Sheltered Accommodation

What is sheltered housing?
Sheltered housing is the name given to properties specifically for people who are older or with a disability and would benefit from the support of a Scheme Manager or Mobile Support Officer.

It can provide:

  • support, enabling you to live independently at home
  • your own self contained accommodation
  • security - alarm system for help in an emergency
  • safe and secure surroundings - many of our schemes have door entry systems
  • Scheme Manager or Mobile Support Officer to provide regular support
  • extra support when you need it
  • social activitites with local people
  • a range of social activities in our community centres

You live independently but have the peace of mind that you can quickly access help in an emergency.

There are two main types of sheltered housing in East Devon:

Scheme Manager Services
The Scheme Manager Support Service is provided by a member of staff who lives on the sheltered scheme and gives housing-related support to residents on a daily basis.

The Scheme Managers are able to give residents housing related support on a daily basis from Monday to Friday. For example, they can help with:

  • housing related support issues (e.g. filling in forms)
  • responding to emergencies (if they are on site at the time)
  • encouraging social activities
  • liaising with other agencies, for example making referrals to Social Services for adaptations to your home

As the Scheme Manager is always nearby on the scheme, they will, if necessary call at the person’s home. Residents receive regular visits and calls on the Alarm system from the Scheme Manager.

Many schemes have community centres and halls where social activities, coffee mornings etc. take place and outings are arranged. Some have computers, book and video libraries for the residents’ use.

Mobile Support Officer Support Services
On these schemes, the support is offered by an officer who travels from one scheme to another.

The type of support a resident can expect will not be any different from that offered by a resident Scheme Manager. The Mobile Support Officer will visit the resident regularly according to the person’s needs and will respond in an emergency if they are on site at the time. If a resident is admitted to hospital, the Mobile Support Officer will contact relatives to keep them informed and if necessary visit as soon as they are discharged.

All sheltered accommodation within East Devon are fitted with alarm systems.  The alarms are linked through to the Home Safeguard Community Alarm Centre in Sidmouth.  The alarm is activated by a pull cord fitted in each room of the property, or there is also the option of a pendant alarm which you can wear around your neck, or wrist, or carry with you.

If you would like to find out how to apply for sheltered housing please click here.

If you would like to find out more about the alarm service please click here.