Winchester City Council's Sheltered Housing Service promotes a safe, secure environment for people wishing to live independently within their own home. Our aim is to promote independence and choice for older people.

In our rented sheltered housing properties you will have your own self contained accommodation which is specially designed with older people in mind and easy to maintain.  All properties are linked to an Alarm Centre who will ensure that you receive the necessary response in the event of an emergency.

A list of Sheltered accommodation and details for each scheme can be found on the link below. If you would like more information on how to apply for Sheltered Housing contact the Housing Needs Section on 01962 840222.

Click here ^{(pdf, 4.1mb)}to read the latest sheltered housing newsletter

If you have difficulty maintaining your tenancy and you are a Winchester City Council tenant over the age of 60 then our tenancy sustainment service may be able to help you.

The service provides short term assistance to resolve any issues or difficulties you may be experiencing.  In partnership with voluntary agencies like:

• Together Working for Wellbeing
• A2 Dominion Care and Support

The Tenancy Sustainment Service wants to help you to maintain your independence and keep your tenancy. Its' aim is to improve the quality of life of vulnerable older people and create more inclusive communities.

The Tenancy Sustainment Team can help you with:

• Teaching life skills and offer advice on meal preparation
• Assist in accessing social support
• Dealing with debts
• Managing your income and benefits, paying bills etc.
• Helping with form-filling and dealing with the Benefits Agency.
• Advising on the safe use of appliances
• Helping with repairs
• Dealing with neighbour disputes
• Dealing with security issues
• Assisting with an application to downsize or move to sheltered accommodation
• Helping with resettlement following a move or hospital discharge
• Assisting with arranging cleaning where appropriate

If you contact the service, we will arrange an informal visit to your home to discuss the assistance available to you.

Simple call 01962 855 335 and ask to speak to one of our Tenancy Sustainment Officers. Alternatively you can ask Tenancy Services, Income Services, the Housing Needs section, Social Services, your GP or other outside agencies to make a referral on your behalf.

Winchester City Council, City Offices, Colebrook Street, Winchester SO23 9LJ

Telephone: 01962 855 335 Email: shelteredhousing@winchester.gov.uk

Introduction

Extra Care housing is offered by Hampshire County Council in partnership with Winchester City Council.

Extra Care accommodation allows older people to live their lives actively and independently in self-contained accommodation with a tenancy. Care staff are based onsite and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide planned care and support and to respond in the case of emergencies.

Extra Care is different from residential care as it offers people their own flat in a safe and supportive environment in buildings close to local facilities. You have your own home and front door, so family and friends are free to visit when they wish.

Some schemes also have guest suites available should your family wish to stay for a few days. Some schemes have shared facilities such as restaurants, hairdressers and gardens. Social activities are held in a communal lounge which are arranged by care staff and resident groups which you can chose to join if you wish. There are lots of opportunities for informal socialising too and living in Extra Care is a great way to make new friends without compromising your independence. Couples can move to Extra Care and remain together, and all schemes have one- or two-bedroom flats.

Extra Care housing is an option for applicants aged over 55 who have a housing need and have a care and support need as assessed by Adults Health and Care.

Hampshire County Council has a dedicated team of Extra Care advisors available to help you to decide whether Extra Care housing is the right choice for you or your loved one.

the aims and objectives of Extra Care Sheltered Housing are to provide a high quality housing support and care service to frail older people, which enables support and encourages them to live independently for as long as they wish to and are able to by:

• Providing  a range of housing support and care services to meet individual needs.
• Providing a person-centred approach to assessment and delivery of support and care, working in conjunction with partner agencies as appropriate.
• Providing a service where the dignity and the right of privacy of all Tenants is paramount.
• Providing attractive accommodation in which Tenants feel secure.
• Ensuring that Tenants are kept informed and have access to information in respect of their rights and choices.
• Encouraging Tenants, through tenant participation, to have a say in how their sheltered housing service is managed.

We currently have two Extra Care Sheltered Housing Schemes, Danemark Court and Matilda Place.  Both schemes are located in Gordon Road in central Winchester with shopping, leisure, health and other facilities close by.

• Danemark Court is designed to meet the needs of Tenants with an on going need for assistance with personal care.
• Matilda Place offers a more supportive environment for those with a diagnosis of a cognitive impairment for example dementia.
• Chesil Lodge - see for more information visit our New Council Housing – Extra Care

When you move into Extra Care Sheltered Housing, care plans will be drawn up with you which detail the type, range and level of any support and care need you may have.  The plans will set out what support and care you required from scheme staff as well as from other agencies.  They also detail other information such as who should be contacted or informed if you are unwell.

To be eligible for Extra Care housing you need to:

• Have been assessed as needing assistance with several personal care needs to maintain your independence.
• Be approaching or at the point where your care needs can no longer be adequately met within your existing home.
• Meet the criteria for the Joint housing Register.
• Have a level of mental awareness to enable you to live independently free from risk to yourself and others.

All personal care services are dependent upon an individual care needs assessment by Adult Services for which an additional payment may be required subject to a financial assessment.

An application for accommodation can be made through the City Council's Housing Allocations Section.

Once your application has been received a referral will be made to adult services who will carry out an assessment of your needs. All applicants assessed as suitable for Extra Care will be considered for vacancies at the Extra Care Panel Meeting. The panel consists of representatives of Hampshire County Council Adult Services, Winchester City Council and the Care and Support Provider for the service.

If you would like more information on how to apply for Extra Care Sheltered Housing contact the Housing Needs Section on 01962 840 222.

Sheltered and Extra Care Services Manager on 01962 855 335.

Link to Hampshire County Council's Extra Care website for information on Extra Care in the County and eligibility.