but could people in sheltere accomodation have an ombudsperson?

I have to admit that I don't know a great deal about this. I do agree that there should be some sort of watchdog and that certain conditions should be laid down if this isn't being done already. If there are no conditions in place, things are left wide open to abuse.

Wouldn't it all have been in the tenancy agreement you signed?

Currently on the third one. I was never told why ubdates were necessary. I thought the first tenancy agreement would be binding throughout the tenancy. do you see?

buffersmol I don't want to sound unsympathetic, but I'm not really sure what the problem is.
Someone tells you things aren't available etc - who is this? The warden? Someone from the council or housing association?
What sort of things are you talking about - alterations or repairs to your home?
Is there a residents' group who might be able to help?
My MiL lives in council sheltered accommodation and a warden comes round to make sure everyone is ok, and the council seems pretty good about repairs etc.

Yes I do see that.

You could contact Age Concern. They might be able to help you.

Is it council, or private?

buffersmoll I think that is an excellent suggestion. The reason why housing for the elderly is somewhere to put them out of sight and out of mind is because the "elderly" in our society are not valued in the way that "elders" in other cultures are. Those who are already elderly and the rest of us of us approaching that time in our lives need to fight every inch of the way to be recognised as still valuable people with a contribution to society.

It was reported in our local paper recently that tenants in a Housing Association (I think) block were told they had to get rid of the plant pots and doormats that some of them had outside their front doors because they were a hazard even though they had been there for years without causing any accidents. And another story about a resident who was told he couldn't park and charge his electric scooter in the hallway where he had always parked it. If Age UK and/or Citizen's Advice can't help, it might be worth contacting the local press or radio. Good luck, Buffersmoll