Sheltered housing: a service for the elderly

Abstract

The research looks at the provision of sheltered housing for the elderly by local authorities in County Durham in 1976. Durham has high provision of such housing, around 14% of the population aged sixty-five and over live in such dwellings. The aims of sheltered housing are given, followed by a description of the accommodation, wardens, alarm systems and, to a limited extent, tenants. Some of the problems and successes of sheltered housing are discussed and detailed costings of the major types of dwelling are provided to illustrate the discussion. Alternative forms of care for the elderly are then considered and costings given for these for elderly people requiring varying levels of domiciliary support and having different levels of income. The research looks at the provision of sheltered housing by housing associations, almshouses and charities in County Durham and discusses the alleged advantages of provision by such bodies. The thesis concludes with a consideration of the future of sheltered housing and looks at some of the factors which might be taken into account when policies for housing the elderly are being formulated.