Sheltered Housing is aimed at older residents and is sometimes referred to as Retirement Housing. With some exceptions, it offers independent, self-contained homes with their own front door. There are many different types of scheme, which can be in the private and public sector, for rent or to buy.

Newer forms of Sheltered Housing have sprung up in recent years, for people who are becoming frail and less able to do things for themselves These are known as extra care, very sheltered, close care or assisted living schemes. They may provide additional faciities, such as care staff and at least one meal a day. There is usually a scheme manager or warden and alarm systems provide emergency contact  to allow residents to summon help. Facilities usually provided include:

* Resident's Lounges - for meeting and social activities
* Guest room(s) - accommodation for visitors, generally at a small charge
* A laundry room, with the cost of washers and dryers usually incuded in rent
* Some schemes may also have a restaurant - especially the larger ones

In addition to Sheltered Housing there are Abbeyfield Society houses, which provide a higher level of care but still encourage independent living.
 
Private Sheltered Housing
 
Most retirement housing is built by private companies or not-for-profit Housing Associations. Once built, management is transferred to a company which employs a scheme manager and organises the maintenance and cleaning of communal areas. Depending on the level of care the company may provide further facilities and housing support. These companies can be either commercial or non profit making.
 
As with all Sheltered Housing there is a minimum age for residents (though not purchasers) which is usually around 55 or 60. Private Shettered Housing can be rented or bought. Where it is bought this is usually at the full market price, although some schemes exist for older people with limited income and some capital, who cannot afford market prices.

Public Sector Sheltered Housing

The Council provides Sheltered Housing and more information about what is available, where, can be found in section one of our Housing Options Guide. Housing Associations also offer Sheltered Housing and details of locations can be found in the blue box at the top right hand side of this page.

Public sector Sheltered Housing is usually allocated for rent, on the basis of need. You can find out more about the way housing need is calculated by East Lothian Council here. Housing Association policies vary and you can read the rules for them in the section of the site which deals with Associations, here. 

Further information is available from the Elderly Accommodation Counsel website and a website detailing much of the available accommodation in East Lothian can be found here. The EAC also runs a helpline, 020 7820 1343.

Abbeyfield

Abbeyfield are one of the largest providers of housing for the elderly. You can find out more about their philosophy, and the locations of the houses here.