Circular SWSG7/94 5458 - Community Care - The Housing Dimention

ANNEX 1B

SPECIAL HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY: DEFINITION OF TERMS

Sheltered housing:- The design is based on the standards for general needs housing with the addition of the following features:

1. the housing should be provided at ground or first floor level, or in blocks over 2 storeys high served by at least one lift;

2. space standards should be the same as for one or two person general needs houses;

3. handrails should be provided on both sides of all common access stairs and on at least one side of all common access areas and passages;

4. bathroom doors should be either sliding or capable of opening outwards, and fitted with locks operable from the outside;

5. bathroom floors should have a non slip finish;

6. handrails should be fitted beside the wc and bath/shower;

7. a space heating installation must be provided which is capable of maintaining a temperature of 21^oC when the outside temperature is -1^oC in the following parts of the house, living area, sleeping area, kitchen, bathroom, hallway;

8. light switches arranged to line horizontally with door handles;

9. socket outlets fixed at a height of at least 500mm above the floor;

10. a warden service should be provided;

11. an emergency call service should be provided connecting each house to a warden system.

Very sheltered or extra care housing:- This is a relatively recent concept, which has evolved from the concept of sheltered housing and is also known as "extra care" housing. Very sheltered housing has all the features listed above for sheltered housing. However, it offers extra support to residents, including at least one main meal a day, additional warden cover, and special bathroom facilities.

Medium dependency housing:- This category is a broad one. It includes:

- amenity housing (see below)

- housing fitted with a care alarm system

- general needs housing which has had simple adaptations.

Amenity housing:- The design is based on the standards for general needs housing with the addition of those features listed at 1 to 9 of the sheltered housing definition.