Independent living (housing with support)
Apply for sheltered housing
Sheltered housing is:
- self-contained accommodation with access to a range of support services
- living independently but with access to an Independent Living Officer, a Mobile Warden
- usually reserved for people over 60 or those with other support needs such as a disability.
The Independent Living Officer's role:
- to enable residents to live independently and help them access any extra support they need
- they have close contacts with health and support organisations to arrange help for residents
- they act as a vital link between residents and their Neighbourhood Housing Officer (based at our council offices in Welwyn Garden City)
- they do not provide care or help with 'day to day' activities like shopping or housework.
The Mobile Wardens role
A team of Mobile Wardens provide cover for all supported homes when the Independent Living Officers are off duty.
They are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year through the emergency alarm system.
Apply for sheltered housing
You can apply by joining the Housing Needs Register (waiting list). Once you have registered for housing you will be able to view and bid for properties in our sheltered housing schemes.
Extra Charges for sheltered housing
Sheltered housing includes access to a Independent Living Officer, 24 hour emergency response by a Mobile Warden and, where available, communal facilities.
We pay for these services with a contribution from people living in our sheltered housing schemes. This contribution is called a Communal Facilities Charge.
The Communal Facilities Charge (CFC) is a compulsory charge, including mandatory engagement with the independent Living Service. If you are in receipt of qualifying benefits this may assist towards payment of the CFC charge.
If you get any housing benefit or have a limited income, you may be able to get a discount. The Housing Benefit team will decide this.