Sheltered Housing

1. What are the Sheltered Housing Charges?

2. What is Supporting People?

3. What is a Sheltered Housing Officer and what do they do?

4. What a Sheltered Housing Officer won't do?

5. How can I apply for Sheltered Housing?

1. What are the Sheltered Housing Charges?

The service charges are the same for all the sheltered housing schemes except for Belmont Court, which is a very sheltered scheme. The sheltered housing service provides extra facilities above and beyond what you find in a general needs properties. For example the majority of schemes have a communal lounge. Some have a guest room, laundry facility and mobility scooter storage. All properties have an emergency alarm system and a smoke alarm, which is linked to the Borough of Poole's Control Centre 24 hours a day. Sheltered Housing residents have access to handyman service and receive an enhanced garden and communal cleaning service. All sheltered schemes have a dedicated Sheltered Housing Officer who is either based on the scheme or will visit the scheme during office hours, Monday to Friday and will support residents to maintain their independence and deal with any estate problems on the scheme. Charges are only applicable to those who can afford to pay.

2. What is Supporting People?

Supporting People is a government program that provides housing related support to those who need help to maintain independence. Some examples of housing related support services include enabling individuals to access their correct benefit entitlement, ensuring they have the correct skills to maintain a tenancy, advising on home improvements and accessing a community service alarm. Other services include a home visit and a Sheltered Housing Officer to support you. A range of services and activities can be tailored to an individual's specific needs. Charges are only applicable to those who can afford to pay.

3. What does a Sheltered Housing Officer do?

A Sheltered Housing Officer (SHO) works office house from Monday to Friday (37 hours a week). During that time they will respond to any emergency calls and make routine visits or calls to residents as per their support plan. The role of the SHO is to help residents maintain their independence; be safe, secure and have a full and active life as possible. They will complete needs and risk assessment with each resident and agree with you what support you may need. In addition to this the SHO will be responsible for identify any hazards on the scheme and deal with any neighbour nuisances or tenancy issues.

4. What a Sheltered Housing Officer won't do?

A SHO will not provide personal or nursing care, administer medication or collect prescriptions, unless it is an emergency and the resident or their relatives/ friends are not able to assist. They will not perform domestic chores such as cleaning, cooking, providing meals and shopping. The SHO cannot look after your money or valuables.

5. How can I apply for Sheltered Housing?

Any person over 60 years of age can apply if you have been accepted onto Poole Councils Housing Register. If you are already a Council or Housing Association Tenant you will need to have completed a Transfer form. If you are in private rented or own your own home you will have to have completed a Housing Application Form and have been accepted onto the Housing Register in Poole. Once your application has been accepted you may bid for a property through the Borough of Poole's Home Choice. Information about available properties are advertised weekly every Tuesday by 12 noon. For more information log onto www.boroughofpoole.com or telephone 01202 633633 and ask to speak to a Housing Advisor.