Accommodation
The type of accommodation is mainly self-contained one bedroom flats or flatlets but there are a few bungalows and two bedroom flats at some schemes. All accommodation is centrally heated. Heating charges are included in the rent with the exception of bungalows, where residents pay their own energy charges.
Residents should be independent and are responsible for meeting their own daily needs, e.g. shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.
Should anyone have difficulty with the day-to-day running of their home they can seek assistance from either a friend or relative.
The Scheme Manager should be made aware of serious difficulties arise in order that a referral can be made to Social Services.
Disability
Disability should not create a problem in any of our schemes as accommodation is designed to meet the needs of people in a wheelchair and with walking or other difficulties.
Facilities
The facilities are similar in both sheltered and very sheltered housing schemes. Most schemes will have the following:
- Communal Lounge used for social activities and meetings for residents and older people in the neighbourhood
- Quiet Room
- Laundry
- Communal Gardens
- Guest room where friends and relatives can stay overnight for a small fee
- Most schemes have lawn/gardens
- Most schemes have a laundry with washing machines and dryers available free of charge
Very sheltered schemes have the following extra facilities:
- Normally, two full time and one part time Scheme Manager
- Lift to first floor
- Luncheon club Mondays to Fridays organised by Social Services at some schemes
Security - All schemes have a remote operated door entry system installed. The means that communal doors are normally locked and either residents themselves, wardens and the Control Centre can let in any visitors, but only when satisfied that the caller is genuine. Special arrangements have been put in place to enable mobile wardens, GP’s or the Emergency Services to gain access when the Scheme Manager is not on duty.
Scheme Manager/Central Control Service
To provide a 24-hour service to all tenants, the Scheme Manager carries out a daily round in Sheltered Housing Schemes on 5 days a week. In Very Sheltered Housing Schemes one of the Scheme Managers carries out a daily round 7 days a week.
In both Sheltered and Very Sheltered Housing Schemes, when the Scheme Manager is not on duty a Control Centre monitors the speech call system and will respond within 30 seconds to any call made. Depending upon the needs and wishes of the resident, the Council Centre will contact a friend or relative, a Mobile Warden, a GP or relevant emergency service on the resident’s behalf. If a Mobile Warden is required they should reach the resident within 15 minutes of receiving an alert call from the Control Centre.
