We use cookies to allow us and selected partners to improve your experience and our advertising. By continuing to browse you consent to our use of cookies as per our policy which also explains how to change your preferences.

Close
Menu
Close
Menu
All categories
Home care
Find out about care at home, adaptations and technology to help you to stay independent in your own home for longer.
Home care near you
Use our directory to find local home care agencies anywhere across the UK.
Find home care agencies
Carers & caring
Learn about the benefits, support and rights you have as a carer to help you through this difficult time.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Financing care
Learn about funding options for home care, home adaptations and care homes, together with Attendance Allowance, gifting assets and Power of Attorney.
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost and what financial support is available.
Care costs in your area
Housing options
Consider your options and learn about sheltered housing, retirement villages and care homes.
Care homes and support at home near you
Use our directory to find local care homes, home care agencies and carer support services across the UK.
Find care services
End of life
Guidance to help you through the emotional and practical steps of losing a loved one, from coping with bereavement to arranging a funeral.
Which? Wills
From writing your will, to setting up your Power of Attorney, Which? is here to help you make important decisions for your future.
Visit Which? Wills for advice
Care services directory

Sheltered housing

We provide practical information on sheltered housing and extra care housing, with advice on the renting and buying options.

What is sheltered housing?

How do you choose suitable sheltered housing, and what facilities do they offer? Our guide to sheltered accommodation explains your options.

Pros and cons of sheltered housing

Sheltered housing can be a great option, but is it right for you? Our checklist of benefits and drawbacks offers guidance to help you decide.

Five reasons to consider sheltered housing

Sheltered housing may be a good option if you enjoy independent living, but also want the reassurance of additional support.

Additional costs of sheltered housing

We explain the additional costs of sheltered housing such as service charges, ground rent, the reserve fund and bills, plus transfer and permission fees.

Extra care housing

Extra care sheltered housing offers more support than standard sheltered accommodation, including personal care, sometimes for people with dementia.

Buying sheltered housing

We look at how to buy sheltered accommodation, what protection buyers have, understanding leaseholds and checking charges.

Renting sheltered housing privately

We look at how to how to find rented sheltered housing, the different types available and issues for tenants.

Council and housing association sheltered housing

Local councils, housing associations and some charities, provide sheltered housing for those with limited financial resources.

Checklist for choosing sheltered housing

Before you choose accommodation in sheltered housing, it’s a good idea to think through the practicalities, costs and legal issues.
Real-life stories
Anne's story
54 | IPSWICH
Read Anne’s story about her parents moving from a large house more than 150 miles from her, to local sheltered housing.
Charlie's story
CHELTENHAM
Read Charlie’s story about the range of care options he’s arranged and considered for his parents, including sheltered housing.
See more real-life stories
Cost of care and eligibility in England
Care costs in your area
Use our simple tool to find out how much care might cost in England and what financial support is available.

Further reading

Why should you downsize?

We look at the pros and cons of downsizing to a smaller home, or to a different type of home such as sheltered ...

Bath seats, boards and mats

Are you finding bathing or showering more of a challenge? You may find additional support useful, such as a bath board, ...

Sign up for free care guidance

Receive expert guidance on caring for older people. Our emails are free and sent monthly.

Sign up to Later Life Care emails
Which? Later Life Care
Our top care guidance pages
  © Which? 2018