What do we mean by housing choices for older people?
Here are some definitions for different types of accommodation, which you may wish to refer to as you complete the questionnaire.
Private sector retirement housing
Usually built by private developers.
Once all the properties have been sold, the scheme is usually run by a separate management group.
Management group employ the scheme manager and organise maintenance and other services.
Age designated social housing
Usually relates to flats or bungalow.
All tenants are over a certain age (generally age 50 or 55 for flats and 60 for bungalows).
No staff available on site.
Usually there are no arranged activities.
Sometimes there may be a communal lounge.
Sheltered housing
Typically offer self-contained accommodation for rent.
Usually supported by a part-time/visiting scheme manager.
24-hour emergency help via an alarm.
Often has communal areas.
Some offer activities.
Most accommodation is offered for rent, based on need, by local councils or housing associations.
Extra care housing
Self-contained homes.
Designed with the needs of people with higher levels of care and support in mind.
Typically has more communal facilities, e.g. a restaurant
Offers access to on-site domestic and personal care support.
Care home
A residential setting which provides 24 hour care and accommodation where a number of older people live.
Usually in single rooms.
Access to on-site care services.
Provides personal care or personal care together with nursing care.
Supported housing
Sometimes called a group home.
Usually shared housing, sometimes individual flats.
Combines housing with support services.
Mainstream housing
For people of all ages.
Includes housing of all types for sale.
Includes housing for rent from private landlords and social landlords (e.g. Housing Associations and Councils)
Community-led housing
No standard approach.
Set up and run by local people in their own communities, often with external support from housing associations, local authorities or regional and national support organisations.
Often small scale.
Not-for profit involving voluntary effort.
Complete the later life housing questionnaire
Last updated: 28/10/2022 15:50
Libraries on Facebook
Libraries on Twitter