Retaining independence when we have physical needs for care and support can become an increasing challenge as we age. Achieving the balance between independence and support can often be achieved by Sheltered Housing and Retirement Housing which may offer the possibility of additional support as and when required.
Most retirement accommodation will include alarm facilities for emergencies. Many schemes have access to wardens who may be on call during specified hours or who actually live on the premises. Special adaptations to the home to help with everyday tasks, e.g. mobility needs may already be in place or available. In addition, there are schemes that offer a higher level of care similar to that of a care home, i.e. special care, Close Care and Assisted Living schemes.
Providers range from local authorities to housing associations who offer mostly rented accommodation and, in the private sector, house builders who offer leasehold properties for sale.
Codes of practice
There are three different codes of practice that protect the rights of people who live in retirement housing.
- The National House Building Council (NHBC) Sheltered Housing Code of Practice covers all retirement housing built after April 1990.
- The Association of Retirement Housing Managers (ARHM) Code of Practice applies to all management companies of leasehold properties and all housing associations.
- A lot of providers also comply with The Centre for Sheltered Housing Association Code of Practice for Sheltered Housing which sets out 10 nationally agreed key standards for service delivery.
When buying sheltered or retirement housing in Scotland The Deed of Conditions will set out the legally binding conditions and obligations for both the purchaser and the management company. In Scotland some management companies of retirement accommodation follow their own code of practice, others comply with the Scottish Executive’s framework code of management practice for owner occupied sheltered housing.
While the different codes of practice clarify industry wide agreements on standards, leaseholders need to be aware that only the terms of the actual lease are legally binding.
Tenants in rented accommodation are of course legally bound by the terms and conditions of their individual tenancy agreements.
Costs
The cost of retirement housing in the UK varies considerably and will depend on the level of services offered and on location.
Rented retirement housing is available from housing associations and the housing department of the local authority, with rent levels reflected by local market rents. Tenants in rented accommodation whose income and savings are below a certain level may be able to claim Housing Benefit.
In addition to the actual purchase price of a property, leaseholders will have to pay ground rent and service charges both of which will be set out in the terms and conditions of the lease. Leaseholders who are still liable for mortgage payments on their property do not qualify for Housing Benefit. However, to make retirement housing more affordable, some leasehold properties are sold on a shared ownership basis. This way the purchaser can buy part of the property outright – or raise the money through a mortgage – and pay rent on the remainder.
Alternative housing options
The Abbeyfield Society owns over 800 properties in the UK that offer very sheltered housing. Houses accommodate 8 – 12 residents and preference is usually given to local people.
The Society also offers registered residential care, day care services and Integrated Care Schemes. An Integrated Care Scheme offers a whole range of care options, including nursing care, on one site.
Choosing a retirement home or sheltered housing scheme
The choice of a retirement home or sheltered housing scheme will depend on the level of care required, financial considerations and the availability of suitable properties in the local area.
Facilities and services will vary from scheme to scheme. You may therefore find it useful to visit housing schemes you are interested in and talk to a representative of the scheme. The following list of questions may serve as a starting point for your discussions.
Charges
- How much are the monthly service charges?
- How often and by how much are charges likely to increase?
- If the property is leasehold, are there any additional management charges or one-off payments to cover repairs and maintenance costs?
- How much is the ground rent?
Location
- Is the provision of local public transport adequate?
- Is it within travelling distance of family and friends?
Rented housing from local authority or housing association
- What are the provider’s eligibility criteria and allocation policy?
- Is any sheltered housing available on the Home swap register?
- Are any properties available on a shared ownership basis?
Contractual issues – retirement housing for sale
- Is the builder registered with the National House Building Council?
- What are the resale arrangements and conditions?
- Is the management company a member of the Association of Retirement Housing Managers?
Facilities
- What level of warden assistance is available?
- What sort of alarm system is available and how does it work?
- Are there any regular visits from health professionals, e.g. community nurses?
- Are pets allowed?
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