creating communities to be proud of
homes for over 50s and 60s
This section tells you about the services and accommodation available to people who are over 50 or 60 years of age and how this service will be developed and improved in the future.
What is sheltered housing accommodation?
Sheltered Housing accommodation is generally provided in small complexes of studios, flats or bungalows located together within a building or area, designated for people aged over 60. Shoreline’s schemes provide access to a Scheme officer during the day and assistance via an emergency pull cord system for all other times, should this be required. If needed, an officer will attend out of normal working hours. The Scheme officer acts as a “good neighbour”, providing daily contact, information and assistance.
What is a peripatetic scheme?
A Peripatetic Scheme consists of independent flats, designated for people over 50 years old, which have an emergency pull cord system linked to a call centre. In the event of an emergency, the call centre can arrange for appropriate assistance to be sent to you. This service is available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The difference between a Sheltered Scheme and a Peripatetic Scheme is that there is no Scheme officer on site in a peripatetic scheme, but you do have the piece of mind of knowing that you can call for assistance in the case of an emergency.
Modernising the sheltered accommodation service
Shoreline Housing Partnership is committed to providing a modern sheltered housing service, in line with the changing needs of the local population, where tenants can live in a secure environment with modern facilities, which meet their aspirations.
Shoreline Housing Partnership is currently embarking on a considerable Improvement Programme for its Sheltered Schemes. The following improvements will be made as part of this programme:
- All flats to be energy efficient, having heating systems with sensors which enable tenants to regulate temperature in their own flats
- Communal TV aerial systems which comply with modern technology
- All individual units have their own bathroom and kitchen as well as central heating and most have double glazing.
Decoration
The majority of Shoreline’s Sheltered Schemes provide a communal area for tenants to undertake social activities and relax. To enhance the surroundings for tenants, Shoreline undertakes regular redecoration of these communal areas. These improvements will be undertaken in consultation with existing tenants, to make sure their needs and views are taken into consideration.
Facilities
The majority of Shoreline’s Sheltered Schemes have communal laundry and lounge facilities available for tenants. Further information regarding individual Schemes’ facilities can be obtained from the Scheme officer. Communal bins and rubbish chutes are also available for household refuse and rubbish, which should be bagged up and disposed of by tenants. Car parking areas are also provided at most of the Sheltered Schemes, for tenants who have cars and also for visitors.
Grounds maintenance and gardening
At Shoreline, we encourage our tenants to become involved in making improvements in the grounds at their Sheltered Scheme, with gardening tools and equipment available for them to use.
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| The garden area of The Elms |
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The garden at Matthew Quinn House |
Emergency pull cord
One of the main attractions of Sheltered Housing Accommodation is the peace of mind that tenants have, knowing there is an emergency pull-cord to contact someone 24 hours a day, every day of the year. At whatever time of the day the pull-cord is activated, the Scheme officer or Peripatetic Officer will visit your home to provide assistance. Control room staff will be in constant voice contact until assistance arrives.
Lifestyle choice
Shoreline’s aim is to create communities to be proud of and recognise the need for affordable and suitable housing for older people in the community. Shoreline’s Sheltered Housing Schemes offer independent living, alongside the security and re-assurance of having a Scheme officer to assist and call upon when needed. Shoreline wants to create thriving communities in its Sheltered Housing Schemes, and tenants obviously play a big part in this. Activities are currently taking place which not only involve tenants, but also residents in the wider communities who may otherwise be isolated and vulnerable. Shoreline is committed to maintaining and improving its neighbourhoods, where people of the same generation can enjoy each other’s company.
Activities and social events
Within each Sheltered Scheme there are numerous activities arranged for tenants who wish to get involved, including bingo, coffee mornings and exercise classes. Trips to the seaside and other local sites are arranged as and when tenants request them.
Services
The majority of Shoreline’s sheltered schemes receive the services of hairdressers, chiropodists and meals on wheels etc. Regular visits are also made by a mobile shop, bakers and butchers, so tenants can stock up on items from the comfort of their own home.
How much does it cost?
The average weekly charge for a Sheltered Scheme flat is £69, which includes Supporting People charges and payment for services outlined in this leaflet. Further information is available for individual Sheltered Housing Scheme charges.
Council Tax for a Sheltered Scheme flat is Band A and tenants may also be eligible for Housing Benefit and a concessionary TV licence fee.
All Shoreline Schemes include Supporting People charges, so it is necessary that all tenants have a support requirement. In the majority of cases, when a tenant is eligible for Housing Benefit, they will also be eligible for Supporting People funding. If you are in receipt of Supporting People services, you cannot withdraw from receiving this support and remain in the property. In such cases Shoreline will end your tenancy on the basis that this is a breach of the tenancy conditions.
Tenant involvement
Tenants are involved in the running of their Sheltered Schemes and are consulted with regard to any changes which affect them such as internal decoration, refurbishment, choice of activities and building improvements.
Tenants from various Sheltered Schemes also meet up on a monthly basis as part of a Focus Group, to discuss issues and concerns they may have.
Scheme Officer (Warden) service
The Scheme officers who work in the sheltered accommodation are there to provide a good neighbour and support service. They encourage independence and give you background support without interference.
The Scheme officer will help you settle into your new home as quickly as possible and will give you all the information you need to manage your tenancy. The Scheme officer will also talk to new tenants to identify support needs, such as help with the housework, meal preparation or personal care. The Scheme officer can contact the relevant agency on your behalf, so that a professional assessment can be made and your needs met.
How do I apply for a sheltered scheme or peripatetic scheme?
To request an application form you can either ring us on 0845 849 2000 option 2, email us at csc@shorelinehp.com or write to us at Shoreline Customer Service Centre, 11-13 Osborne Street, Grimsby, DN31 1EY.
Alternatively, you can pick up an application form in person from our Customer Service Centre or Make the Neighbourhood Better Centre – click here for office locations.
© Copyright 2007-2008 Shoreline Housing Partnership Ltd.
Registered Charity Number 1107876.
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