We have over 700 sheltered properties and these are grouped together and are designed especially for older people. Each flat or bungalow is fully self-contained and has its own front door. Residents can live as independently as possible but support is available if you need it. Each scheme has a support worker who visits regularly and provides a range of services to make your lifestyle comfortable, secure and enjoyable. Each home is also fitted with an alarm system for emergency help.
Sheltered housing is available in:
St Ives, Penzance, Hayle, St Just, Sennen, Pendeen, St Buryan, St Levan, Madron, Carbis Bay, Ludgvan, Goldsithney, Marazion, Newbridge, Connor Downs and St Erth.
Supported Housing Section
The Supported Housing section provides support to those residents living in sheltered accommodation.
What is Sheltered Housing?
Sheltered Housing is a group of homes designed especially for older people. Each home is fully self-contained with its own front door. Residents are able to live as independently as possible, but help is always available if you need it. Each scheme has a Support Worker who visits regularly. Also, each home is fitted with an alarm system so that in an emergency you can get help.
What is a Support Worker?
Each of our Sheltered Housing Schemes has a Support Worker available to the residents. Their role is to assist you to live as independently in your own home as much as possible. To do this, they provide a wide range of services to make your lifestyle comfortable, secure and enjoyable.
What will the Support Worker do for me?
The list of services provided by our Support Worker is almost endless. Here are some of the things they will do for you personally:
- When you move in- They will welcome you, explain the 'alarm call system' and tell you about the local services and any social activities. They will ask you for the name, address and telephone number of your relatives, your doctor and any others that may need to be contacted in an emergency.
- Once you are a resident- They will visit you regularly. They will also make an appointment with you to complete a Support Plan, which will identify your support needs. This will then enable us to provide the most appropriate assistance to help you remain independent.
- If you have an emergency- They will respond and make sure further help is provided if you need it.
- If you are ill- They will contact your doctor and family and will help you to make the best arrangements for your care, always respecting your wishes.
- If you have to go into hospital- They will give you a letter for the hospital staff, giving details of your doctor and family contacts, as well as the Support Worker contact so that they are kept informed and able to make the correct arrangements for your return home.
- If you are lonely- They will help you to stay in contact with your relatives, and with social services, health and other organisations who can help you.
- If you want to talk- either for some special help or just to have a chat, they are available to access these services. They will always respect your privacy and your right to confidentiality.
- If you have problems with your home- Such as a leaking pipe or a broken light switch, they will pass the message onto the repairs section, if you are unable to do so for yourself.
- If you have to fill-in forms- about housing and other benefits, they will be happy to help you deal with them. They also have the information about the services available through Social Services and other Health and voluntary organisations. If you wish they will contact them on your behalf, helping you to get whatever help you need and are entitled to.
Is there anything the Support Workers don't do?
Yes. Although the Support Workers do a lot of things for you personally and for the scheme, there are some things they can't do:
- Nursing. They are not qualified nurses, so they are not allowed to change dressings or give medication of any kind. Instead they will make arrangements with your doctor or the health practice such as regular visits by the District Nurse.
- Cooking and Shopping. Cooking your meals or shopping for you is not part of their normal duties. You are meant to be as independant as possible. However, if you urgently need a prescription or cannot do your own shopping or cooking for a while after an accident or after coming home from hospital, they will find someone to give you the help you need - whether it be family, neighbours or the Home Care Agencies.
- Cleaning. They cannot help you clean the inside of your home. You are responsible for this. If you are having difficulties, please speak to your Support Worker who will try to arrange for you to receive help.
- Banking. They are not allowed to handle your money. They cannot accept money from you either for safe keeping or for any other reason.
When is my Support Worker available?
Most are 'on duty' from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday and this may involve doing work away from the scheme. Although your Support Worker may live on the scheme, they cannot be on duty 24 hours a day. At the times they are 'off duty' we ask you to respect this.
How do I get help if I have an emergency?
We have an emergency help system that gives you peace of mind, knowing that you can easily summon help if you need it.
- The Alarm call system- This is directly connected to a Call Centre. This enables you to call for help at any time if you are suddenly taken ill, have an accident or are faced with a problem. Your call will be answered by the 'Call Centre' staff who are always on hand to speak to you and obtain any help required. There is an ‘out of hours’ Support Worker on call who will attend if necessary. Even if you cannot speak, the staff will know who is calling as each alarm has its own special call number.
- The Spare Key- is a key to your home kept by the Support Workers in a secure safe, in case they need to get into your home in an emergency. For example, if you had a fall and cannot get to the door to open it.
Your Support Worker will explain the emergency system to you when you move in and will show you how to use it. Remember, there is always someone available to help you in an emergency or if you have a problem, 24 hours a day, every day.
Are there any Communal Facilities on the schemes?
There are Communal Facilities at Fountain Court, Cherry Gardens and Chirgwin Court, Penzance. The Support Worker will promote social activities at these schemes sometimes in conjunction with other schemes or organisations. Laundry facilities are located at Cherry Gardens, Princess Court, Fountain Court and Penameyne Court. The washing and drying facilities at these schemes are for the residents laundry only.
How can I help the Support Workers?
There are a number of things you can do to make the Support Workers' job easier.
- Personal data. Give them all the information they might need in an emergency, such as how to get hold of your next-of-kin and your doctor. There are forms for this which your Support Worker will give you and help you to fill-in. It would also be helpful if you had someone they can contact in an emergency. You can help by keeping this information up to date.
- Health problems. Tell them about any specific health problems you have, such as diabetes or an allergy to certain antibiotics or medication.
- Absences. Tell them when you are going away for a while especially if you will be away over night, so they don't think you have disappeared unexpectedly. You don't want them to spend time looking for you if there is a fire alarm or the building has to be evacuated.
- Security. Do not let anyone into your home or the common areas, unless you know who they are and why they are calling. Ask to see their identity cards if they say they are coming for a specific purpose. Keep doors locked and ask your visitors to do the same.
