Where we live is a very important issue for all of us.

This website will help you to consider the options available in Lincolnshire so that you can make a decision about your home.

Introduction

If you are having difficulty living at home because: 

• your home is in need of repair - for example, you have no central heating or your roof is leaking;
• you need help (support) understanding letters and sorting things out;
• you find everyday jobs difficult - for example: cleaning, shopping or bathing; or
• you cannot afford to pay your bills

There are two main housing options open to you:

1. Staying where you are and receiving support or making improvements or changes (adaptations) to your home,
2. Moving, to a more suitable home, for more help and support with everyday jobs, or to be closer to shops and services.

Your choice will depend on your personal situation. You should look into each option carefully before making any decision.

There are people that can help you, please read the information below.

Option 1: Staying Where You Are

If you are renting you could ask your landlord about improving or adapting your property to make life easier. If you own your own home, it may also be possible to improve or adapt it. Your local Council or the Lincolnshire Home Improvement Agency (see back of leaflet for contact details) can advise you about: 

Free energy efficiency advice to help make your home warmer and your fuel bills cheaper 
Disabled adaptations, so that you can move around your property safely - for example: bath/shower, toilet, stair-lift, and kitchen adaptations
Decent homes to deal with serious repair problems - for example: rewiring, roof repairs and serious damp.

You may be able to get a grant towards the cost of these depending on your circumstances and the area in which you live. If you are worried about being alone and getting help in an emergency – for example, having an accident or becoming ill, you might want to think about getting a community alarm. By pressing a button on a pendant you can contact a 24-hour response centre who will then call out the best person to help you – for example, a neighbour, relative or friend or the emergency services. For more information and advice on community alarms contact Lincolnshire County Council Adult Social Care Services (see back of leaflet for contact details).

Adult Social Care Services (formerly Social Services) will also be able to tell you what assistance you can get with everyday jobs and about help towards the costs.

Option 2: Moving

There are many reasons why people move but it is important that you think carefully about what your needs are both now and for the future including: 
the type, size and layout of the property – for example: house, bungalow or flat, the number of bedrooms, steps 
the cost of bills – for example: electric, gas, water, repair and maintenance costs (including support costs and other services) 
its location – for example: access to shops, services, transport, and location of friends or relatives

If you are renting, you could ask your landlord about a transfer to a property more suitable for your needs.

These are some of the choices available if you are thinking of moving:

a) Alternative Owner-Occupied or Private Rented Accommodation (often known as retirement housing)
Flats and bungalows designed for older people may be available to buy or rent privately, these are advertised in local newspapers and estate agents. They usually have an emergency alarm system, which may be a push-button pendant, pull cords or an emergency telephone, or a combination of these. The services offered depend on where you live.

b) Social and Affordable Housing (often known as Council or Housing Association housing)
If you would like to be considered for Social Housing, please contact your local Council. They will be able to give you housing advice and tell you how to apply. Some local Councils have their own housing, and others have transferred it to a Housing Association or Registered Social Landlord. Your housing needs will be assessed to decide what type of property you qualify for. Your support needs will also be assessed to work out what help you need. Adult Social Care Services (formerly Social Services) will assess any extra support needs you may have. You may have to pay for this support.

c) Sheltered Housing Sheltered housing is usually a group of self-contained flats or bungalows with a Scheme Manager on the premises or nearby and 24-hour support from a phone system, pendant, or pull-cord (or both). It is available for people who are mostly independent, although if you need extra care and support with everyday jobs, this can be arranged through Adult Social Care Services. To apply for sheltered housing, you will need to fill in a Housing application form. Please contact your local Council or Housing Association for advice.

Every unit encourages you to be as independent as possible, has its own front door and
has an emergency call system, such as a pendant alarm.

Most groups of dwellings have a visiting or resident Scheme Manager and communal areas where you can meet your neighbours and friends. Organised activities, visiting services, and support with everyday living may be available depending on your circumstances, although you may have to pay for these.

d) Extra Care Housing
Housing with Extra Care is for those who require more specialised amenities and greater support than is usually available in retirement accommodation. Extra Care Housing is for older people who still value independent living but want additional security and support.

e) Care Homes providing Personal and Nursing Care
You could move to a care home when you can no longer live at home. Care Homes can be provided by the Council, Voluntary/ Charitable organisations and Privately owned. All registered care homes are strictly regulated by a government agency. Adult Social Care Services can give you a list of all care homes in the area, and advice on possible help towards the costs.


The Elderly Accommodation Counsel (phone 02078 201343, website: http://www.housingcare.org ) can provide essential information, including a countrywide list of homes for older people.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Local Authorities and Advice Services:

Boston Borough Council	01205 314200
East Lindsey District Council (Louth, Skegness)	01507 601111
City of Lincoln Council	01522 873212
North Kesteven District Council (Sleaford)	01529 414155
South Holland District Council (Spalding)	01775 764461
South Kesteven District Council (Grantham)	01476 406080
West Lindsey District Council (Gainsborough)	01427 676676
Elderly Accommodation Counsel	02078 201343
Lincolnshire County Council Adult Social Care Services	01522 552222
Help the Aged	02072 781114
Boston & South Holland Age Concern	01522 554995
Lincoln Age Concern	01522 527694
Lindsey Age Concern	01507 524242
Kesteven Age Concern	01529 302843
Spalding Age Concern	01775 720305
Deepings Age Concern	01778 345558
Skellingthorpe Age Concern	01522 683823
Lincolnshire Home Improvement Agency	0845 4509115

Older People Housing and Support Service Providers include:

Abbeyfield UK	01332 772938
ACIS GroupLtd	0800 027 2057
Anchor Trust	01274 381600
Axiom Housing Association	01733 295 504
Boston Mayflower	01205 318500
Hanover Housing Association	01480 475069
Havelok Homes Ltd	01472 310000
Home Housing Association	01332 294505
Housing 21	01480 425255
Jephson Housing Association	01422 373855
L.A.C.E Housing Association	01522 514444
Longhurst Housing Association	0845 30 90 700
Metropolitan Housing Trust	0208 920 7777
Minster General Housing Association Ltd	01733 349800
Muir Group	01928 728051
Nene Housing Society	01733 295400
New Linx Housing Trust	01507 355022
Nottingham Community Housing Association	0845 650 1202
Orbit Housing Association	01603 283316
Places for People Homes	0800 432 0002
Raglan Housing Association	01476 565300
Sanctuary Housing Association	0800 7810401
St Anne’s Bedehouses	01522 523215

This website has been produced by the Lincolnshire Housing Forum Older Persons Working Group and has been designed to provide general information only. Every effort has been made to make sure it is accurate, but you should not consider it to be legal or professional advice. Information provided is used at your own risk and is not the responsibility of the organisations listed.