Sheltered Housing.

My mum's friend lived in a lovely one bed bungalow (council rented) years ago and loved it there - but my knowledge of them recently is only of a rather expensive private scheme ... It did seem to have a lot of options though and beautiful gardens.

I wonder if you have a "befriending" service or a local lunch club you could look into in the meantime/whilst you are finding out more about the options?

Hope you find something cheery that suits you.

My Dad (93) is in a privately owned extra-care apartment. Quite a few are rented though, there are twenty six altogether in two blocks.
When he first moved in five and a half years ago he was quite independent, drove his car, went out and about, did his own shopping, laundry and cooking.
Now he has vascular dementia and the in-house care team have gradually taken on these activities for him, plus they manage his medication and supervise his personal care. They call in six times a day if he's at home all day.
There are nice gardens to sit out in and a residents' summer house where they hold get-togethers.
He goes to a private day centre four days a week where there is a lot of company, good food, activities and parties.
We live four miles across town and both still work, so we help and see him when he needs us and when we can.
Dad says he feels safe living there. Someone is always there at the press of a button if he needs them.

Thank you for all your replies. It has helped to know that some people do like the life there. I will think very long before making a commitment. Thanks for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

I have experience of both, my MiL lives in council provided sheltered housing and it was rented funded 100% by means tested housing benefit. She lived in three in total, 1 in Stockwell, London, where the community mental health nurses were brilliants and the accommodation ok but very secure, 1 in Epping, which was truly awful with zero community nurses, very old, damp and not secure, and the final one much closer to us in Essex, which actually was ok, only a studio flat, but very secure, nice new kitchen and wet room and shared communal areas were cleaned and maintained. Laundry onsite and a hair dresser and chiropodist visited weekly. Biggest issue was AFTER we moved her in the live in Wardens were cut, due to cuts in Council Services/Budgets instead of having one warden per premises they cut the numbers and had 1 per three premises.

My close friends grandmother purchased privately a very nice large one bedroomed ground floor flat, with French doors opening onto the lovely communal gardens. Lots of lovely communal space and lots of activities.

My only comment is that all of them, rented, council or purchased appear to vary enormously. About 5 miles from us permission has been granted for a retirement village, on paper it looks and sounds fab. Good luck in your search and really really think hard before you make a decision.

Hi. My mum lives in a flat, part of an assisted living complex. Been there 7 years and loves it. She part owns the flat, and loves the fact she can go down to the communal area for a chat any time but can retreat to her flat when she’s had enough! There’s a hairdresser, activities, and entertainment. A local school also sends young children for reading together with the residents. It’s not cheap! She pays about £600 a month for her care alarm, service level agreement (covers things like window cleaning, communal heating gardening maintenance etc.). She is very safe there, and it gives me peace of mind especially when we’re away on holiday. Mum is now 90, so moved when she was 82, and I know wishes she’d done it sooner.

If you are physically fit can you join some groups locally?
There are day-time and evening groups galor to suit all interests if you can still get out and about.

I always think sheltered housing would be something to resort to when you are no longer able to manage your home and garden.

beautybumble. - it’s sad that you don’t have anyone to talk to. What about your neighbours? I don’t know much about sheltered housing. However, I do think it’s a good concept. People of similar age etc living in a housing complex sounds ideal. I’m sure you will get good information from people who know more. Good luck

I would think there’s a big difference between private sheltered housing and that provided by the local - Maggierose’s post says it all. If you are looking for people to talk to, be very careful in your choice.

I’ve visited a few local authority ones where I live and they vary enormously. Some are a bit depressing with no communal activities. Some are bright and cheerful with a communal lounge and opportunities to get together over coffee mornings, an IT help session, crafts or an exercise class for example. They all have a live in scheme manager (sometimes managing 2 schemes). Disadvantages include unexpectedly high service charges for communal heating etc in some new schemes and anti-social behaviour . Residents used to be primarily people like yourself who had chosen sheltered housing but it is now increasingly used for housing homeless people if they are older. They may have difficulties adjusting. I would advise you to visit different schemes and ask questions. Good luck, I hope you find a lovely one.