Sheltered housing
There are significant differences in design and services provided between sheltered houses and our other mainstream properties.
There is also a difference in the way sheltered housing is allocated.
What is Sheltered Housing?
Sheltered Housing Wardens have a diverse role in promoting independent living and quality of life in accordance with the standards set down by the Care Commission.
South Ayrshire Council's aim is to offer to the elderly and disabled a quality housing support service (through our Sheltered Housing Wardens and the Community Alarm) which will give people security and peace of mind within their own home environment. We will also aim to create a friendly and secure environment where we offer to support our service users' needs to maintain a stimulating and fulfilling lifestyle.
The wardens operate an "active aging" programme within units to assist service users general all round health and well-being. Within this framework we focus on fun and learning experiences for all. Included in this promotion we would aim to dispel the myth that the older person is just a consumer of services i.e. needy.
Within sheltered housing staff are aware that service users have abilities, aspirations and bring with them a life time of experience and make a valued contribution to our society as citizens.
Therefore undoubtedly individual personal development is important at any point in life and in order to meet these needs each individual service user within sheltered housing has a personal support plan which is devised in consultation with service users, family and warden. This support plan will direct the warden as to any abilities, aspiration, experiences and expertise that they can contribute.
On most developments, individual properties have been equipped with amenities, which are specifically designed to meet the needs of elderly residents.
These features normally include:
- A 2 way speech intercom system linked to the warden.
- Pull cords in each room to summon the warden in the event of an emergency.
- Electrical sockets fitted within easy reach.
- Non-slip flooring and grab rails next to the bath and WC.
- Community Alarm System, which residents can use to alert staff at the Council's 24 hr monitoring station if they need help.
There are also a number of communal facilities such as a laundry, a residents' lounge and kitchen, an office for the warden and a bedsit for tenants' visitors on some of the newer developments.
How to Apply for Sheltered Housing
Applicants for sheltered housing need to complete the Councils Application for Housing, and also a short questionnaire within this application, which asks for additional details of their personal needs and health.
Once an application for Sheltered housing has been received at an Area Office, allocations staff will carefully check the application form and ensure the person is eligible to join the sheltered housing waiting or transfer list.
The information given on the application and in the questionnaire will then be used by the Divisional Housing Manager to determine the priority the applicant will have. (If additional information is required, this will be sought from the applicant by letter, visit, or by contacting Social Work, or any other agencies involved).
Once the assessment is complete the applicant will be awarded either a high, medium or low priority, as follows:
| Priority | Assessment | Points |
|---|---|---|
| High | Where rehousing to sheltered accommodation is essential. | 12 |
| Medium | Where rehousing to sheltered accommodation would be of benefit | 8 |
| Low | Where rehousing to sheltered accommodation is aspirational, but not essential or of specific benefit | 4 |
Urgent Sheltered Housing
If the applicant urgently requires rehousing to sheltered accommodation, because of a risk of being admitted to hospital or residential care, or because they are being discharged from such a facility, then they will be assessed in accordance with the Community Care Category policy (as outlined in the section Special categories for rehousing).
Additional Points
In addition to these priority points, additional points may be awarded to applicants, similar to those on the mainstream waiting list. These include:
(Refer to Application for Housing and Housing transfers for further detail).
| South Ayrshire Council Tenants | Non South Ayrshire Council Tenants |
|---|---|
| Overcrowding | Overcrowding |
| Under Occupation | Sharing Amenities |
| Waiting Time | Living in Unsatisfactory Housing Conditions |
| Waiting Time | |
| Living in Tied Accommodation | |
| Living in a Caravan | |
| No Fixed Abode |
The applicant will then be placed on one of three lists - high, medium or low priority.
Allocation of Sheltered Housing
When selecting applicants for sheltered housing vacancies, the Councils policy is to spread allocations between Transfer applicants (75%) and Non-Council applicants (25%). In order to help create balanced communities, allocations to each sheltered complex are also spread between the three priority lists in the proportions of High (60%), Medium (30%) and Low (10%).
Choosing Sheltered Housing Units
The location of sheltered housing stock in South Ayrshire, provided both by the Council and Housing Associations / RSLs, is outlined in the table below. Sheltered housing complexes provide a mixture of bedsits, 1 and 2 bedroom properties. Also, some of the properties may be on upper floors as well as on ground level.
(Further information on these properties can be obtained from the Area Housing Offices or from the housing associations directly).
Applicants may choose as many sheltered housing complexes as they wish, right across South Ayrshire.
| Letting District | Sheltered Housing Complexes (Council & RSL) | No. of Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Ayr North | Elba Court, James Street, George Street & Content Street | 25 |
| Limonds Court & Syms Lane | 38 | |
| Morrison Gardens | 24 | |
| Whitletts Court | 23 | |
| Newton Park Court | 30 | |
| Ayr South | Hamilton Court (West of Scotland Housing Association) | 8 |
| Mount Oliphant Crescent (West of Scotland Housing Association) | 27 | |
| Mill Street (Kirk Care Housing Association) | 14 | |
| Kyle | Gallowhill Quadrant , Sundrum Park & John Hodge Court, Coylton | 25 |
| Arcon Court, Mossblown | 19 | |
| Prestwick | Benmore, Ardfin & Adamton Road | 58 |
| Lichenfels Gardens | 32 | |
| Alexandra Avenue (Hanover Housing Association) | 22 | |
| Troon | Bradan Road | 32 |
| Logan Drive Inc. Cherry Lane & Brodie Avenue) | 58 | |
| Millrock Court & Panrock Court | 30 | |
| Sandhill Gardens | 25 | |
| Walker Avenue | 28 | |
| Princes Square (Hanover Housing Association) | 26 | |
| St. Meddans Court | 25 | |
| Fullarton Avenue & Newfield Drive, Dundonald | 27 | |
| Maybole | Crosne Street & High Street | 16 |
| Girvan | Boyle Court | 23 |
| McConnell Square | 28 | |
| Old Street (Kirkcare Housing Association) | 31 |
Appealing against a decision
Where an applicant is not satisfied with a decision or the priority award made by the Housing Office, they have the right to appeal to the Housing Operations Manager.
If after this review the applicant is still not satisfied with decision, a further appeal can be made to the Head of Regeneration and Housing. Further detail on the appeals process for allocations decisions can be found in the Councils Allocations Policy in the section Related Information
Tenancies in Sheltered Housing
Like tenants of mainstream council housing, sheltered housing tenants can apply for housing benefit to help cover the cost of the rent and the service charges. (More information on Council Tax reduction can be found in the Related Information section of this guide).
However, unlike mainstream tenants, those tenants living in sheltered housing do not have the right to buy their council house.
Nomination agreements with Housing Associations / RSLs
As indicated in the above table, many of the sheltered housing complexes in South Ayrshire are owned and managed by Housing Associations / RSLs.
The Council operates a nominations agreement with these other landlords, which means that they can nominate applicants from the Council's waiting list for vacancies that arise with the housing associations' complexes.
The remaining vacancies that arise within housing association properties are offered to applicants on the housing associations own lists.
Therefore, if you are interested in applying for a complex owned by one of these other landlords, you are advised to apply directly to that housing association, in addition to your Council application. (Further details on how to apply to the various housing associations in South Ayrshire can be found in the Social Landlords section of this guide).
Important Note: If the council nominates an applicant for a housing association vacancy, then an offer made by this housing association will count as an offer made by the Council under their own allocations policy.
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