Why choose sheltered housing?
Sheltered housing might appeal to you if you want to live independently, in a smaller and easier-to-manage home, and like the idea of having someone to call on if there is an emergency. Sheltered housing differs from other types of housing because of the presence of a scheme manager (sometimes called a warden) who lives on the premises, or nearby.

Extra care sheltered housing, very sheltered housing and assisted living housing offer a higher level of care. These schemes are ideal for people who are less able to manage on their own, but who do not need the level of care available in a care home. The services offered will vary between schemes, but meals, help with domestic tasks and some personal care are often provided. Close care housing is usually located in the grounds of a care home, with staff from the home providing extra care and assistance.

Who is eligible for sheltered housing?
While different schemes and providers may have different eligibility criteria, most schemes are open to people who are aged over 60. You can be a single person or part of a couple. If you have particular support needs, these will be discussed with you before you move in to make sure they are in place before your arrival.

The role of the scheme manager
It is important to be clear about what the manager's role is. This will vary according to the scheme, but generally the manager is not there to provide care for residents, or to carry out tasks like shopping and cleaning - although they may be able to advise on or help arrange these things. Usually the scheme manager will keep in regular contact with residents, checking that all is well each day, and help out in emergencies. They may then consult with the resident’s family and with voluntary and statutory agencies to make sure that any assessed support is provided.

Remember that you can still apply for services such as meals on wheels or help with bathing if you live in sheltered housing. Contact your local council's social services department for more information if you live in England, your social work department in Scotland or your local health and social services trust if you live in Northern Ireland. For more advice, see our section on Community Care.

Service charges
To cover the cost of running the sheltered housing scheme, all residents pay a service charge, whether they own their home or are renting. This service charge includes the cost of the scheme manager and the alarm system, as well as building repairs, maintenance, gardening and most of the other services provided.

The amount you have to pay will vary, so find out how it is calculated beforehand. It is also essential to check what the service charge does not include, for example heating, lighting, cooking, telephone or ground rent.

If you are an owner-occupier you may also be asked to pay one-off sums of money to cover, for example, the cost of unexpected repairs to the building.

To help you choose a sheltered housing scheme, ask for a record of past increases in the service charge to see if there have been any sudden rises, and a list of any one-off payments residents have been asked to make. With a new scheme, ask if the organisation manages any other sheltered housing schemes and ask to see a record of their service charges. If it doesn't have other records for you to see, question their calculation of the service charge. Ask whether there are any plans to change the service charge or the way it is calculated.

Housing Benefit, Pension Credit and Supporting People
If you are entitled to Pension Credit or Housing Benefit, you may be able to include some of the service charge you pay in your claim. You may also get some of your service charge paid through a government scheme called Supporting People. For more information call our free advice service SeniorLine on 0808 800 6565. (If you are in Northern Ireland call 0808 808 7575.)