Sheltered Housing

UTTOXETER

TUTBURY HORNINGLOW

ANGLESEY STAPENHILL

BARTON UNDER NEEDWOOD

Contents

1 What is Sheltered Housing?

2 What does Sheltered Housing look like?

3 The role of the Scheme Manager

4FirstCall twenty/four seven Communication System

5 Social activities

6 What does the accommodation include?

7 More benefits of Sheltered Housing

8 How do I apply for Sheltered Housing?

9 What does Sheltered Housing cost? What is Sheltered Housing?

Sheltered Housing is a group of unfurnished dwellings where elderly tenants can live independently, but with the extra support of a Scheme Manager who may or may not live on site or within the complex. Sheltered Schemes vary in terms of the type and size of accommodations and communal facilities. Some are bungalows, others self contained apartments within a complex, each with the privacy of the tenants’ own front door. The tenants like any other, are responsible for their own rent and council tax. In four of the Sheltered Schemes there is a cover charge to cover heating and the laundry, this is in addition to the rent. Sheltered Housing allows tenants to live independently with the reassurance that emergency assistance is at hand day or night.

“Since residing at Anglesey Court I have gained confidence in myself, although I live on my own I feel safe and secure as I have a pull cord in every room to alert the warden if I am worried or need assistance”. Cynthia - Anglesey Court What does Sheltered Housing look like?

There are three Sheltered Housing Schemes located in and one in with Scheme Managers living on site. All have a communal lounge area, laundry, alarm system and most have a pay-phone. There is a guest bedroom available for short-term stays by relatives and friends. All of these schemes have lifts, with a door Above: Exterior of Anglesey entry security system. Court, Burton Town Area In addition, there are four further Sheltered Housing sites, one in , one in Barton under Needwood and two in Uttoxeter. These schemes are mainly bungalows or flats that have a Resident Scheme Manager living on site or nearby. These homes are individual and offer no communal facilities, however social activities often take place.

Above: Exterior of Highwood Court, Uttoxeter The role of the Scheme Manager

The Scheme Manager is part of the Care Service Team of Trent & Dove Housing and their role is to enable tenants to live as independently as possible. He or she may live on site, and their office and home are linked by the alarm system to every tenants’ home. The Scheme Manager will visit the residents each day from Monday to Friday. When they are off duty the FirstCall Team (who work 24 hours around the clock), take over any emergencies that may arise. The Scheme Manager will look after the building and act as a link between the tenant and Doctor or Care and Health Services that may be needed from time to time. The Scheme Manager cannot carry out medical duties, cook, clean or do the shopping, but will provide support on a range of issues that assist in monitoring an independent lifestyle. The role of the Scheme Manager has evolved over the years with the undertaking of NVQ’s and the National Wardens Certificate to enable the environment of Sheltered Housing to become a supportive and caring responsive service. FirstCall twenty four/seven Communication System

Every tenant has an alarm system in their home which is coupled to the Scheme Manager’s office and home. There are pull cords in every room, and when activated, the signal is sent through to the Scheme Manager who can speak to the tenant from anywhere on the Scheme. When the Scheme Manager is off duty, the system is transferred to the 24 hour FirstCall Centre.

Social activities

Many tenants enjoy activities which may take place in the communal lounge or quiet room. The Scheme Manager will help residents to organise and run activities such as coffee mornings, outings, bingo sessions, lunches, library services and church services. Tenants of course always have the choice as to whether or not they attend any or all of the Scheme activities. What does the accommodation include?

Flats Flats are fully self contained and consist of a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Bungalows Bungalows are designed for either one or two people. They are fully self contained and consist of either one or two bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Studio Apartments Studio Apartments consist of a centrally heated bed-sitting room, separate kitchen, wash hand basin and toilet. Some also have a private bathroom. However, there are a number of bath/shower rooms located within the complex which may be shared by a small number of tenants.

“Since coming into Sheltered Housing I feel safe, have made a lot of new friends and I am very happy. The Scheme Managers are really caring and helpful. I can definitely recommend living in Sheltered Housing”. Irene Gilmore, Resident - Sycamore Court More benefits of Sheltered Housing

All tenants of pensionable age residing in Sheltered Accommodation qualify for a greatly reduced television licence, or free licence if over 75 years of age. Laundry The majority of Sheltered Schemes have a fully equipped laundry with washing machines, tumble dryers and ironing facilities. For those Schemes with laundry facilities there is a separate service charge in addition to the rent.

Pay Phones Most Schemes have a coin operated pay phone which can be invaluable if you do not have your own telephone. Security and Safety Many of Trent & Dove’s Sheltered Housing Schemes operate a door entry system which allows the tenant to talk to visitors through an intercom system before they open the door thereby reducing the risk of unwanted callers. Sheltered Housing removes the fear of isolation and loneliness that many people experience as they become older. The knowledge that other people live in the same building often alleviates these fears. How do I apply for Sheltered Housing? Who is eligible?

The eligibility criteria for moving into Sheltered Housing accommodation is very simple, tenants need to be of pensionable age and able to look after themselves. The Housing Officer (Elderly Services) may need to visit prospective applicants to ensure that Sheltered Housing is the right choice for them. Sheltered Housing is not residential care. If in later life personal care is required to maintain independency this may be able to be arranged through liaison with social services and paid for by the tenant. Sheltered Housing can also be made available for people with disabilities whereby living in a Sheltered Housing complex offers additional support and independence. If you are interested in Sheltered Housing for yourself, or think accommodation of this kind may be suitable for a relative or friend, please telephone the Housing Welfare Team at the FirstCall twenty four/seven Office, or contact a member of staff at one of Trent & Dove’s Housing Offices: Housing Officer (Elderly Services) Tel: 01283 528616 Uttoxeter Office Tel: 01889 561870 Burton Office Tel: 01283 528528 What does Sheltered Housing cost?

Rent and Service Charges vary from Scheme to Scheme. All Sheltered Schemes have a rent plus a Supporting People and FirstCall alarm service charge. In addition to the above, some but not all Sheltered Schemes have additional charges that may cover heating, laundry and other maintenance costs. All tenants are liable to pay their own council tax and service charges associated with their dwelling/scheme, for many people most charges are eligible for full or part Housing Benefit. All costs including Housing Benefit eligibility can be discussed with you at time of viewing or signing up for your tenancy. If you wish to view, without obligation, any or all of Trent & Dove’s Housing Sheltered Schemes, call the Housing Officer (Elderly Services) on 01283 528616, who will be pleased to arrange an accompanied visit. Location of Trent & Dove Sheltered Housing Schemes

Sheltered Schemes Sheltered Bungalows Sycamore Court Hillside Sycamore Road Tutbury Stapenhill Palmer Close St Johns Court Barton under Needwood Church View The Hornbeams Horninglow Uttoxeter Anglesey Court Churchview All Saints Road Horninglow Town Area This booklet tells you about Trent & Dove Highwood Court Housing’s various types of Sheltered Housing George Elliot Close schemes located within East . Uttoxeter If you would like more information please contact Harvey Place the Housing Officer (Elderly Services) on Harvey Place Tel: 01283 528616 Uttoxeter

Tel: 01283 528616