Housing advice: older people and care needs

If you are at risk of homelessness or worried about your housing situation, you can email housing@westberks.gov.uk and we will contact you to arrange an appointment.

If you are homeless today, or your enquiry is urgent, you can call 01635 519 530 and choose option 2 to speak to a housing officer. We are available Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm. 
If you have been made homeless outside of these hours, call the emergency duty team on 01344 351 999.

See our homelessness support page for more information.

Adult Social Care

If you are unable to stay in your accommodation due to ongoing support needs, the Adult Social Care team at the council may be able to advise or support you.

You can find information and contact details on our Care for Adults webpages.

Sheltered housing

Usually, you will need to be aged 55 or over to be eligible for sheltered housing (depending on the scheme).

Sheltered housing gives older people the independence of having their own flat with the security of having an alarm system and a warden. The flats are usually small self‐contained units or single rooms in a complex, often with a communal social area. The sheltered housing staff should check on you every day and be able to assist you in an emergency. However, they would not be expected to provide care or do things such as shopping.

To apply for sheltered housing provided by a housing association, you will need to join the housing register. Sheltered properties become available to bid on every week. If you need help or advice, contact the Housing Allocations Team by calling 01635 519 530 and choosing option 1.

It is also possible to find sheltered housing to privately rent or buy. You can find out more about privately renting or buying sheltered housing on the Age UK website.

Extra care housing

Usually, you will need to be aged 55 or over to be eligible for sheltered housing (depending on the scheme).

Extra care housing is similar to sheltered housing as the accommodation usually consists of individual, self-contained properties, each with its own front door. However, the level of personal care available is much higher than in sheltered housing.

Extra care schemes are designed to help independent living, and include features such as on site care 24 hours per day, an emergency call system and adaptations to meet tenants' needs.

To find out more, please see the extra care housing webpage.

Directory of services

There are also charities and private support organisations who provide care and support services, including services for those who are not eligible (or do not wish to access) social services support. 

You can find more information on the West Berkshire Directory.

Home improvement and adaptations

If you feel that your current accommodation does not meet your needs, and you require adaptations within your home to improve your day-to-day life, you can request a visit from an occupational health therapist.

This service may be available through our Adult Social Care service, if you are eligible. For more information, please visit our Adult Social Care advice webpage.

You can contact our Home Improvement Agency for information about adaptation services, including Disabled Facilities Grants.

Downsizing if you're a housing association tenant

Priority can be awarded on the housing register to housing association tenants (also known as 'social tenants') looking to move to a smaller home.

If you are looking to downsize, contact the Housing Allocations Team by calling 01635 519 530 and choosing option 1.