Housing with care Sheltered housing Sheltered (or retirement) housing is provided by local authority housing departments and housing associations for older people who would like to remain independent but prefer the added security and reassurance of a scheme manager and an alarm call service. A scheme manager is either based at the site or visits regularly. Many sheltered housing schemes also have communal lounges, laundry facilities, lifts, door entry systems and specially adapted facilities.
Flexicare housing Flexicare housing is Hertfordshire’s version of extra care, schemes where people rent their own flat, but have access to care and support as and when they need it, 24 hours a day. Flexicare housing is a positive choice for people with a range of needs, from those starting to need a little help with physical or memory conditions, to those who are seeking an alternative to residential care. Tenants are assessed by Health and Community Services for their ability to contribute to costs, so these are in line with the cost for home care, and for those with higher needs they are considerably less than residential care. As care is available 24 hours a day, Flexicare can relieve a lot of stress for family carers and tenants - even if you don’t need regular care it can be reassuring to know that someone is there if you fall, or feel ill or unsafe. The level of care and support provided can be changed if your needs change, for example, if you need some extra support after a hospital stay. Flexicare housing is also ideal for couples who have different care needs. A flat or bungalow in a Flexicare housing scheme will have up to two bedrooms and many are spacious enough for wheelchair users. There are also communal facilities and social activities. Flexicare housing may suit you if you: • are finding it hard to cope in your existing accommodation;
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• are already receiving home care services; • have unpredictable care needs; or • have few care needs now but want to prepare for the future. For further details about Flexicare housing call Health and Community Services on: 0300 123 4042 or visit: www.hertsdirect.org
Flexicare housing schemes in Hertfordshire Broxbourne • Emmanuel Lodge, College Road, Cheshunt • Wormley Court, Macers Lane, Broxbourne Dacorum • Evelyn Sharp House, Field Road, Hemel Hempstead East Herts • Bircherley Court, Railway Street, Hertford • Calton Court, Windsor Drive, Hertford • Parkside, Vicerons Place, Bishops Stortford Hertsmere • Barley Close, Bushey • Fountain Court, Brook Road, Borehamwood • Collins Court and Storey Court, Meadow Way, Bushey North Herts • Andersons House, Florence Street, Hitchin • Robert Humbert House, Rushby Mead, Letchworth • Temple Court, Woodland Way, Baldock • Mary Barfield (dementia specialist), Rochester Way, Royston • Peter Sell House, Desborough Road, Hitchin Tabor Court, Beech Hill, Letchworth Stevenage • Silkin Court, Campkin Mead, Stevenage Watford • Rutland Lodge, Nascott Road, Watford • Dale Court, High Road, Leavesden • Lincoln Court, Haines Way, Leavesden Welwyn Hatfield • Chilton Green, Panshanger, Welwyn Garden City • Swan Field Court (dementia specialist), School Lane, Welwyn • Woodside House, Bridge Road, Welwyn Garden City
This Directory’s helpline 0800 389 2077 – information on choosing and paying for care