Housing Options for people over 55
PA Housing and A2Dominion are the principal providers of accommodation in the Search Moves area. There are also a number of other landlords who offer properties to older applicants. Full details can be found here for Elmbridge.
PA Housing’s Independent Living schemes for older people were previously known as Sheltered Housing.
Since a review of its services in June 2014, the sheltered housing service now focusses on those residents who have a need for support with the goal of achieving independent living.
To increase the understanding of the service that is now delivered we have rebranded the service as Independent Living in Elmbridge, Richmond and Wandsworth.
Applicants over the age of 55 are eligible for these properties, many of whom are working single people who were looking for peaceful, secure accommodation. As at August 2017 approximately 20% of PA Housing Independent Living residents were aged under 65.
Usually a Support Officer will call at each block on a regular basis, visit any residents who have requested this, and be available to deal with any immediate concerns. If you are at work and do not wish to be contacted you can opt out of this service.
No personal support such as cleaning, shopping or personal care is offered by PA Housing staff.
Each flat does however have an emergency pull cord fitted, which offers support from an out-of-hours telecare service for any residents who may need it.
Scheme developments vary in size from 8 flats to 98 flats; some with scattered ‘outside units’ around a main block. Larger schemes have a communal lounge and active social programme, smaller schemes may not. Most have attractive communal gardens which are well kept, varying in size according to location. Other facilities such as guest rooms, laundry facilities and parking also vary. Further information about each scheme will be available in property adverts so applicants can decide if the scheme is right for them before they place a bid.
Flats are often compact and designed to be low maintenance, and most have lift access to all floors. Visit PA Housing Independent Living to see more.
A2Dominion will continue to have accommodation for older persons in the borough of Spelthorne (known as Housing for Older People).
Age designation will be clearly shown on each advert but may range from a minimum age of 55 to 60.
The schemes offer a selection of self-contained one-bedroom apartments designed to help residents retain as much independence and control of their lives as possible. For note; some schemes do have two-bedroom apartments but these very rarely come available.
The schemes will offer an Intensive Housing Management service to enable people to live as independently as possible within a safe and secure environment.
Staff can generally assist with:
- Understanding the tenancy agreement
- Dealing with repairs
- Signposting to professional agencies for extra help and support
- In addition, A2Dominion can also offer an in-house floating support service.
Some schemes have occasional social activities (for example - weekday coffee mornings) in addition to communal facilities (may not apply to all schemes);
- Communal lounge
- Kitchen
- Hairdressing salon
- Garden area
- Laundry room
- Guest flat
Information on each scheme can be seen on the advert or by looking at A2Dominion.