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Sheltered housingWhat is sheltered housing?Sheltered Housing is a description for a special type of property, designated specifically for older or disabled people. The aim is to provide comfortable accommodation in a setting that allows tenants full freedom and control over their lives, but also gives extra security when it is needed. It is intended for people who normally need only occasional help in carrying on their lives. The important difference from a conventional home is that all the tenants have on-call, 24 hours a day, seven days a week assistance in an emergency situation and, support to enable them to live independently and work towards achieving their aspirations. [ top ] The Scheme ManagerAll Sheltered Housing Schemes owned or managed by Riversmead Housing Association has a designated Scheme Manager who supports all tenants Monday to Friday. In their absence, full/part-time cover is provided by the Mobile Manager or a Manager from another Scheme. The Manager makes contact with tenants on an individual choice basis. This is either by two-way intercom system or in person, on any or all, of the five working days. This is not intended as an invasion of privacy: it is to make sure you are safe and well and to identify any help you may require (assistance with form filling etc). There is also a no contact option, which enables you to still have support from your Manager, but you need to contact them when this is required. If you need help when the Manager is off duty, assistance may be quickly obtained by using the emergency alarm system. [ top ] The alarm systemThere is a two—way speech unit installed in all sheltered properties that can summon help in an emergency at any time, day or night. The unit is linked to a control centre, and trained operators there will summon help for you. The alarm system should only be used when assistance is needed. It should not be used for message giving, as this could prevent or delay a genuine emergency call. The manager has a special master key giving emergency access to all homes on the scheme should it be needed. For your own safety, if you have a door chain fitted, it should only be put on when answering the door and not be left on permanently. If you fit any extra locks to your door, a spare key should be left with the manager, for access in an emergency. Otherwise, it might be necessary to ask the Police to break in, and could delay help reaching you. The manager will only use the master key in an emergency. This includes access to your property if daily contact has not been made and no one has seen you during the day. The manager will not permit anyone else to enter your home without your permission at any other time. [ top ] What managers cannot doThe following tasks cannot be undertaken by the scheme manager on a regular basis (but may be undertaken in an emergency lasting no longer than 48 hours). The managers are not expected to provide or obtain regular:
There are certain things that the manager must never undertake under any circumstances including:
These restrictions are for the safety of both residents and staff. It is easy to see how they could lead to problems and misunderstandings. [ top ] Group activitiesA communal lounge and kitchen is provided in all of our schemes and most have regular social activities. These activities may be arranged by the manager, the residents or jointly. Most residents participate but it is entirely voluntary. Other senior citizens living locally are also encouraged to take part in any social functions where possible. [ top ] Other facilitiesLaundry Guest rooms [ top ] Cleaning and repairsThe manager is responsible for general supervision of the whole scheme and equipment, and he or she is responsible for informing housing staff of any general mechanical or structural problems. However, YOU are responsible for reporting repairs needed to your home, and ensuring that the Association’s contractors can get access to carry out any repairs required. Scheme managers ensure communal areas are kept clean and supervise the work of any cleaner (where applicable). However, if the cleaner is on holiday or unwell, a replacement may not always be available. [ top ] Good neighboursThe manager makes every effort to provide a caring and helpful service to all residents, whether they are tenants or owners. However, he or she is responsible for a large number of people. Residents can help themselves and each other by checking their neighbours are well and by letting the manager know if anything seems wrong. [ top ] Other helpThe manager will make every effort to refer you to the correct person to contact for help. If it is not a matter the Association can assist you with directly, your manager will be able to suggest other local or national groups and agencies. [ top ] TelevisionOn most schemes a communal television aerial is provided with a socket in each flat or bungalow, saving you the expense of installing your own aerial. Under a Government scheme, some residents need only pay £5 a year for their television licence. However, changes in legislation have led to differences in each scheme, and your manager will be able to tell you if this applies to your home. [ top ] PetsBecause of the difficulties that arise from keeping animals in areas with shared facilities, the following guidelines have been prepared. With the exception of properties with enclosed, secure gardens, dogs will not be allowed in any sheltered scheme. If a dog is kept in a bungalow, you should be aware that, in an emergency, it may become very protective towards you, preventing access to people trying to help. This could also apply to the normal daily visits by a manager. Should problems arise in gaining access in an emergency, the manager will contact your relatives or the emergency services to assist. In communal blocks of flats, cats are permitted providing there is direct external access from the residents flats. In certain circumstances, cats may be allowed where there is no direct access providing no nuisance is caused to other residents. Residents that currently own a cat or dog should check with the Association before acquiring any further pets. [ top ] Further informationThis page is intended as a guide to services in sheltered housing owned or managed by Riversmead Housing Association, and is necessarily generalised. Every scheme is different and details may vary from time to time. Each scheme has its own information booklet. Riversmead Housing Association reserves the right to vary details in the performance of its sheltered services to particular schemes in pursuance of its obligations to all sheltered residents. Residents will be informed of any major changes proposed to the services and details of charges. Please contact us about any of the issues raised on this page either by using the Contact Us form, or at: Riversmead Housing Association We are open from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday Personal callers are most welcome, but it is helpful to make an appointment first. about us | news | careers | contacts | site map | legal notices | home
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