What you can expect from sheltered housing

Flats in sheltered housing schemes are designed for older people. Some of the main features include:

  • level access
  • lifts
  • wide corridors and doorways for people who need wheelchairs or walking aids
  • good lighting  
  • central heating for all individual flats and communal areas
  • electric hobs - there is no provision for gas cookers
  • a laundry room with washing and drying machines for free

Flats are let unfurnished.

Dedicated caretaking teams visit regularly to maintain the communal areas.

Scheme managers

Every sheltered housing scheme has a scheme manager.

They are there Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. They'll support you, assist during an emergency and do things like arrange social activities.

Your scheme manager is there to listen to your views. You can also contribute as part of the Tenant Participation Forums.

Emergencies and alarms

Every flat has a two-way internal communication system so you can speak directly to the scheme manager. Our Telecare Service is also available.

In emergencies, you can call for help 24 hours a day, every day.

Accommodation options

We have:

  • single-person flats
  • larger one-bedroom flats for couples
  • a limited number of two-bedroom flats

The two-bedroom flats are intended for two people who need separate bedrooms for medical reasons.

Some flats are specially designed for wheelchair users.

Most schemes have a guest room available if you have a relative or close friend visiting you for a short time. We charge you a small amount to use this service.

Other options

In addition to our sheltered housing schemes, several housing associations manage schemes in the borough. Some are designed to meet particular needs. There are, for example, schemes for ethnic groups (including Asian, Vietnamese and African-Caribbean) and other specific groups of people.

If you're interested in any of these schemes or want more information, contact the Housing Allocations Team.

Telephone: 020 8921 2941

Email: housing-allocations@royalgreenwich.gov.uk  

What's provided in sheltered housing

Every sheltered housing scheme has a communal lounge for residents to get together at any time. It's also often used for social activities and entertainment including things like bingo.  

Everyone is welcome to take part but no one is forced to do so. You can always suggest new activities to your scheme manager.

Most schemes have a visiting hairdresser and library service.

Things to consider

Television sets are not provided but there is a special concession so that most tenants pay a very small amount for their television licence.

Cats and dogs are not permitted in sheltered housing. You're welcome to keep a domestic pet such as fish or a small caged bird.