You may feel you want more support with daily living without giving up your independence as you get older. The housing options below could be the solution - offering you homes in a friendly and secure environment.

Sheltered housing service

All our sheltered housing developments have a dedicated manager who you can call on for help during normal working hours Monday - Friday. Coupled with a 24-hour personal emergency alarm service, this means that support is available at any time - day or night.

You'll get a self-contained unfurnished flat with a lounge, kitchen, bedroom and private bathroom and/or shower. There's a communal lounge for social activities, and family and friends can even stay on site in a guest bedroom. And, because we are regularly inspected by the Care Inspectorate, you can expect the highest standard of quality and care.

We have 14 sheltered housing developments in Edinburgh, Midlothian and East Lothian.

How to apply

If you are aged over 60, you can apply to transfer from your current tenancy. Priority is given to those who need more support and security than their current homes provide. Talk to your housing officer or call 0131 657 0600 for advice from the sheltered housing team. They'll tell you about developments in your area and make an appointment for you to look round a home.

Help is available

The council funds part of the service and you may be asked to pay some of this grant money back. You will have to pay your own gas and/or electricity costs and council tax. You may want to check if you're eligible to claim housing benefit.

Give the sheltered housing team a call on 0131 657 0600 to find out more.

Other options

Amenity housing

If you're aged over 60 and don't think sheltered housing is for you, amenity housing may be more suitable. These are homes where it's easier to live independently because they've been adapted in some way. You'll find higher plug sockets, lower light switches, wider doors and grab rails in the bathroom. They're not staffed, but some have personal alarm systems. Call the sheltered housing team to find out more on 0131 657 0600.

Adapting your current home

We may be able to help you stay in your own home by simply making a few adaptations, such as fitting grab rails. Contact your local social work department or ask us to arrange a visit from an occupational therapist. They'll make an assessment which will tell us how we can help you.

Get involved

Have your say on how we can improve our service by joining our Sheltered and Amenity Housing Forum. Or help us review all aspects of our service by attending the Area Customer Liaison Panel.

Some sheltered developments also have a residents' association or a social committee.