Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing is designed to help those over 55 years live independently in their own flat, whilst providing security and support from onsite staff when needed.
Take me to Who can apply? ↘ Where to find sheltered housing? ↘ Extra care ↘ Support and advice ↘ Cost of sheltered accommodation ↘ How to apply ↘
The flats are usually small self‐contained flats or single rooms in a complex, which often has a communal social area.
With sheltered housing, there is no care team. Support is usually limited to an onsite or on call warden or manager, who is available in an emergency.
Who can apply?
Anyone who meets the age or needs criteria can be considered for sheltered housing, whether they live in:
- private accommodation
- are in housing association accommodation
- are a council tenant
If you do not live in Redbridge, we will assess your application but you will be awarded a lower priority than applicants living in the borough.
Where to find sheltered housing?
The sheltered housing schemes in Redbridge are managed by Housing Associations.
View a list of sheltered units in Redbridge
It is possible to find sheltered housing to rent or to buy. The sheltered housing staff should check on you every day and be able to assist you in an emergency. They would not be expected to provide care or do things such as shopping.
You can contact the housing associations directly:
- Anchor Trust
- Peabody Housing Association
- Housing 21
- Industrial Dwellings Society (1885) Limited
- London & Quadrant Group (L&Q)
- Sanctuary Shaftesbury
Extra care
If you need more support to live independently then you may want to consider extra care housing.
Support and advice
Elderly Accommodation Counsel is a national charity website that helps older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.
You can call their FirstStop Advice Line for independent free information and advice on housing and care services on 0800 377 7070.
Cost of sheltered accommodation
The cost of sheltered accommodation will vary. You can get an idea of the cost by contacting the sheltered housing accommodation directly.
You may also be eligible for housing benefit which can help towards the cost of the accommodation.
How to apply
You can apply for sheltered housing through the Redbridge Council website by completing an online registration form.
Your application will be assessed to determine your suitability and priority for sheltered housing. We may need to visit you in your home.
We will ask you to provide the following documents:
- proof of identification - passport, medical card, birth certificate
- proof of income
- proof of residence for the last five years
- medical circumstances
You can also apply directly to the housing associations.
