What is special needs housing?
Special needs housing is a general term covering housing built with particular tenant groups in mind. Usually it involves either specially built or adapted housing, for example housing for older or disabled people, or houses linked to some support facility for adults with learning difficulties.
There are lots of different names used to describe housing which is designed for a particular client group:
- Amenity Housing: flats or houses with special modifications for people with particular needs, but not supported by a warden. For example, amenity housing for older people could include bathroom handrails and non-slip flooring.
- Sheltered Housing: groups of self-contained homes linked to emergency alarm call services and a warden who provides specialist support to all of the tenants. This type of housing is generally intended for the elderly (aged 60 or over) but younger people with a disability may sometimes be accepted.
- Very Sheltered housing: accommodation for frail older people with all the features of sheltered housing, but with a greater level of care and support. This could include staff on duty 24 hours each day to provide support, such as provision of assisted bathing and dining.
- Supported accommodation: intended for people with a learning/physical disability, medical requirement or young people aged between 16 and 24 years old who may require support with their tenancy.