Types of provision
Housing for people with partiucular needs is designed or adapted to meet their needs and can include specific or additional support.
Usually it involves either specially built or adapted housing, for example, housing for older people or people with disabilities, or houses linked to a support facility such as those for adults with learning disabilities.
It can also refer to houses allocated to particular groups, for example older people.
Terms used to describe particular types of housing
Amenity housing
Flats or houses with special modifications for people with particular needs, but which are not supported by a warden. For example, amenity housing for older people could include bathroom handrails, non-slip flooring, better positioned light switches, high electrical sockets and a lift in properties over two storeys.
Sheltered housing
Like amenity housing but with the addition of a warden service and an emergency call system.
Very sheltered housing
Accommodation (sometimes known as 'care' or 'extra care') that is specifically designed for frail older people and which offers enhanced housing management support and meals provision. Its facilities and services include assisted bathing, dining and other communal activities. Additional support in the form of individual care packages are often provided to residents. The whole environment enables housing, social care and health professionals to provide a continuum of care in a planned and co-ordinated way.
Sheltered and very sheltered housing is provided by a number of housing associations and co-operatives. The main providers are:
Other housing associations may also have sheltered and very sheltered accommodation. Contact details of other Housing Associations and Co-operatives .
Sheltered and very sheltered housing can also be rented or bought privately.
Housing Support
This term refers to the range of housing support services available to help people live as independently as possible in their own home. Housing Support covers a range of tasks including:
- assistance with budgeting
- debt counselling
- assisting people to develop or rediscover skills needed to maintain a tenancy
- befriending
- assistance with completion of forms e.g. Housing Benefit
- accessing other support services e.g. health, social work, leisure and education and
- advice and advocacy
Housing support services are funded through the supporting people programme.
thehousekey.org is the Scottish directory of housing support services. It gives you information on services that provide practical help with everyday activities at home.
Community alarms
Community alarms can help people live independently in their own homes, especially if they are at risk of falls or sudden attacks of illness. With an alarm people can call for help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The Council's Direct and Care Services provides a community alarm service for anyone living in Glasgow and they can be contacted on 0141 276 2020 (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
Support at Home Service
The Council also operates a support at home service which provides packages of care that enable older people or people with disabilities to remain in their own homes, regardless of tenure.
If you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, the Council's Housing Support Services may be able to help you.