Independent Living

What should I do if I need some help at home?

Contact your Area Housing Office. We will discuss your needs and tell you who to approach.

Will the Council help if I want to stay in my own home?

Yes, whenever possible. The Council offers a range of services to help people with special needs live independently in their communities. You may be able to have adaptations made to your home or have specialist care services visit you. See Help to Live More Easily below.

How long will I have to wait for a special adaptation?

The Council's ability to carry out adaptations depends on the number of people wanting adaptations and the amount of money available. We will try to process requests for adaptations quickly but it can take some time. We will keep you informed about the progress of your application.

How do I apply for sheltered housing?

You should complete an application form. You can collect one from your Area Housing Office or we can send one to you. Contact your Area Housing Office.

What other kinds of special housing are available and where?

We have different types of housing available throughout the area. Where possible we will provide you with the best accommodation for your particular needs. See Special Housing below.

Help to Live More Easily in Your Home

You may not want to move but might like to have some help with living in your home more easily.

Adaptations
Sometimes we can make changes to your home such as fitting extra handrails, lowering worktops, fitting showers or changing taps.
You first need to contact the Council's Adaptation Section. They will discuss your needs with you and decide what can be done. See USEFUL CONTACTS.
Connection to the Community Alarm
Anyone aged over sixty years or registered disabled who has a telephone line installed in their home, can apply for a community alarm. This provides a 24 hour emergency contact service with the Council's Central Control. There is a small charge for this service. For further details see Community Alarm in USEFUL CONTACTS.
Help from Social Services
Social Services may be able to provide you with help. This may include:
- arranging for someone to come in and help you with basic domestic or personal tasks
- putting in specialised equipment for use in your home
- giving you advice and information.

If you would like to find out about any of these options, you should contact us and we will tell you who to approach.

Special Housing

If you feel you need to move, we have three types of housing specifically for older people or those with special needs.

Accommodation for older people
These are homes that may or may not have special features but due to their design or location are reserved for older tenants. They are usually bungalows or flats and are connected to our 24 hour emergency contact service linked to the Council' s Central Control.
Sheltered housing
We have a number of sheltered housing schemes. We can also nominate people for schemes run by local housing associations. The schemes are groups of self-contained bungalows, flats or bedsits which often have common laundry facilities and a common sitting area. Each sheltered scheme is linked to our Central Control Service. All schemes are served by a Warden Service which contacts tenants to check they are alright, responds to emergencies, keeps in touch with families and any support services, and promotes social activities.

The Central Control Unit deals with any problems when wardens are not on duty.
Specialist accommodation for disabled people
We have a few specialist homes for disabled people. Also, certain local housing associations have accommodation that has been designed for certain types of disability. We can nominate people for this accommodation.

Your Enquiry | Help to Live More Easily in your Home | Special Housing

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INDEPENDENT LIVING