Sheltered housing in adult social care

Sheltered housing is the best known and most common form of specialist housing for people who want to live independently but need a bit more support, or if you want to live in a smaller and easier-to-manage home.

It is often known as “retirement housing”. Sheltered housing is usually a group of self-contained flats or bungalows with either one or two bedrooms, which you can either buy or rent. It is usually only available to those aged 55 and over.

Some common features of sheltered housing include:

• help from a scheme manager (warden), or support staff
• 24-hour emergency help through an alarm system
• communal areas, such as gardens or lounges
• social activities for residents

Features vary from scheme to scheme. If you’re interested in a particular scheme, make sure you understand what services are available, how much they cost and whether you would be eligible for any help with these costs.

Meals, help around the house and personal care services such as help with bathing are not usually provided.

If you feel you are in need of this type of support you can discuss appropriate support from the local authority or a private care agency following an assessment of care and support needs.

Sheltered housing schemes are not inspected or give ratings by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Current Sheltered Housing schemes in North Northamptonshire:

• Swann Gardens - Corby
• Barringers Court - Wellingborough
• Attley Court - Wellingborough
• Shaftesbury House - Wellingborough
• Riverside ECHG - Kettering
• Hazeland House - Kettering

Last updated 05 May 2026