retirement housing

What is Retirement Housing?

Retirement housing is for older people who want to lead an independent life in their own home. It is designed to provide independence in a secure and friendly environment. A Retirement Housing Officer is the main source of support.

Who can apply for retirement housing?

Tenants should normally be of retirement age, although one member of a couple may be below retirement age. They must also be able to lead an independent life. There is usually a waiting list and places will be offered on availability and level of need.

Does it cost more?

You pay rent as usual but there is an additional charge for the Retirement Housing Officer services and the call centre. However, if you are entitled to housing benefit, this charge will be covered by a ‘Supporting People’ grant.

Can I continue to keep pets?

Tenants can continue to keep pets in most schemes but in some cases permission is required.

What does the Retirement Housing Officer do?

The Retirement Housing Officer’s role is to support tenants, encourage independence and help tenants in organising social activities. During normal working hours (9am-5pm weekdays) the Retirement Housing Officer is available to help you manage.

If necessary, they will contact Social Services or other health professionals on your behalf to arrange for additional help to be given to you in your home. For example, meals-on-wheels, or help with personal care.

Retirement Housing Officers are not on duty 24 hours-a-day and cannot provide nursing or home care services.

What happens in an emergency?

Each retirement scheme has a two-way speech system which means that you are able to contact the Retirement Housing Officer in an emergency. When your Retirement Housing Officer is not on duty, you can still get assistance in an emergency as your call will be diverted to an out-of-hours response service. Tenants will be asked for information about their relatives, friends and doctor so that they can be contacted in an emergency.

This information is passed onto the out-of-hours response service so that they can get in touch with these people if need be.

A summary of the Retirement Housing Officer’s normal duties:

• Make regular checks on all tenants in retirement accommodation to ensure their general health and well being.
• Contact the tenant’s doctor when necessary, ensuring that relatives are informed of any illness, with tenant’s agreement.
• Manage the general running of the scheme.
• Respond to emergencies during working hours.
• Ensure that repairs in communal areas are carried out.
• Maintain records of tenant’s doctor and next of kin.
• Ensure the security of the scheme.
• Liaise with Social Services and other agencies to arrange support for residents when required.
• Help organise social events for tenants.
• Hold keys.
• Help tenants to settle into their new home, giving advice on facilities and ensuring that all tenants are aware of sources of support and help.
• Look out for signs of need and maintain regular contact with housing management staff.
• Liaise with Rent Account Manager on any rent queries.

The Retirement Housing Officer does not handle tenants’ finances, administer medication or provide personal care.

Out-of-hours cover

Our out-of-hours cover provides a 365 days-a-year emergency service to ensure that help is available even when the Retirement Housing Officer is not on duty.

Your call will be dealt with by someone who is trained to respond to emergency calls. They will know who you are and will have details of your family and friends. All calls are recorded.

Outside normal office hours, the call centre will contact your relatives or, depending upon the severity and nature of the call, contact the emergency services (a doctor or ambulance).

This is part of our retirement housing service.

Visits to retirement schemes

If you would like to visit any of our retirement schemes, you are most welcome to do so. Contact our customer service centre on 020 8313 3310 and they will put you in touch with the Retirement Housing Officer to arrange a visit.

Click here to see pictures of some of our retirement schemes