Coronavirus Read our latest advice

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. You can understand more and change your cookies preferences here.

Close
Menu
Skip to content Skip to search
Close
Menu
All categories
Home Care
Find out about care at home, adaptations and technology to help you 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 on the practical and emotional aspects at the end of life, from planning end of life care to arranging a funeral and coping with bereavement.
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, extra care housing, assisted living and supported housing, with advice on the renting and buying options.

What is sheltered housing?

3 min read

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

3 min read

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.

Council and housing association sheltered housing

4 min read

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

Buying sheltered housing

4 min read

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

Renting sheltered housing privately

3 min read

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

Extra care housing

5 min read

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

Additional costs of sheltered housing

4 min read

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

Five reasons to consider sheltered housing

3 min read

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

Checklist for choosing sheltered housing

4 min read

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
Find out how much home care costs
Use our calculator to find out how much you might pay a home care agency in your area and what financial support is available.

Further reading

Why should you downsize?

The pros and cons of downsizing to a smaller home, or to sheltered accommodation or a retirement village.

Personal alarms

Read about how personal alarms can help older people feel safer at home and remain independent for longer.

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
  • About Us
  • Glossary
  • For care service providers
  • For healthcare professionals
  • Data on this site
  • Site map
    • Our top care guidance pages
  • The Blue Badge scheme
  • Attendance Allowance
  • Benefits for older people
  • Legal transfer of property
  • Care home fees
  • Carer’s Allowance
  • Personal alarms
    • Awards