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Sheltered Housing
Sheltered Housing service aims to provide good quality housing for older people who wish to live independently, but who seek the support and security of the service provided by the Sheltered Scheme Manager.
The sheltered housing service consists of 986 flats spread across the boroughs 22 schemes. Accommodation comprises of one bedroom self contained flats with a small number of self contained bed sits. All flats have an integrated Careline alarm and fire alarm system.
All properties are let as unfurnished secure tenancies in the same way as other Council housing, except tenants do not have the "Right to Buy".
Most schemes have communal lounges, laundries, kitchens and gardens.
Each scheme has a scheme manager who can be contacted Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm to provide support to enable tenants to maintain or improve their independence and lifestyle.
Applicants must be over 60 years old. Application forms can be obtained by telephoning 020 8753 4014 or 020 8753 4156.
Sheltered housing forum
Each scheme sends an elected representative to these quarterly meetings chaired by Councillor Anthony Lillis. This is an opportunity for sheltered housing reidents - through their representatives - to help shape future service delivery. For more information, including how you might stand for election, please contact Penny Cotran (Sheltered Housing Manager, H & F Homes) or Gaye Rose (HAFFTRA) on 020 8753 4079 for Penny or 020 8748 4114 for Gaye.
The role of a scheme manager
The role of the scheme manager is quite extensive but in general they are employed to:
1. Respond to emergency calls for help and contact emergency services when appropriate
2. Offer general advice and support to tenants to enable them to live independently
3. Manage the scheme, its buildings, within the context of health and safety requirements.
4. To be aware of and monitor the well being and needs of individual tenants
5. Conduct a needs assessment on every tenant in the scheme and then to draw up a support plan to ensure that the needs identified can be met.
6. Review this support plan at least once a year but at more frequent intervals if the tenant's circumstances dictate.
7. Work closely with Careline to secure the best outcomes for tenant's health and safety.
8. In the context of housing related support to contact any services where tenants are not able to do this for themselves.
9. Carry out regular health and safety checks on all tenants' flats. This process is currently under review but safe practice dictates that the emergency pull cords should be tested 4 times a year. Other aspects of the health and safety check can be conducted twice yearly in consultation with the tenant.
This list is not exhaustive but it should be said that as scheme managers have to look after as many as 60 to 70 tenants they are not expected to provide intensive care and support.
Their principal role is to observe and assess need and then, by way of making referrals to the appropriate services, ensure that these needs are met.
A day in the life of... a sheltered housing resident
This article was first published in the Winter Edition of the Insider Magazine 2007.
"If I've ever needed anything from staff, it's never been too much trouble…"
Eileen Marlow has lived in sheltered housing for over twenty years, so when I wanted to find out more what it was like to live in sheltered accommodation; she seemed the perfect person to talk to.
At first glance Thamesview sheltered housing looks just like any other block of flats, except that the first thing you see as you walk in is a conservatory full of plants, followed by an outdoor walkway with lovingly tended flowers in the beds.
I had lots of questions for Eileen but my most important question was whether she enjoyed living in a sheltered block and whether she ever regretted her decision to move in.
Eileen's late husband developed back and leg problems and despite living in private accommodation all their lives, they finally took the decision to go to the council to see if they could help with a move that would mean John wouldn't have to struggle with the stairs. H & F Homes runs sheltered housing now, but back then it run by the council. The officer they spoke to asked John and Eileen whether they had ever considered sheltered housing. Eileen decided there was no harm in having a look despite not knowing anything about this type of housing.
Thamesview was the second scheme they visited. Eileen stood in the front room room and declared "this is where I want to live!" And she got her wish, moving in shortly afterwards! I asked her what is was about this flat and she told me it just felt like "home" and so it continues to be all these years later. Her flat is spacious, well decorated and spotlessly clean and with a brand new kitchen and bathroom thanks to Decent Homes work, Eileen continues to be happy living where she does. I asked about the Decent Homes work and she was full of praise about the workman – so much so she wrote a complimentary letter to H & F Homes. "They were fantastic, really friendly and helpful and they tried to keep the mess to a minimum but of course, you can't do all that work and not make some mess!"
One of the selling points of Thamesview is literally, the view of the Thames. In fact so close is it that when John used to go and sit by the river, Eileen could keep an eye on him from the flat! Having shops and transport links on the doorstep has also been a great bonus, and has meant Eileen can still continue to get out and about with relative ease. Recently she has given up looking after the conservatory, but for almost twenty years she has spent time, and her own money, on filling it with flowers and plants and keeping it looking nice for residents and visitors alike. But with an active and busy social life (she bowls three times a week) Eileen finally had to admit she just didn't have the time anymore.
I ask what reassurance does having a warden on site give and Eileen cites a recent example of when she fell and broke her arm. Within minutes the warden was at the door, calling an ambulance and making sure she was OK. She does worry that without a resident warden the service won't be the same, but despite this, she doesn't believe there's been a drop in service so far. What does a warden do, I ask? And the answer is as much or little as you want them to. They don't let themselves into your flat or nose into your business! They provide support if it's needed and if residents want them to, they will organise social events. Some people fear that they will lose their independence and privacy so I asked Eileen if she felt that was something a new resident had to worry about? She was definite that moving into sheltered accommodation was the best thing she could have done, especially in light of John's mobility problems. "I have my privacy, if I want to mix with other people I can, but if I want to keep myself to myself I can do that too. And I'm a very independent and active person. Nothing has changed because I moved into sheltered housing."
I only met with Eileen for a short time but I can well believe that wherever she lived she would be leading the same busy life with a lovely flat and a warm welcome for her guests…
For more information about sheltered housing contact Penny Contran 020 8753 4079 or John Fitzgerald on 020 8753 1736