On this page you can find information about the main types of specialist housing for rent for older people.
There is also sheltered housing available to buy. You can contact local estate agents about available schemes. The Elderly Accommodation Counsel website also has a list of properties which are available to buy in the area. For more information about sheltered and retirement housing you can also visit the EROSH website (National consortium for sheltered and retirement housing).
Housing designated for elderly people
This comprises of a range of independent flats and bungalows - some in small blocks, some in large schemes. One and two bedroom accommodation is available. Most of these properties are eligible for people over 55 years who live alone or as a couple. However the age criteria does vary from scheme to scheme so do check if you think this might be the right option for you.
Sheltered Housing
Sheltered housing usually comprises of flats in blocks, although there are some bungalows. The size of properties range from studios to one bedroom and a few two-bedroom properties.
To be eligible for sheltered housing you need to be over 60 years (55 for some schemes), usually have an identified support need and live alone or as a couple. Applicants will be contacted to be assessed so that both the applicant and the organisation are sure this type of housing will most suit their needs.
Before you move in your support needs will be assessed. Depending on the outcome of the assessment you might receive an alarm service and/or visiting warden service. These services are paid for by the tenant, but if you qualify it can be paid for from a
Supporting People Grant.
Sheltered housing schemes do vary. However, in general you will find most of the following features:
- Self-contained flats with their own bathrooms and fitted kitchens
- Communal facilities such as a laundry, communal social rooms, and guest room
- Social and other activities on site
- Security features such as door entry systems
If you have been assessed as having the following support needs:
and/or
- 24 hour emergency assistance through a community alarm
Extra Care Sheltered Housing: This provides additional flexible care to sheltered housing such as domestic help and meals. The extra care provider will assess your support needs. There are extra care sheltered housing schemes in two areas in Oxford ? Iffley and Greater Leys. Visit the
Oxfordshire County Council website for more details.
How to apply
To apply for housing designated for elderly people, sheltered housing or extra care sheltered housing you need to complete an application form for the Oxford Register for Affordable Housing. Please see the Housing Register page for more information. You can find a list of sheltered schemes for rent in the brochure below.
Guide to Older People's Accommodation in Oxford (9196kB PDF)
What will sheltered housing cost?
The charges for sheltered housing are made up of two or three different elements:
- Rent: This is the charge for the property. The level of all social housing rents is now set by the government and will reflect the size and condition of the property. The rent is eligible for housing benefit if the resident qualifies for this.
- Service charge: This covers things like cleaning the communal areas, gardening, maintaining and replacing equipment such as laundry equipment, furnishings for the common room, lifts and door entry systems. This charge is also eligible for housing benefit.
- Heating and Hot Water Charge: Some schemes have communal heating and hot water systems and the cost of these is divided between the flats. In this case a charge is made with the rent for this cost. This charge is not eligible for housing benefit and always needs to be paid from the resident's own income.
If you are receiving an alarm service and/or visiting warden service you will also have to pay a support charge. This can be paid for from Supporting People Grant if you qualify for it.
Residential Care/Nursing Care Homes
This is housing with the highest level of support for older people with care or nursing services available on site. This type of housing is provided through Oxfordshire County Council's Social and Community Services and applicants need to be assessed by them.
If you want to find out more about residential homes please contact Oxfordshire County Council using the details on their website or use the
Needs Assessment form available on their website.
Other services available
To find out more about other services that are available to older people please visit our Other Services Available page.
Other Services Available
This page lists services that are available for elderly, disabled and vulnerable people to help them stay in their homes.
Page last reviewed 15 August 2011
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