What is the Gifted Housing service?

It is a unique high-quality service for older home-owners who, by donating their property to Help the Aged, can receive support to maintain their independence at home – freeing them from much of the worry and cost of maintaining the property and coping alone.

Flexible and tailored to individual needs, the Gifted Housing service is particularly suitable for home owners who are over the age of 70, without close family to assist them as they grow older.

'The most sensible thing I have ever done was to hand the place over to you. It is such a help to feel there is someone I can turn to, and who is on my side.'
- a Gifted Housing service user

The service is available in England and Wales. Staff are located in regions to ensure that donors receive a high level of service regardless of where they live.

Help the Aged recommends that prospective donors discuss the service with their solicitors or advisors.

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How does it work?

In return for gifting your property, Help the Aged undertakes to:

• carry out essential upgrading and improvements;
• organise and pay for repairs, maintenance and the external decoration of the property;
• pay the Council Tax, water charges and property insurance;
• contribute towards gardening costs;
• provide support, advice and financial assistance to help each donor who has care needs, bringing in care at home wherever possible;
• provide and pay for an emergency alarm; and
• advocate and liaise with health and social care agencies in consultation with donors at times of crisis.

Help the Aged employs independent solicitors, chosen by each donor, to handle all the legal aspects of the donation, including a formal Donation Agreement.

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Frequently asked questions

Q. If I give my property to Help the Aged will I be able to stay in my home?

A. Yes. Our aim is to help older people to maintain their independence at home for as long as possible. Later, if you need to move, Help the Aged will involve you in the process of finding a suitable alternative home.

Q. Is there a minimum age limit?

A.Yes. Donors must be at least 70 years of age.

Q. Isn’t this similar to Equity Release schemes?

A. No. Equity Release schemes provide capital secured against your property and interest accumulates on top of the loan. This sudden increase in capital may affect entitlement to certain means-tested benefits.

In contrast, the Gifted Housing Service offers a supportive service for life. Donors do not receive capital for their gift, but because Help the Aged covers so many costs, there are financial benefits to them in addition to the support they receive.

Q. Do you have your own care homes?

A. No. When the need for such care arises, donors are able to be involved with us in finding a Care Home to meet their requirements.  We assist in the move and continue to provide contact and support.