As we get older we start to think more about where we live. Older Persons Housing may appeal to you if you want to live independently. Perhaps you'd like a smaller and easier-to-manage home. Or you might like the idea of having someone to call on if there is an emergency.
When you are looking for Older Persons Housing, here are few things you might want to consider:
- the location and size of the property
- the level of support available
- what costs you would be liable for
- any rules that might affect you, such as whether you’re allowed to keep a pet
- local transport links
There are 3 different types of housing for older people in Fife:
Retirement Housing
Retirement Housing consists of an area of bungalows or flats for older people (age 60+) who want to continue to live independently and offers the following benefits:
- largely one-bedroom properties with a limited number of bedsits and two-bedroom properties
- a Scottish Secure Tenancy
- access to a community alarm system
- the Retirement Housing Officer can, if required, contact residents daily through the intercom system
- safety system in communal areas / secure door entry system/fire and smoke detection
- communal lounge and garden where tenants can meet and socialise (available in most complexes)
- internet access in the communal lounge (available in some complexes)
- accessible properties with either lift or level access
- laundry facilities and a guest room (available in some complexes)
- parking available at some complexes
- staff available 9am to 3pm, Monday to Friday, to offer advice and help with tenancy related matters
- our Mobile Emergency Care Service (MECs) is available when the Retirement Housing Officer is not on duty
There is no annual housing support charge for Retirement Housing. Within some complexes, there may be a service charge to cover costs, such as heating or laundry facilities.
Who can apply?
Anyone over the age of 60 (or less in certain circumstances) requiring low level assistance to maintain independence. All applications are assessed and some of the reasons for qualifying are:
- social isolation
- medical needs
Very Sheltered Housing
Very Sheltered Housing is suitable for more vulnerable people (aged 60+) who may need support with their daily living.
These developments are similar to Retirement Housing, and also include the following added benefits:
- a Very Sheltered Housing Officer who contacts you daily in person or through the intercom system.
- personal response in an emergency any time of the day or night
- the Very Sheltered Housing Officers are available 9am to 3pm, 7 days a week
- the Mobile Emergency Care Service is available 3pm to 9am, 7 days a week
- housing support, which may include:
- reporting repairs to the customer service centre
- assisting with the completion of forms and correspondence
- liaising with other agencies on your behalf
- assisting with budgeting and money issues
- an optional meals service (in some complexes).
Who can apply?
Anyone living in Fife or with a link to Fife, aged 60+, who is capable of independent living with housing, social work or health care support.
Extra Care Housing
Extra Care Housing comes in many built forms, including blocks of flats, bungalow estates and care villages. If you choose to live in Extra Care Housing, you will have your own self-contained home and your own front door.
This type of housing is a popular choice among older people because it can sometimes provide an alternative to a care home.
Extra Care Housing is similar to Very Sheltered Housing and is designed with the needs of more vulnerable or frailer older people in mind. The benefits within these developments include:
- a Very Sheltered Retirement Housing Officer can contact you daily in person or through the intercom system
- personal response in an emergency any time of the day or night
- the Very Sheltered Housing Officers are available 9am to 3pm, 7-days a week
- the Mobile Emergency Care Service is available 3pm to 9am 7 days a week
- Housing support, which may include:
- reporting repairs to the customer service centre
- assisting with the completion of forms and correspondence
- liaising with other agencies on your behalf
- assisting with budgeting and money issues
In addition to communal facilities, Extra Care Housing may include a café and optional meal service.
Who can apply?
Anyone living in Fife or with a link to Fife, aged 60+, who is capable of independent living with housing, social work or health care support.
Choosing the right option for you
Please click on the map below to give you an idea of what options are available in your area, to help you make the right decision for you.
For more details and to apply for Older Persons Housing, click “Advice for applying for a house” below. You will be asked to fill out a Housing Options Plan, to make sure we find the right option for you.
