more details call the Almshouses Association on 01344 452922

Contacts List

Abbeyfield Society: 01727 857536, www.abbeyfield.com

Advice Information and Mediation Service for retirement housing (AIMS): 0845 600 2001, www.ageconcern.org.uk/aims

Almshouses Association: 01344 452922, www.almshouses.org

Counsel and Care: 0845 300 7585, www.counselandcare.org.uk

Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC): 020 7820 1343, www.housingcare.org

*Please note the details published on this page are targeted at people aged 50 or more and refers to the situation in England.

**Also, please note that the information included here may change from time to time, so please take legal advice if you are in any doubt.