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Housing for older people

Community supportive housing

Westminster City Council has a number of housing schemes across the city to meet the specific needs of older people. These dedicated schemes are known collectively as Community Supportive Housing (formerly sheltered and supported housing). Residents must be aged 60 or over to apply for this type of housing (55 in exceptional circumstances).

All schemes consist of individual self-contained flats and have the services of a scheme manager who usually lives on the premises. Each flat is connected to the council’s 24 hour emergency lifeline service, providing residents with round the clock peace of mind and the reassuring knowledge that help is on hand in the event of an emergency.

The scheme manager’s role is to support and advise residents, checking on their well-being and helping them to lead an independent life. Scheme managers do not provide personal care such as help with bathing, shopping or meal preparation, but they can put residents in touch with Social and Community Services who will assess any care needs. (A small number of schemes offer ‘extra care’ housing for residents with high-end care needs; care is provided by a specially trained team of home carers who are on site daily. Residents must have both housing and care needs to be eligible for ‘extra care’ housing.)

Nearly all of the council’s schemes have a communal lounge where residents can relax, watch TV, socialise with neighbours or enjoy some of the social activities on offer.

Many schemes also have handy on-site facilities such as a communal laundry, a guest room for relatives or friends, or a visiting hairdressing service. An increasing number also have computer facilities with internet access.

These range from extra care housing for frail residents to supported housing. More information on housing choices for older people can be obtained from Westminster City Council's dedicated page.