Independent Living
Independent Living, sometimes referred to as sheltered housing or warden assisted, offers its residents support via a scheme manager during weekdays and 24-hour emergency help through an alarm system.
To be eligible for schemes in Thanet there is usually a minimum age threshold, such as 55 or 60 years.
Independent living might appeal to you if you want to live independently but in a smaller home that’s easier to manage. It can also offer the added reassurance of having an emergency alarm or someone who can help if needed.
For more information visit the Orbit website.
Supported housing
Supported Housing is for people who need guidance and assistance such as managing life skills via a support package that is tailored to meet their needs.
Tenancies are generally for one year period to gain independent living skills including financial and tenancy management, develop productive routines and look at work or worklike activity.
In addition to an application via Kent Homechoice with a supporting Kent Agency Assessment, referrals should be made by the allocated social care practitioner using a pen picture.
These schemes are not advertised via the housing register, allocations will be made by a panel comprising representatives from social care community teams, KMPT, and where relevant the housing authority. Panels are also attended by the housing and support providers.
Extra care housing
If you need additional support, there are a few schemes in Thanet that provide tenants with independent living in a communal scheme along with 24-hour care and support services.
As well as an application via Kent Homechoice with a supporting Kent Agency Assessment, referrals should be made by the allocated social care practitioner using a pen picture.
These schemes are not advertised via the housing register, allocations will be made by a panel comprising representatives from social care community teams, KMPT, and where relevant the housing authority. Panels are also attended by the housing and support providers.
For more information visit the Housing21 and West Kent Housing websites.
Mutual Exchange
If you’re an existing social housing tenant you may be able to mutually exchange with another existing social tenant. You are a social housing tenant if your landlord is a council or a housing association.
There is more information available on:
You cannot do a mutual exchange without your landlord’s permission.