Sheltered housing for older residents
The purpose is to enable residents to remain independent for as long as possible. Residents are not supervised. They have their own key to their own front door and may come and go as they please.
Residents in Independent Living schemes are secure tenants like any other council tenant with similar rights and responsibilities. However, they cannot assign the tenancy to any other family member and they do not have a right to buy.
What are the benefits of Independent Living schemes?
- Independent Living residents have access to a 24-hour call system for use in case of an emergency or assistance
- Independent Living schemes are fitted with extra security
- Independent Living Housing Officers manage the schemes and can be contacted from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
- Residents can attend regular drop-in sessions with their Independent Living House Officer or arrange to see them via an appointment. (Residents can find their Independent Living Housing Officer contact details on the noticeboard in the communal area)
Independent Living does not:
- provide care or support facilities such as 24/7 on-site staff or personal carers
- accommodate families – only single people or couples can live in the flats
What does the Independent Living Housing Officer do?
As well as helping you with tenancy issues such as paying your rent, Independent Living Housing Officers are also responsible for the day-to-day management of the scheme. This includes the security, fire safety, maintenance and repair of communal areas. They can also provide information about housing, support and accessing care services.
Independent Living Housing Officers do not provide care services or do things such as shopping for people who live in the scheme. They are not nurses and cannot give any medication. They cannot do minor household repairs and are not involved in residents’ financial affairs.
Facilities and activities within Independent Living schemes
Flats in independent living schemes are designed to meet the needs of older people. Some of the main features are level access, lifts, wide corridors and good lighting. There is central heating to individual flats and all communal areas. Every scheme has a laundry room with washing and drying machines.
There are social activities for residents who are interested, such as:
- coffee mornings
- arts and crafts sessions
- fish and chip suppers
- gentle exercise classes
Rent and service charge
Independent Living residents pay a monthly service charge on top of their rent which is for:
- the enhanced support provided by the Independent Living Housing Officer
- looking after the shared areas in and around the building which includes cleaning, gardening and repairs
- an emergency alarm call system
Depending on your income and savings you may be able to receive housing benefit or income support and pay reduced council tax. We'll advise you about this when you join the housing register.
Overnight visitors
Many of our schemes have guest rooms available for relatives or friends to stay overnight. This could be useful if you become ill and need to be cared for by a family member or have family or friends who live outside the area.
There's a charge for renting a guest room. To book, speak to your Independent Living Housing Officer, email independentliving@lewisham.gov.uk or use the online form.
Who can apply for Independent Living?
Our Independent Living schemes are designed for people over 60. If you or your partner are over 60 and are Lewisham residents you may be eligible.
How do I apply?
To apply for Independent Living, you will need to be on the housing register.