12 March 2010Retirement housing is specially designed rented accommodation for people aged 55+ who want to remain independent but also want the added security that retirement housing offers. There are also options for those who want to buy a share or lease in a property.
Retirement Housing is also known as Sheltered Housing. People often consider moving into housing designed for those aged 55+ for a number of reasons:
In the Sevenoaks District, retirement housing consists of bedsits, flats and bungalows. Some schemes have communal lounges and laundry areas.
Usually a Housing Assistant calls on tenants at least once a week and the scheme is linked to a 24 hr call centre for additional security in case of an emergency. The Housing Assistant who manages the scheme does not provide care services for residents such as nursing, shopping and cleaning; this support is obtained from Social Services but the Housing Assistant can give you information on how to access this help. Housing Assistants for retirement housing provide the following types of support:
To cover the costs of running the scheme tenants need to pay a monthly service charge and this covers things like paying for the scheme manager, repairs and in some cases heating.
There are a number of ways of applying for retirement housing in the Sevenoaks District. The majority of retirement properties are allocated through Kent Homechoice, the Choice Based Lettings System used for allocating Council and Housing Association homes in Kent. To access Kent Homechoice you need to firstly submit an application to the Sevenoaks District Housing Register.
Download a factsheet detailing the different types and the location of Retirement Housing (
PDF File 16KB file details) offered by the Sevenoaks District Housing Register Partner Organisations.
Rockdale Housing Association offer the sale of leasehold retirement apartments through a leasehold scheme for the elderly. For more information contact Rockdale on 01732 458762, email enquiries@rockdale.org.uk or visit the Rockdale website.
The EAC Housing Care website gives information on retirment housing for people aged 55+ and care homes in the Sevenoaks District both for rent and purchase.
Extra Care Housing
Extra Care Housing is specifically designed for those with higher support needs than can be met by ordinary retirement housing designed for those age 55+. Services offered vary but usually there is a 24 hr Housing Assistant on site and meals can be provided. In some schemes there are additional facilities available on site such as a hairdresser, subsidised restaurant, shop, bar and gym which are accessible not just to residents but the local community.
You can download a factsheet detailing Extra Care Housing ( PDF File 8KB file details) offered through the Sevenoaks District Housing Register and also view brochures for two Extra Care Schemes Hollybush Court ( PDF File 1893KB file details) and Emily Court ( PDF File 211KB file details).
