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Sheltered housing

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Sheltered housing

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What it is

Sheltered housing supports vulnerable older people to live independently. You have a secure tenancy and a self-contained flat with the benefit of:  

  • your own front door and freedom to come and go as you please 
  • support from a sheltered housing manager who can help you to access services 
  • a 24-hour Careline alarm system in case of an emergency 
  • regular social activities  
  • communal areas and gardens 

Who can apply

You can apply for sheltered housing if you meet all the following criteria. You:

  • are 65 or over
  • feel your current home is no longer suitable 
  • need help and support to continue to live independently 

You can also apply if you are under 65 with a disability and would benefit from living in supported housing. In this case you must contact us directly.

How to apply

If you believe you meet all the criteria, you need to join Camden Council’s housing register. You must select the ‘sheltered housing’ option.

Join the housing register

Help with your registration

Contact the Sheltered Housing Team if you need advice, or help to join the housing register. 

After you apply

Step 1: Assessment

If you meet the criteria for sheltered housing, then we will arrange for a Sheltered Assessment Officer to visit you in your home. 

The officer will explore your existing support needs, housing and medical conditions. They will also discuss properties that could meet your needs and preferences such as property location. If you prefer, we can do this meeting on the telephone.

Step 2: Panel review

Your current housing and support needs are reviewed by a panel that includes council and housing association staff. We aim to arrange your panel review as soon as possible. 

The panel will make the decision about whether you are eligible for sheltered housing. If they decide that you are not eligible, you have the right to appeal which will be heard by a panel of three. 

Step 3: Matching and viewing a property

After a successful panel review, you will receive property details that match your preferences. We ask you to view the property and to accept or refuse it.

Some sheltered housing schemes are very popular. The more flexible you are with your preferences, the quicker you can move into a new home. You could wait for a long time if you have very specific requirements.

View sheltered housing properties in Camden (PDF)

Other housing options

Staying in your own home

You can request an Occupational Therapy assessment in your current home. This will identify equipment or technology that will support you to live independently, without moving. 

  • Equipment can include grab rails, a stair lift, or ramps 
  • Technology can include a 24-hour Careline alarm system and door or bed sensors

Find out more about equipment and technology to support independence

Extra care housing  

If sheltered housing cannot meet your care needs, you could consider a move to extra care housing. This is where residents are helped with personal care such as washing and dressing. 

Find out more about extra care housing

Private sector leasehold developments

There are two leasehold developments in Camden. If you are interested, you should content them directly.