We have 5 Independent Living Schemes within the borough. These schemes provide self-contained accommodation for people that can live Independently with some support from family or care providers and are over 65, though over 55s with a medical need will also be considered, subject to an assessment.
Independent Living provides a limited level of additional support to residents. This means, any resident moving into one of these properties, must be able to live on their own with minimal support from Housing Support officers but may need support from carers and family.
Independent living is not an extra care scheme, and we do not have officers on site 24/7.
Those who have carers coming in to tend to their daily hygiene, food and physical needs may be eligible for an Independent Living property, however, confirmation of social care engagement and support would be required. Should extra support be needed, referrals to Adult Social Care can be made on your behalf, but this is on a case-by-case basis.
If someone suffers dementia and does not have capacity to make decisions themselves, they would not be eligible for housing as they would be deemed unable to sign a Tenancy agreement.
Juniper Court
Chichester House
The Gables
Victoria Court
St. George's Court
Our in-house accommodation is within a block with security doors, keypad door entry, CCTV cameras, communal smoke alarms, emergency alarm equipment with pull cords within the property and communal gardens. Generally, those who have a higher need of care or who are deemed more vulnerable will live in these schemes due to the increased officer presence and block security.
The schemes have housekeepers who tend to specific communal areas such as hallways, toilets, lounges and communal lounges. More social events are held in the communal lounges such as resident led coffee mornings or bingo.
Officers visit these blocks regularly and are more readily available to support the more vulnerable residents.
Eligibility
To be eligible for independent living you must be 65 years and older. We can also except over 55 with a medical need based on an assessment
For more information, and to apply, visit housing register.
Charges
There is a charge for communal utilities and the emergency care line equipment.
Role of the Housing Support Officers
The role of a housing support officer is to help residents in maintaining their tenancy. They will do regular fire alarm tests and health and safety checks on the building. They can do referrals to Adult Social Care if a resident needs some extra help with care.
Housing support officers do regular compulsory checks on the pull cord careline system within dwellings to maintain its efficiency and a tenancy review which is also compulsory. These are carried out through a scheduled appointment.
Housing Support Officers don't provide any personal care and can't help residents up if they fall. They can call for emergency help using the pull cord alarm system and will inform next of kin of any concerns and alert emergency services were appropriate or needed.
Mobility scooter storage
Not all schemes have storage facilities for mobility scooters and there is limited provision on some. Applicants are advised to discuss possible storage facilities with the independent living housing department before accepting a tenancy offer. No guarantee can be made that provision will be available when applicants first move in.
View the Mobility scooter policy (PDF).