What is Sheltered Housing?
Sheltered housing schemes comprise of a group of dwellings, often under one roof, with certain amenities for all residents to enjoy, such as communal lounge, laundry room, guestroom, lifts and communal gardens.
Gosport Borough Council has 8 sheltered housing schemes where residents can lead independent lives in their own homes in a secure and friendly environment.
Who can apply for sheltered housing?
Residents should normally be of retirement age i.e. over 60 years of age. It is designed to meet the needs of older people who wish to remain independent but would benefit from the support provided in this environment.
If you own your own home at the moment we will still consider you for rehousing.
Does it cost more?
A well as a weekly rent/service charge, all residents in sheltered housing pay a support charge for the services they receive; this includes the scheme manager service and the emergency alarm service. If you are entitled to Housing Benefit the Supporting People Grant will cover the charge. If you have difficulty paying the support charge and you are not entitled to Housing Benefit you may get help from the Supporting People Fund. You will need to apply for assistance to see how much help you may receive.
Can I bring a pet with me?
There are certain restrictions at our schemes. If your home is in a block of flats (with communal areas) we do not allow domestic animals such as cats and dogs. Some of our schemes do permit animals; however you would need to request permission to bring your pet with you prior to the commencement of your tenancy.
What is the emergency alarm system?
All homes in sheltered housing benefit from an emergency alarm system. This is a two-way speech system activated by pull-cords in the accommodation, which allow you to communicate with the scheme manager in an emergency. When the scheme manager is not on duty your call will be diverted to an out of hours response centre, they will access the situation and arrange for the appropriate service to attend.
What does the Scheme Manager do?
The role of the Scheme Manager is to support residents, encourage independence and to help residents organise social activities. If necessary they will contact Social Services or other health professionals on your behalf to arrange for additional help to be given to you in your home.
Scheme Managers are not on duty 24 hours a day and cannot provide nursing or home care services.
A summary of the scheme manager's duties
Ensure the security of the scheme.
Help residents settle into their new home, giving advice on facilities and sources of support and help.
Manage the general running of the scheme.
Respond to emergencies during working hours.
Make regular checks on all residents in sheltered accommodation to ensure their general health and well-being.
Maintain records of resident's doctor and next of kin.
Contact the resident's GP when necessary, informing next of kin of illness at residents request.
Liase with Social Services and other agencies to arrange support for residents when required.
Facilitate communal activities in the sheltered scheme.
Administer TV Licence concession scheme.
Maintain regular contact with housing management staff.
Monitor repairs at scheme.
The scheme manager does not handle resident's finances, administer medication or provided personal care.
Rent Payment
This could not be easier with a weekly collection service operating in the Sheltered Schemes. You can, if you wish also pay by direct debit or over the telephone (details are printed on your rent card). If you would like information about other methods of payment you can contact the Rents Section on 023 9254 5286 or if you require advice regarding your tenancy, please contact your Housing Officer at the Town Hall.
If you are on a low income the Housing Benefits Section may be able to help, please contact them direct at the Town Hall on 023 9254 5325.
Concessionary TV Licence
Sheltered Housing is part of a concessionary TV licensing scheme. Residents who are eligible pay £5 per year. Residents over 75 years of age do not pay for a TV licence. There are restrictions to this service, please ask if you are in doubt as to your eligibility.
Further information
If you have any questions about the information contained in this guide or any other questions about Sheltered accommodation please contact Sue Kendall on 023 9254 5254.
If you would like to apply for Sheltered Housing please contact Allocations and Advice on:
023 9254 5369 or 5212 or 5352 or call in to Reception at the Town Hall and collect a form.
If you would like to visit one of our Sheltered Schemes please telephone the Scheme Manager to make an appointment:
Agnew House Forton 023 9252 1223
Alec Rose House Town 023 9258 6199
Behrendt House Forton 023 9258 3053
Fortune House Town 023 9252 0019
Gloucester House Town 023 9258 6062
The Leisure Bridgemary 01329 285580
Rogers House Lee-on-the-Solent 023 9255 1748
Woodlands House Elson 023 9251 0664
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