Renfrewshire Council

What is sheltered and very sheltered housing 

Sheltered and very sheltered housing are forms of housing more user-friendly to older people than traditional houses or flats. 

They appeal to people who want to live independently but with the reassurance of knowing that assistance is available if needed. 

Sheltered Housing

Generally this option is for people aged 60 or over who, while able to live independently in their home would also benefit from other facilities such as a warden service. Facilities will vary from scheme to scheme, but sheltered housing usually is made up of a group of self-contained properties in a small complex with a manager or warden responsible for looking after the buildings and making sure the residents are safe and well. The staff may not be full-time or based on site. There may be communal areas such as a lounge, laundry room, guest flat, garden or adaptations to make getting around easier and safer. Often social activities are arranged among the residents.

Very Sheltered Housing

Very sheltered housing caters for people who are less able to look after themselves. It is aimed at frailer older people. Residents still have their own flat and can live as independently as they can, but support staff are on site 24 hours a day. Meals are also provided.

Retirement housing

Some providers now offer the option of retirement housing. This is like sheltered housing, but with no onsite staff.

Who provides sheltered and very sheltered housing in Renfrewshire

Sheltered Housing and Very Sheltered Housing Services are inspected by the Care Inspectorate Scotland. You can view the latest inspection reports on their website. 

Find out about your housing options

If you are interested in a property within one or more of these complexes, you should contact the landlord directly.

However, all customers who wish to apply for rented accommodation provided by Renfrewshire Council, are invited to discuss their housing options with a housing expert.

The discussion will include options that best suit each customer's housing need like:

  council housing

  other social housing providers

  private landlords

  owner occupation.

Prospective tenants are also given financial information and advice on other types of support available. If the best option is council housing, this will be done during the discussion which allows us to improve the way we match an applicant to a property.

Applicants for council housing will be assessed on the basis of housing need and placed into one of five groups, in accordance with our allocation policy.

To make an appointment for a Housing Options interview, please contact one of our offices. See our contact details at the end of this page.