FAQs

Published: 27 March 2008

1. What is sheltered housing?

Sheltered housing is specially designed for people 60 years of age and older. You have your own self contained flat with its own front door but there is help available if you need it and there is access to communal facilities and events.
The aim is to provide convenient and comfortable accommodation in your own independent home, yet at the same time provide the security of a Scheme Manager being on site.

Sheltered housing can remove the fear of isolation and loneliness that many people experience as they become older. Knowing that other people live in the same building often relieves these fears.

2. Where is Gateway's Sheltered housing?

We have 17 sheltered schemes in Tower Hamlets. Please see here for more details and maps.

3. What does the Scheme Manager do?

The Scheme Manager aims to maintain your independence as well as promoting communal activities.

4. What time does the Scheme Manager usually work?

The Scheme Manager is usually on duty from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, however they may also do some work away from the scheme from time to time. The scheme manager’s hours of duty may vary from time to time. 24-hour Tower Hamlets Care Alarm cover is provided.

5. What does the Care Alarm service do?

There are Care Alarm pull cords in every room of your flat.

When you pull a cord, a signal is sent to the scheme manager who can speak to you from anywhere in the scheme. When the scheme manager is off duty, the system transfers to a 24-hour Care Alarm Service which will deal with any emergencies.

6. How old do I need to be?

Sheltered Accommodation is a housing complex specially designed for people 60 years of age and older. At Mosque Tower and Bustaan Radaa we accept applicants from 55 years old.

7. What is the rent?

The total rent is made up of rent, water rates, service charges and Supporting People charge. If you are claiming Housing Benefit most of this will be paid for by the Housing Benefit.

The service charge covers the cost of the Scheme Manager, cleaning, gardening, laundry etc.

8. Will I lose any welfare benefits living in sheltered housing?

Moving into sheltered housing will not result in you losing any benefits.

9. What is a Supporting People and how do I get it?

Supporting People is a way of paying for housing-related support services. It pays for some of the cost of the Scheme Manager’s salary and the care alarm system. If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit the Council will pay your Supporting People charge on your behalf.

10. How safe is the building and the flats?

There is CCTV installed in all of Gateway schemes for your security.

Schemes have a door-entry system that allows you to talk to visitors through an intercom system before you open the door. This reduces the risk of unwanted callers. Our aim is to keep you safe while you live as independently as possible.

Each flat is fully self-contained with its own front door to provide convenient and comfortable accommodation in your own home.

11. What social activities are available?

This varies from scheme to scheme. Common social activities are coffee mornings, bingo, keep fit, library services. We also encourage residents to organise their own activities with the support from their scheme manager. Additionally there are often parties, clubs, and occasional trips.

12. Do I have to join in with social activities?

You do not have to join in activities or events if you do not wish to.

13. Am I allowed my own furniture?

Yes. It is your flat, with your own front door - you provide and furnish your flat yourself.

14. Can I have a television and my own phone in my flat?

Yes. You can have a television and your own telephone in your flat.

15. Do I have to pay for a TV Licence and if so how much?

Living in sheltered housing would entitle you to a concessionary TV licence which costs £5 per annum if you are under 75.

If you are 75 or over you are entitled to a free T.V licence.

16. Can my friends and family visit? Do they have to phone first?

Yes. Friends and family can visit anytime, they do not need to phone to say they are coming.

17. Can I sit in the communal lounge and garden?

Yes. The lounge and garden are shared communal areas for the use of all tenants of your scheme.

The lounge is for regular activities such as coffee mornings, as well as being a place where residents can socialise.

18. Can I keep my pet?

Small pets are sometimes allowed.

When you are viewing a flat you should discuss this with the relevant Scheme Manager as arrangements vary between schemes.

19. Do I need to be in my flat at a certain time?

No. You do not have to be in your flat at a certain time.

20. Is there a guest room for overnight visitors?

Most schemes have guest rooms available for use by relatives or friends wishing to stay overnight. This may be useful if you have family or friends who live outside the area.

21. Supposing I need more care later on?

We will liaise with care providers in order to get you the services you need.

22. How do I apply for sheltered housing?

Please read the webpage 'How to Apply'.

If you are successful for a property that you have bid for, you will be invited for an interview with a Housing Officer and to view the property and meet the Scheme Manager.