Whether you own your own home, or rent from a landlord, there are a number of housing options you might want to think about as you get older.
If you want to stay in your existing home, extra support, adaptations and security measures may help you to carry on living independently. Alternatively, you may feel it’s time to move to a smaller home, or one where there is somebody on hand to help you in an emergency, or on a more regular basis.
You can also download the AgeUK housing options guide to help you make up your mind about the best way forward.
Cardiff council and its partner housing associations can offer a number of options for people who wish to move to a more suitable property.
Community living schemes
Community living schemes (what used to be called sheltered housing) is a type of supported housing, designed with the needs of older people in mind.
It is not the same as a residential or nursing home. Each tenant has their own separate independent flat (unfurnished). Tenants can lead their own lives and can decide the extent to which they want to take part in social events and other activities arranged on site.
Cardiff council are currently refurbishing all our community living homes with many of them completed already.
Services provided in a community living scheme
There are some differences between schemes, however they usually have…
- Self-contained flats or bedsits
- Central heating and hot water
- Smoke alarm system
- A warden
- 24-hour telecare alarm service – providing 24-hour cover in the case of emergencies
- A guestroom with no extra charge (arrangements can be made with the warden if a tenant has a relative or close friend who wishes to stay for a night or longer)
- A communal lounge/lounges for socialising and entertainment
- Laundry rooms with washing machines and dryers (schemes have a rota when tenants can use the machines)
- Lifts (most schemes have a lift for those who have difficulty using the stairs)
- CCTV security cameras (in some areas)
- Wifi
Also available at some schemes are:
- Concessionary (discounted) TV licenses
- Communal gardens
- Mobility scooter storage
- Ramps
- Wider doorways
- Mobile library visits
Eligibility
To be eligible for community living you must usually be 60 or over Cardiff council accommodation, though some schemes begin eligibility at 55.
Telecare
Telecare is a 24-hour telephone link to our community alarm and response service to help keep you living independent in your own home.
You receive a lifeline unit and a personal alarm button pendant. When pressed, our telecare team will speak to you immediately and take whatever action is needed.
You can find more information at Telecare Cardiff.
Rent
Depending on your income you may be able to claim housing benefit/universal credit housing costs to help with the rent and some parts of the service charge.
For further information about rent and service charges please call the housing enquiries team on 029 2053 7111.
Applying for accommodation
If you are interested in becoming a tenant or moving from your existing tenancy, you will need to complete a Cardiff housing application form. Please call 029 2053 7111 to request a form and ask for help with filling it in if necessary.
Locations of community living schemes
Our accommodations are found throughout Cardiff and are all fully accessible from Cardiff’s city centre.
You can find further information on each of Cardiff council’s individual community living schemes.
Retirement Bungalows
We have retirement bungalows throughout Cardiff, and they are age designated for over 60s only (The whole household must be over 60). We have 4 bedsit, 548 One bedroom, and 69 two bedrooms.
A bungalow is a property where all rooms and facilities (Living room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, etc.) are all on one level. Access into the property may be level or stepped. They have all the same facilities and amenities as any other property. They will all have access to a rear garden.
Accessibility
Our bungalows all vary in their level of accessibility from level access to stepped access. Where possible, we can ramp any access if required. We can install handrails. They all also vary in being in a flat area or hilly area.
Walk-in showers and wet rooms are not installed as standard as many current residents prefer baths and use bath aids, but we have installed many walk-in showers/wet rooms across our bungalow stock. We will assess your need at the time of offer and determine the appropriate accommodation for your needs. It may also be possible to install such facilities later.
Mobility scooter storage
Our bungalows do not come with scooter storage or power access outside as standard, but some have been installed as and when it has been appropriate.
Telecare
Telecare is a 24-hour telephone link to our community alarm and response service that allows you to stay and independent in your own home.
Customers receive a lifeline unit and a personal alarm button pendant. When pressed, our Telecare team will speak to you immediately and take whatever action is needed.
Find more information about Telecare Cardiff.
Extra Care
If you can no longer manage with care at home Cardiff Council can assess your needs and help you consider all your options.
Depending on your circumstances, one option you may want to consider is Extra care accommodation. This offers 24-hour care and support, while allowing you to maintain your independence in a self-contained flat.
Linc Cymru and Hafod Housing Association websites contain details of Extra care schemes in Cardiff. This type of accommodation is applied for directly to the providers themselves and not through the Waiting List.
Downsizing
Downsizing is an option for homeowners and tenants.
As a home-owner, moving to a smaller property may give you a nest-egg to enjoy in your retirement, and reduce your bills and maintenance costs. Local estate agents and websites can help you find a suitable home. You can also join the Cardiff Housing Waiting List if you would prefer to move to a smaller social housing property.
Council and Housing Association tenants can apply to exchange with another tenant, or to transfer to a smaller property. Cardiff Council and Housing Associations in Cardiff offer their tenants advice and practical help with a move to smaller accommodation – contact your landlord for more information.
If you are renting privately, and want to continue to do so, you can look for a smaller property via a letting agent or online.
Support to live independently
Many people who live independently in their own home receive care from a family member or friend on an informal basis which allows them to manage day to day. If this is the case for you, remember that services are available in Cardiff to support your carer. Cardiff Council’s website offers information about the range of services and help available including respite care to give your carer a short break, and financial help.
If you don’t have a carer or need more support than they are able to give, the Council may be able to arrange services for you. You will be offered an assessment to find out what sort of care and support you need and whether the Council can provide this for you. The assessment is free, but there will be a charge for services if you have income or savings above a certain level.
For extra peace of mind, you could have a Telecare (Formerly Community Alarm) package, to make sure that you can call for help at any time at the push of a button.
If you are interested in moving, Cardiff Council and Housing Associations in the city keep some of their properties for older people only. These are generally bungalows, age designated flats and Community Living Schemes, some of which offer the support of a Scheme Manager to help in an emergency, and with day-to-day issues if needed. Tenants here live totally independently but can be sure that neighbours are of a similar age.
