What is sheltered housing?

What is sheltered accommodation?

From care homes to warden-controlled housing, navigating the similarities and differences between all the different types of retirement accommodation can feel overwhelming—especially with so many options available.

Many retirement communities are described as ‘sheltered housing’ or ‘sheltered accommodation,’ but what does that entail? We explain what sheltered housing means and how it compares to our retirement properties for sale or rent, to help you decide the right fit for you.

Sheltered housing usually means independent living

With sheltered housing you’ll usually live in a self-contained property, often a retirement bungalow or apartment designed for seniors, so that you can maintain your independence as you get older but have some support on hand for your security and peace of mind.

Our Retirement Living and Retirement Living PLUS developments are similar in many ways to sheltered housing. They allow you to enjoy your own home, as well as access to support and communal facilities when you want them. The combination of independence, assistance and the social opportunities of being part of a strong community are what make our developments so loved by our homeowners.

Like our retirement developments, sheltered accommodation has a manager (sometimes known as a warden). They handle the maintenance and repairs of shared spaces as well as being a point of contact if you have an issue. Should you need urgent help, there’s a 24-hour emergency call system available, too.

What are the benefits of sheltered housing?

There are many reasons why someone may decide to live in sheltered accommodation. These include:

1. Maintained independence: you can live independently with some support available
2. Added reassurance: with a manager and emergency call system
3. Friendly neighbours: you’ll be surrounded by other people at the same stage of life
4. Reduced upkeep: downsizing to a contemporary new property means less maintenance and any shared or outside spaces are maintained for you
5. Extra security: fire and intruder alarms and staff on-site ensure you are safe and secure.

How does McCarthy Stone retirement housing compare to sheltered accommodation?

We offer two types of development that are similar to sheltered accommodation but with differing levels of support and services.

Retirement Living PLUS

These retirement developments for the over 70s offer independence with added support and luxurious on-site amenities. As well as a manager on-site 24/7, you’ll enjoy one hour of weekly domestic cleaning included in the service charge, with the option to arrange extra care. The independent lifestyle support services are available in 15-minute increments, so you can opt for as much or as little as you’d like and only pay for what you need. You’ll also have an on-site bistro and restaurant serving hearty food, delicious drinks and more—all within a short distance of your doorstep.

Retirement Living

Exclusively for the over 60s, our Retirement Living developments are for those who require less assistance to live independently. These include many of the same benefits as Retirement Living PLUS, such as a manager (during office hours), large communal spaces and landscaped gardens, and 24-hour emergency call-out systems. Larger chores, like keeping the garden tidy, maintaining exteriors and cleaning the windows, are taken care of—regardless of the development type you choose.

FAQs about sheltered housing in retirement

Still have a question? Discover more about how sheltered housing works in our FAQs.

Who is entitled to sheltered housing in retirement?

You need to meet the age criteria for our Retirement Living or Retirement Living PLUS properties as well as pass standard financial checks, but we offer a range of occupancy options to suit your budget and lifestyle. With options to buy, rent or part buy, part rent, you can enjoy life in our retirement housing with the financial flexibility to keep doing the things you love outside of it. Ask our sales consultants about Older Persons Shared Ownership, which has enabled many to enjoy moving to a McCarthy Stone retirement home they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.

Are visitors allowed in sheltered housing?

Of course, it is your home, and you can invite whoever you like to visit or stay over. For overnight visits without the hassle, our developments feature hotel-style guest suites where friends and family can stay in comfort at a very reasonable cost. Your friends and family are also welcome to dine with you at the on-site bistro or restaurant in our Retirement Living PLUS developments.

Are pets allowed in sheltered housing?

Pets are part of the family and often play an important role in a happy retirement. That’s why most of our homes, including retirement rentals have a pet-friendly policy.

Enjoy supportive sheltered housing with McCarthy Stone

Discover what it means to live happily, comfortably and independently with McCarthy Stone. Browse our retirement homes to find the right fit for you today or contact us online to find out more about how we can help.