Housing and support for older people
Sheltered Housing Relevant Websites:
What is Sheltered Housing?
Harlow Council has 28 Sheltered Housing Schemes across the
district. Tenants are encouraged to live independently, but help is
always available if needed. Most of our sheltered housing
properties are one-bed flats, but there are a few two-bed
properties and some bungalows.
In sheltered schemes you are a secure tenant like any other
council tenant, with similar rights and responsibilities. However,
you will not be able to transfer your tenancy to another family
member or arrange a mutual exchange with someone who does not meet
the criteria for sheltered housing.
What Does Sheltered Housing Provide?
Sheltered Housing Officer
Although tenants are encouraged to remain independent, each
scheme has a Sheltered Housing Officer who will contact you every
weekday, should you require, to offer help and support when
needed.
24-hour Emergency Assistance
Each flat has a number of pull-cords fitted, so tenants can
contact their Sheltered Housing Officer. When the Officer is not on
site or off duty, the alarms are switched through to our Community
Alarm Service, called Careline, where someone is available to help
in an emergency. This help is available 24 hours a day every day of
the year.
Security and Safety
All sheltered housing homes have smoke detectors fitted. Staff
test these detectors and the pull-cords regularly. These checks
ensure that you will always be able to summon assistance in an
emergency. Dependant on your needs, it is possible for us to supply
a community alarm with two pendants or wrist straps, if this will
better suit your needs.
Communal Lounges and Social Activities
Most of our schemes have common rooms where tenants are
encouraged to meet each other and socialise. Your Sheltered Housing
Officer will offer advice and can arrange activities. All Sheltered
Housing Schemes also have regular tenant meetings. These meetings
are important as they provide you with a regular opportunity to
discuss the service and related issues.
Laundry
Washing machines and dryers are available in each scheme and
your Sheltered Housing Officer will show you how they work. Each
tenant is allocated washing and drying times. This system ensures
that all tenants have equal access to this equipment.
What Does the Sheltered Housing Officer Do?
The Sheltered Housing Officers have a wide range of
duties, which include:
Helping new tenants settle in and explaining how everything
works.
Contacting tenants each day, from Monday to Friday to ensure
they are safe and well.
The nature and frequency of this contact can be arranged
according to your needs and wishes.
This agreement can be altered anytime to meet your changing
requirement.
Offering support and advice.
Dealing with any problems or emergencies that may arise.
Encouraging and arranging social activities.
Organising scheme tenant meetings.
Providing a link with health professionals, Social Services
and other outside agencies .
Sheltered Housing Officers are not on duty 24 hours a day
(even if they live on site) so we ask tenants to respect their
privacy when off duty.
Officers can give practical advice and support to help
tenants remain independent, but there are things they cannot do,
such as:
Take the place of relatives, friends or carers
Any form of nursing, this includes giving medication, cook,
shop or clean for a tenant.
Take care of a tenant's pet.
Handle money for, or accept money from, a tenant
Extra Facilities
Harlow Council also operates a scheme that provides a slightly
higher level of support. This support includes the provision of a
midday meal.
How Much Will it Cost?
You will pay a weekly rent, similar to a normal council
tenancy, but an extra charge will be made towards the cost of
providing a Sheltered Housing Officer and any other extra services
not normally provided to non-sheltered tenants.
What About pets?
As with general tenancy conditions, pets are allowed on most
of the schemes although some are not suitable for dogs or cats. If
you bring a pet with you, you must be able to look after it and
prevent it causing a nuisance to other tenants. If your dog or cat
passes away, we ask that you think seriously about whether it's
wise to replace it.
Who Can Apply?
Anybody can apply for sheltered housing if
they:
1. Have a specific need for this type of
accommodation and are aged 60 or over.
2. Are aged 55 or above and have a disability
or medical condition that means that they would benefit from this
type of accommodation and support.
3. If you are unsure whether you are eligible
please contact one of our Special Needs Officers on (01279) 446492
or 446337
How Do I Apply?
Fill in and return an application and medical form (Please
contact us on the number/email address at the bottom of the page to
request a form). It is important that you give us as much
information as possible. This will enable us to assess your
situation and ensure that you are awarded suitable priority points
for entry onto the waiting list.
How Long Will I Have to Wait?
We cannot give you exact waiting times. These can vary,
depending on where you want to live, how much of a priority you
have compared to other people and the number of properties which
become available.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact our Special Needs
Officers on (01279) 446492