Housing Options for Older People
Staying where you are
Help in the home
Financial help
Moving
Useful addresses and telephone numbers
Accommodation is a very important issue to all of us, and it probably gains in importance as we get older. The information on this page aims to identify the variety of options that are available locally, in order to help you whilst making important decisions on your housing situation as you become older.
The options outlined below are provided for information purposes. The Directorate does not recommend any specific one as each person has their own individual needs and circumstances. We would always advise that people take independent advice and consider all available options. In particular legal advice should be sought before any financial commitments are entered into.
Staying where you are
Many people will wish to remain in their existing accommodation, where they feel at ease and comfortable in their own surroundings. It may be that this is a practical solution, and it is important to consider if the property still meets your needs and requirements. If it does not then there are a variety of options that you can consider, depending on your tenure, i.e. do you own or rent the property.
Safety Issues
Feeling safe in your home is vital. There are a number of matters that can be investigated to improve your situation:
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ask the local police for advice on home security,
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join your local Neighbourhood Watch Scheme,
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consider if you would benefit from some form of emergency telephone system i.e. Carelink or Help The Aged.
Changing the structure of your home
Obviously if you are the tenant of a property, the landlord is responsible for the repairs and maintenance. You should therefore contact them for advice whether you live in the private rented sector or if your landlord is the local authority or Housing Association.
If you own your home then you need to take advice and assess the situation carefully before you engage in any financial arrangements. You should also check to see if you are eligible for any grants from the local Council or, if you are on Income Support, from the Benefits Agency.
Work that you may consider to assist you in remaining in your own home could range from repairs to energy saving measures to adaptations. Contact the Home Improvement Agency for advice on adaptations to your home to help you live as independently as possible.
Help in the home
Some people may need help in the provision of services to allow them to remain in their own home, these could take the form of help with bathing, meals on wheels and social activities.
These social care needs have to be assessed, usually by Older Peoples Services. You will then be advised as to what services, if any, you require and whether or not there would be a charge for them. There are also a number of private organisations that provide personal care services.
Financial help
Running a home is a costly business and it is important to ensure that you are claiming all the benefits that you are entitled to such as Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit and others that are for those needing financial help with mobility and personal care. The local authority does provide advice on these matters (see office addresses at the end of this leaflet). Advice on funding options e.g. grants, loans, charity funding for those who, due to a disability, are having housing related problems, is available from the Home Improvement Agency.
Moving
There are a variety of reasons why people move but it is important that you think and plan carefully about why you are moving and what your needs are both now and for the future. The following options are available and explained in more detail in the paragraphs below;
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alternative owner-occupation or renting,
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moving in with someone else,
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sheltered units/group dwellings,
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residential accommodation.
Alternative owner-occupation or renting
In choosing this you need to be aware of a number of factors i.e. the access, stairs, type of heating, size of garden etc. and the location of facilities i.e. shops and public transport.
Shoreline Housing Partnership provides a number of one and two bedroomed flats that are suitable for older people in most areas of North East Lincolnshire. There are also a number of one and two bedroomed bungalows but unfortunately there is a very high demand for the few vacancies that arise and priority is always given to those in greatest need. To be considered for this accommodation you need to apply to be accepted onto Shoreline Housing Partnership's Housing Register.
Moving in with someone else
This could be friends or family, and it is vital to ensure that you have a good and strong relationship with them. It is very different to live with someone as opposed to being a regular visitor or good friend. You will need to have an agreement covering such things as living, sleeping and eating arrangements and also your financial contribution to the bills and expenses.
Sheltered units and group dwellings
This is generally where independent living is provided with the additional support of a resident scheme manager who acts as a friendly neighbour and there is an emergency alarm system. Residents can enjoy the benefit of communal facilities. There are a variety of styles in different locations provided both in the public and the private rented sector. The details below relate to those provided by the local authority.
Shorline Housing Partnership provides its own stock of this accommodation, to apply you need to be accepted onto their Housing Register. You will be considered for this accommodation if you are;
It is difficult to say how long you will have to wait for this sort of accommodation, as some areas and types have a longer waiting time than others. If you can manage first floor accommodation especially if there is no lift available, then we can usually help you more quickly.
If you need to move for health reasons then please ensure that you complete the relevant section of the Housing Register Form.
In addition some of this accommodation is provided by Housing Associations. Housing Associations (or Social Registered Landlords as they are called) are non profit making bodies who provide rented accommodation at a fair rent.
Residential Homes
These are mainly for long-stay occupants, although short stay facilities are available at some homes. A detailed list of all the local homes can be obtained from the Care Management Team.
All of the options outlined will probably mean the selling of your property and possibly making arrangements for others. It is important to take legal advice at all times before you commit yourself to any arrangement.
Useful addresses and telephone numbers
Community Care Directorate
Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
4 Town Hall Street
Grimsby
Telephone: 08450 525252
Monday to Wednesday 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Thursday and Friday 10.00 am - 1.00 pm
Age Concern
Advice and Pop-In Centre
77 Cartergate
Grimsby
Telephone: 344976
North East Lincolnshire Carelink
The Resource Centre
Second Avenue
Grimsby
Telephone: 312312
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