In Leeds we have a number of sheltered housing schemes. Sheltered accommodation is different from other housing as it is special housing for older people. Most sheltered housing schemes have a resident warden and an alarm system in case of emergency.
Sheltered housing comes in a number of different shapes and sizes. These can be low or high rise flats, or bungalows. Many schemes have communal facilities such as day rooms and television lounges. Some schemes also have guestrooms and laundry rooms with automatic washing machines and dryers.
Normally only people over 60 years old can live in sheltered housing. If you are under 60 you may still be able to apply to live in a scheme. There would have to be medical reasons why you need this kind of housing or support from a warden.
Your warden
If you live in sheltered housing your warden will visit you at home. If they come across any problems or if residents need any assistance, they make arrangements for help.
Wardens are also responsible for testing fire alarm equipment and keeping a check on communal areas and reporting any necessary repairs. They also promote social activities such as coffee mornings, luncheon clubs and bingo.
Wardens do not provide care services or do things such as shopping for people who live in sheltered housing. They are not nurses and cannot give any medication. They cannot do minor household repairs and cannot be involved in your financial affairs.
Emergencies
Some housing organisations provide an emergency warden call service. The system that we have in Leeds this is called Care Ring. We have dedicated staff who work in our control centre 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Most of our sheltered housing properties have an intercom and a pull cord that you can use in an emergency. You may also have a pendant to carry round that can activate your alarm.
An operator will respond to calls straight away and will arrange for help. This could be the emergency services, the warden, or a friend or relative. Even if we can not hear you when you activate the alarm, we will send somebody to help you.
Further information
There are a number of organisations in Leeds that provide sheltered housing. You can find more information a by following the links on this page to organisations who provide this kind of housing. You can also download a list of all sheltered housing schemes in the city.
Most Sheltered Housing schemes receive funding for housing support from Leeds Supporting People.
Opening times for the number at the top right hand side of this page are Mon - Fri 8.30am - 4.30pm.