Renfrewshire Council

What very sheltered housing is

Very sheltered housing provides support for older people who are less able to look after themselves.

This type of housing enables residents to live as independently as they can in their own flat, but with staff available to provide support 24 hours a day.

Very sheltered housing is usually made up of a group of flats in a small building complex.

There are currently 5 very sheltered housing complexes in Renfrewshire. Very sheltered housing in the area is provided by Hanover Scotland Housing Association and not by the council.

Each complex has a designated service manager and staff who go between complexes during the day to provide care and support for residents. Residents can also call for support during the day and at night through a technology enabled care alarm system that is installed in their property.

Most properties have a living room, one bedroom, a shower or wet room, and a kitchenette so residents can prepare light meals and snacks.

Many complexes have shared facilities and services such as a lounge, dining area and garden.

Very sheltered housing offers residents similar support to sheltered housing, including:

• emergency response
• alarm system checks
• encouragement and support to take part in social activities
• ensuring all personal information is confidential and is only shared with others you have agreed to
• general assistance, including supporting you to arrange minor repairs, and help to fill in forms or contact other services.

You can receive enhanced housing support through very sheltered housing, including:

• 2 meal services a day
• general counselling and support, including a regular check on your general health and welfare
• advice on the availability of more specialised support and care, if required
• help to meet with professionals and people with an interest in your welfare, such as doctors and relatives
• reminders about appointments
• help with the safety and security of your home, including reminders about locking doors, and advice about fire safety and the safe use of domestic appliances.

If you need help with more personal care support, such as getting out of bed, getting dressed or making food, you can ask for a care assessment through the Adult Services Referral Team (ASeRT) at Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership by phoning 0300 300 1380.

Personal care services can be delivered at a very sheltered housing complex by a registered third-party care at home provider following an assessment of your needs.

Alternatively, you could get a type of housing called extra care housing, where personal care support is included in the service.

Who can live in very sheltered housing

Very sheltered housing is available for people aged 60 or over and have a housing support need. It's also available for people aged 55 and over who have a disability.

Priority will be given to those most in need of accommodation and support services, such as those who are unable to live in their existing home or may need long term care.

Where you could live

Hanover Scotland Housing Association currently manage 5 very sheltered housing complexes in Renfrewshire at:

• Ailsa Court, Paisley - Hanover Scotland
• Montgomery Court, Paisley - Hanover Scotland
• Newton Court, Paisley - Hanover Scotland
• Orchard Court, Renfrew - Hanover Scotland
• Walkinshaw Court, Johnstone - Hanover Scotland.

Very sheltered housing services are inspected by the Care Inspectorate Scotland. You can view the latest inspection reports on the Care Inspectorate Scotland website. 

How much it costs

All very sheltered housing properties are rented.

The cost to rent a property depends on the size and location of the very sheltered housing complex. This is set by Hanover Scotland Housing Association

As well as rent, there will also be a service charge at each location.

How to apply

Applications for very sheltered housing in Renfrewshire are handled by Hanover Scotland Housing Association.

You should visit the complexes before you apply to help you decide which one is best for you.

If you want to apply for very sheltered housing, you'll need to do this through the Hanover Scotland Housing Association application process.

What happens next

When you make an application with Hanover Scotland Housing Association, they'll ask for a social work assessment to fully understand your needs.

The housing association will then get in touch to let you know your place on the waiting list.

More information

For more information on very sheltered housing in Renfrewshire, you should contact Hanover Scotland Housing Association directly by:

• phone: 0800 111 4646
• email: hello@hanover.scot