Supported Housing
Definition: Supported Housing is accommodation with support
Supported housing is accommodation where receipt of housing support services is a condition of residence. Accommodation can be grouped individual self-contained flats, or may be shared housing, with or without shared communal facilities. Support staff may be based on-site or be visiting staff. This type of housing is usually provided for groups of people with similar needs, e.g. older people, homeless people, people with mental health problems or those recovering from alcohol problems. People can live in supported housing for varying lengths of time, dependent on their individual needs and the type of service.
The most common form of 'supported housing' is for older people. There three main types:
Amenity housing: Suitable for active older people; generally including properties designed with older age in mind; linked to a community alrm service to call help in an emergency; and sometimes receiving visits from a mobile 'warden' or housing officer.
Sheltered housing: A daytime scheme manager or 'warden' is generally available throughout the week to provide housing support services and assist residents in the event of an emergency. Community alarm service cover is available when the sheltered housing manager is off duty.
Extra care or very sheltered housing: Is specially designed to meet the needs which some older people may have or develop in later life. Very sheltered developments promote independent living, allowing frail older people to live in their own homes but at the same time providing peace of mind with the knowledge that personal care as well as housing support is available if required.
back to top
<< back to the page you just came from
<< back to list of glossary terms