Sheltered Housing- Further Information

Is there a scheme Doctor?

No. Each tenant has his or her own doctor. Of course if your are moving into the area you may have to change your present arrangements, but it is up to you which local doctors list you apply to join.

What other facilities are available?

Most schemes have a communal lounge, kitchen. Some have a guest bedroom, communal laundry and storage for mobility scooters.

If you have your own television you may qualify for a Concessionary Licence Fee. The Sheltered Housing Officer (SHO) will advise you if this is the case.

You will be responsible for all internal decoration and cleaning, including your windows. External decoration is the landlord's responsibility and will be done by Poole Housing Partnership (PHP) on a regular programme. The landscaped areas are also cared for by PHP. In some locations it is possible for tenants to have a small area of garden to tend outside their flat or bungalow, but please check with the SHO first.

PHP is also responsible for most repairs to the property which should be reported to us as soon as they are noticed, see the contact details for our Repairs Helpdesk to the right of this page. If a resident cannot report them themselves the SHO will do it for them.

Who will pay my rent?

You are responsible for paying your rent.

To view options on how to pay your rent, please click the link to the Rents article 'Ways To Pay Your Rent' to the right of this page.

You may be eligible for help to pay your rent. For further information contact the Housing Benefits Section, see the contact details to the right of this page.

How secure is my sheltered home?

PHP maintains its sheltered accommodation to very high standards. The doors are fitted with good quality locks.

Residents are not allowed to fit extra locks or change the existing ones.

The speech system is there and should be used without hesitation if you are at all suspicious of anyone trying to gain admission to your home.

Legitimate callers and all PHP visitors carry official identification. You should always ask to see this and check it carefully before admitting anyone you do not know.

Remember: If in doubt - do not open your door, pull the cord!

Can I keep a pet?

Pets are permitted as long as they do not cause a nuisance to any of the neighbours and you are able to look after them. If you have a pet it is your responsibility and you must make arrangements to have it adequately cared for if you go away or become ill. The SHO will not look after your pet for you. For more information about pets please speak to your Sheltered Housing Officer.

Can I invite guests to stay from time to time?

At most schemes we are able to offer guest room accommodation to relatives and friends of sheltered housing tenants. There is a small charge for each night.

If you would like to have details of the nearest scheme with a guest room please ask your SHO who can make the necessary arrangements for booking.

What happens in the communal lounge?

To some extent it is up to you. Tenants use the room for meetings, clubs, social and recreational activities, or just to meet up for a cup of tea and a chat. It is up to you and your neighbours to decide what you want and to arrange it if you wish. The SHO are willing to help in this and to encourage a wide range of activities and outings.

All schemes are encouraged to invite the elderly neighbours living outside sheltered housing to events in the communal lounge.

Most schemes have an Social Fund which is used to help pay for social occasions like parties and outings. Most of the money in the fund comes from various money raising activities in which you may wish to take part.

What if I want to move?

Again, it is your home. Like any other secure tenant you can give 28 days notice to terminate your tenancy and move out if you so wish. If you wish to transfer to another Council or Housing Association property you will need to complete a transfer application before you can bid for another property. If you need any help completing the form or looking for alternative accommodation in the Borough, your Sheltered Housing Officer can help. If you wish to move outside the Borough of Poole please contact the Borough of Poole's Housing and Community Services who will be able to advise you on the best scheme for you, see the link to the top right of this page.

If you are living as a couple and one of you dies, the surviving partner will not be required to move, even if your dwelling is designed for two people. However, if the surviving partner is not a joint tenant and below pensionable age the surviving partner will have to move to more suitable alternative accommodation.

What if I am dissatisfied with the sheltered housing service?

If you are dissatisfied with the service you, should, in the first instance, talk to the SHO who may be able to put matters right there and then. Part of the SHO his job is to see the scheme runs smoothly in line with PHP's policies.

If you are still not satisfied you can write to the Complaints Officer, see the contact details on the top right of this page.