Older persons accommodation

The Forest of Dean District Council provides assistance for older persons to remain in their own homes for as long as possible with the help of Decent Home Loans and Disabled Facilities Grants (conditions apply).

Visit our Housing Assistance, Grants and Loans section for more information.  

Forest & Cotswolds Linkline

Forest & Cotswolds Linkline is a 24 hour emergency monitoring and contact service run by the Forest of Dean District Council. It gives peace of mind to anyone in the community, no matter what age but especially those who are vulnerable and those with disabilities, to know that in the event of illness, a fall or an emergency at home help is just a telephone call away. 

For more information about  Linkline services click here or contact Deb Hughes, Operations Manager - Linkline on 01594 812505/812506. or email deb.hughes@fdean.gov.uk

Safe at Home

The Safe at Home: Enabling Independent Living across Gloucestershire service, is a countywide partnership with local company Mears, the local authority and County Council.  They will help older people and people with disabilities carry on living in their own homes safely with repairs and improvements to their homes, so that they can continue to live in greater comfort and security.

Advice is free, whether it is rising damp or a leaking roof, from small repairs to major alterations. They also provide a small repairs service for all those minor repair jobs that builders do not seem to be interested in. Jobs include putting up shelves, fitting window locks, small plumbing jobs etc. They supply and fit smoke alarms, key safes, grab rails and stair rails.
 

The service is available to people referred to Safe at Home by social care and health services, or by people who want to make changes for themselves.

For more information please see their leaflet - Safe at Home  or call their freephone number 0800 032 3139 to talk to one of their customer care team who will be happy to help with your requirements or email enquires to MHIGlos.enquiries@mearsgroup.co.uk

Social Housing

A proportion of social housing in the area is designated specifically for older persons normally aged 60 and over.  This accommodation includes bungalows and flats with a linkline and in some cases also a visiting community support worker and sheltered schemes with communal facilities and a resident scheme manager.  Additional weekly charges are made dependent on the type of accommodation.

In order to apply for older persons accommodation please register on Gloucestershire Homeseeker or contact the Housing Options Team for more information on 01594 810000.

There are also two extra care housing schemes in Cinderford and Lydney which are designed for residents who have care needs and who are in receipt of a care package through Adult Care Services.

Demand for some older persons housing schemes is low and the criteria for some can sometimes be relaxed.

Two Rivers Housing Association provide supported housing and they are committed to providing services which give every tenant the choice and support to live independently and to have a high quality of life. Two Rivers currently provide three types of sheltered schemes;

1. Visiting Community Support Worker
2. Resident Community Support Worker
3. Extra Care

The aim of the sheltered schemes is to provide appropriate accommodation for people over 60 or those who are disabled and wish to live independently. These schemes have a Community Support Worker who gives the tenant help and support when they need it and provides information on local facilities. They also work alongside family, friends and other service providers. All schemes have alarm systems fitted which provide 24 hour emergency cover for all eventualities.

Please note, however that Community Support Workers do not provide personal or domiciliary care and are not on call out of their normal working hours (details of the Community Support Worker's hours for individual schemes are available on request).

Two Rivers Housing are the main provider of sheltered accommodation although there are other Housing Associations who offer sheltered housing these include Wyedean Housing Association , Jephson Housing Association , Housng 21 and Severn Vale Housing Society

Visit Two Rivers Supported Housing service for more information.

Elderly Accommodation Counsel (EAC)

EAC is a national charity that aims to help older people make informed choices about meeting their housing and care needs.

HOOP is shorthand for EAC's Housing Options for Older People questionnaire. Visit the HOOP website here. The questionnaire is simply called How well does your home suit you?

There is also another, longer, version of HOOP that is used by many professionals that work with older people.

All versions of HOOP are designed to help older people take stock of their present living and housing situation, including any problems or worries, and identify what information they need to find solutions.

Click here to visit the EAC website

Forest Seniors Network

Their mission is to promote the welfare and interests of older people within the Forest of Dean and district. Provide a Forum where matters of concern can be raised and policies developed. Act as a campaigning organisation in making representation to local, regional and national authorities and bodies.

For more information please see their leaflet Forest Seniors Network

Forest Sign Post

Forest Sign Post is a guide to services for older and disabled poeple in the Forest of Dean for more information visit the Forest Sign Post page. 

Other Useful Links  

Forest of Dean District Council Leisure Services - Health and Well-Being - bringing health and leisure opportunities to the local community.  Our aim is to encourage wider participation in sport and physical activity to improve the health and well-being of the community.