Sheltered Housing | Berneslai Homes

Article: Sheltered Housing

What is Sheltered Housing?

If you are finding it difficult to manage in your present accommodation but would like to continue living independently then Sheltered Housing could be ideal for you.

Berneslai Homes provide 22 sheltered schemes across the borough where a warden and alarm service is a condition of the tenancy.

Sheltered Housing schemes provide support for older or vulnerable people in a safe environment where residents are encouraged to live independently and have the opportunity to join in social activities and events if they wish.

What facilities does Sheltered Housing provide?

The scheme will usually provide the following facilities:

• Laundry
• Communal lounge and kitchen
• Security and safety features
• Guest bedroom
• District heating systems in the fully sheltered schemes
• A warden support service providing up to 5 visits per week
• 24 hour emergency alarm system connected to the Central Call unit.

What does the scheme warden do?

The Scheme Warden will usually be on site during office hours, and the Warden will:

• Visit every tenant regularly to provide the individually tailored support they need,
• Work with tenants to help identify any other help they may need to increase and maintain their independence.

The Warden is also responsible for helping to develop and facilitate social  activities in the scheme.

The Scheme Warden does not:

Provide personal care such as bathing, getting dressed or preparing and cooking meals, collecting pensions, prescriptions or doing shopping.

The warden does not give out medication to residents.

Will I qualify for Sheltered Housing?

Applicants for Sheltered Housing Schemes must be 60 years and over and have a need for housing related support.  Housing related support is focused on support relating to the accommodation, such as help in managing a tenancy, checks to ensure welfare and security and help with managing budgets and claiming benefits.

Consideration will also be given to applicants under 60 years old where there is a medical and housing related support need.  Applicants must also meet certain other criteria – the Lettings Team will provide information and advice.

How do I apply for Sheltered Housing?

You can apply to join the housing register, for sheltered housing, online by completing the Online Housing Register Application Form.

If you prefer you can download a Housing Register Application Form, complete it and return it to any Barnsley Connects Office.  

Alternatively you can get a form from your local Barnsley Connects Office (Barnsley Connects staff can help you fill it in); or by phoning 01226 775555 (we will post a form to you). 

If you would like information about an individual scheme please contact the Lettings Team on Telephone: 01226 775555.

Is there a charge for the Warden Service?

There is a charge for the warden service which is a condition of the tenancy.  For new tenants the charge is £17.64 per week.  If you are in receipt of housing benefit this cost may be covered by a Supporting People grant.

To see how well we are performing please see our Communal Cleaning and Sheltered Housing Spot Checks.

Useful Information

• A guide to applying for Sheltered Housing
• Living in Sheltered Housing leaflet
• Sheltered Housing Service Standards