About Retirement Living
Retirement Living (also know as Sheltered Housing) is rented accommodation that is specifically designed for people over 60 years who enjoy independent living.
Everything is designed so you stay firmly in control, with complete freedom and independence to live the life you choose the way you want to. More importantly, it's a place that looks to your future needs, recognising that as you get older, you may need a little more help now and then, so takes care of this too.
It aims to provide comfortable accommodation with added security, in an environment where you have your own front door and can come and go as you please.
Our properties across Bury in different shapes and sizes, including, studio flats, 1 or 2-bedroom flats, and bungalows.
Most of our properties are built in groups of flats or bungalows. These are all able to have the Carelink facility fitted, where a support worker will call and check on you daily and an emergency pendant is provided for 24-hour peace of mind.
Costs of retirement living with Bury Housing Services:
You pay a weekly rent and a service charge (where applicable) for the heating and hot water in your property and/or towards the heating in the communal areas of the scheme. There is an added support charge to cover the home support worker and the Carelink Alarm. If you are already in receipt of Housing Benefit, you would not have to pay the support charge.
If you are on a low income, you can apply to have an assessment to see if you are entitled to any assistance and we will give you help and advice on claiming benefits at the start of your tenancy.
We provide advice throughout your move including advice about recycling items you no longer need.
What does the Home Support Worker do?
We employ Sheltered Housing Home Support Workers (formerly known as wardens) who visit residents to help maintain their independence. This type of support is different from personal care (e.g. administering medication or giving a bath) which is arranged through Adult Care.
Our support service is available during normal working hours. In the evenings, night-time and at weekends, we have staff on duty who can help should there be an emergency.
Our Sheltered Housing Home Support Workers have small teams of 5 or 6 and have a number of bases across the borough. Their role is to check on resident's well being and help maintain independence in the home.
What activities are provided in the schemes?
Most of our schemes offer activities such as day trips, coffee mornings, craft workshops, bingo and parties. These are tenant led and you can be as involved as you choose or even introduce a new activity yourself.
What does Carelink provide?
Carelink is a 24 hour community alarm service provided by Bury Council. The service provides a home safety and personal security system that enables people to live independently within their own homes. The Carelink alarms are linked to the control centre so that help can be summoned in an emergency at any time of the day or night.