Sheltered and supported housing

What is sheltered and supported council housing?

Sheltered housing and supported housing is the name given to a group of self-contained flats or bungalows - normally with one or two bedrooms. This type of housing can suit you if you want to live:

• independently in a private residence but need a bit more support
• in a small, easier to manage home.

These housing complexes, sometimes referred to as housing schemes, often have a range of communal facilities including a:

• garden
• lounge
• laundry room
• 24 hour support all day, every day, via a two-way internal telecom system.

Many properties also have a part-time on-site manager available for advice and assistance. 

Who can apply to live in sheltered or supported housing?

To qualify for sheltered housing you must meet 1 of the following criteria:

• be aged 60 or over (at the date when the tenancy starts)
• have a physical or learning disability.

You must also have been assessed as having a care and support need by our adult social care team.

Find out how to apply

Where can I find information on sheltered and supported housing in East Riding?

The East Riding Community and Care Services directory details:

• all council owned sheltered and supported housing
• private sheltered housing schemes
• the care services and specialisms provided at each venue
• facilities available to residents.

Find sheltered housing and support housing schemes in our East Riding Community and Care Services directory on our Your Life, Your Way website.

Does sheltered and supported housing offer 24-hour support?

Both sheltered and supported housing schemes have a round the clock alarm system meaning someone is also available if you need help.

This service is run by the housing service in partnership with the Lifeline and responder service.

How it works

1. You’ll raise the alarm through an alarm base unit or pendant if you feel unwell, have fallen or need other emergency help
2. An operator responds within seconds through a loudspeaker in your home.
3. They’ll discuss the situation with you (if possible) and take appropriate action to make sure you get the help you need.

Alarm service cost

As a resident of a sheltered or supported property, you’ll automatically be signed up to the standard level of this service, and the standard cost will be included in your rent. If you receive housing benefit, the cost of this alarm service will also be covered.

Personal assessment

When you move into your new home, our team will visit you to carry out a personal assessment and check that the standard plan meets your needs. 

Your service may be upgraded with other services or equipment at extra cost.

How do I know if sheltered or supported housing is right for me?

Sheltered and supported housing may not always meet your needs. We recommend that you consider all the care and support opportunities available to you before you decide.

You can find out about other care services that may be more suitable to your needs on our dedicated adult social care website - Your Life, Your Way.

Our housing services team can also look at the options for moving to more suitable accommodation with you.

Please get in touch by either of the following methods and leave your details:

Call our housing services team on (01482) 393939.

Email: housing.services@eastriding.gov.uk.

How do I apply for sheltered or supported housing?

To qualify to live in council-owned sheltered or supported housing, you must have had a needs assessment through our adult social care service, and qualify to receive care and support from us.

Find out more about arranging adult care on our dedicated adult social care website - Your Life, Your Way.

Step 1: Apply to go on the council housing waiting list

You must be on the council waiting list before you can apply to move to sheltered or supported housing.

The waiting list application form will ask why you are applying to go on the waiting list, please state that you need to move to ‘supported accommodation’. If you need to move due to a medical need or health reason, you should also include this as a reason for moving.

Find out about joining the council housing waiting list

Step 2: Assessment

We’ll assess your waiting list application and if you qualify for sheltered or supported accommodation,  we'll send you a sheltered and supported accommodation form for you to complete and return to us.

How are properties allocated?

Properties are allocated in accordance with the following policies:

• council housing allocation policy
• sheltered and supported housing local lettings policy

You can access copies of these policies on our renting a council house/home from the council page.

What type of tenancies are available?

A secure lifetime tenancy is available to you if you meet all of the following conditions:

• you are aged 60 or over on the date your tenancy starts
• you do not have any children in your household
• you do not have a financial interest in another permanent residence

A 5 year secure flexible tenancy is available to you if you meet the following conditions: 

• you are aged 60 or over on the date your tenancy starts
• you do not have any children in your household
• you have a financial interest in another permanent residence

If you sell your property, we will review your tenancy and you may be offered a secure lifetime tenancy.