Council run sheltered housing
Council tenants
Accommodation in sheltered housing is unfurnished properties specially designed or adapted for elderly people. Current council tenants may be eligible for sheltered housing according to age and needs. The council carry out an assessment of applicants and maintain a waiting list until suitable properties become available.
Sheltered Accommodation
Sheltered Housing is a flat or bungalow especially built with the needs of elderly or disabled people in mind.
Who can apply for sheltered accommodation
Any person 60 years or older can apply. You can also apply if you are under this age, but need ground floor accommodation on health grounds. The age restriction may also be relaxed when there is no demand for the accommodation. The Council will carry out an assessment of applicants and maintain a waiting list until suitable properties become available.
How do I apply?
You will need to complete an application form. These are available at the housing office at Wallace Green, Berwick-upon-Tweed, or can be sent to you in the post.
How to contact us
Email kaw@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Telephone: 01289 301753
Write to: Kerry Williams
Property and Housing Services
Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council
Wallace Green
Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1ED
Please contact us if you need help filling in the form and we will be pleased to assist you.
What will happen when I apply?
When your application has been accepted onto our housing register it will be awarded a number of points to reflect your current circumstances. Points are awarded for things like medical condition, overcrowding and lack of facilities, as well as the length of time that your application is registered. Properties are then offered to applicants in points order.
You can contact us to discuss your application at any time. We can advise you how many points you have and how long you may have to wait for an offer. Our staff will be able to advise you about this.
If I am allocated a sheltered dwelling, what then?
When your turn arises, we will contact you to confirm that you still wish to be considered. You will then be made an offer in writing and invited to look at the accommodation with one of the Housing Officers.
Once you have signed the Tenancy Agreement, you will have a tenant's responsibilities, paying your own rent, running your home and providing your own meals. You may be eligible for Housing Benefit to help towards your rent. Please contact the Housing Benefit Section for more details.
Blyth Valley Care Service
The Blyth Valley Care service, based in Blyth, provides our elderly and vulnerable customers 24 hour contact with a central control room in the event of an emergency. When the pendent or pull-cord (if Warden off duty) has been activated staff from Blyth Valley Care can contact whichever service necessary which ranges from emergency services doctors and relatives and friends, who can then visit the tenant customer and help to resolve their problem.
Does the warden hold information about me?
Yes, the names, addressed and telephone numbers of your next-of-kin and close friends, your doctor and any relevant details of your health are kept for use by the Warden and Blyth Valley Care. This is a confidential record and its purpose is to enable contact to be made with the appropriate person in the event of illness or an accident, or any other problem.
What is the warden's role?
Wardens are practical and understanding people, sympathetic to your problems. They are carefully recruited and trained to encourage you to look after yourself and to lead an active independent life. The Warden's primary tasks are to ensure the well being of tenant’s and to respond to an emergency as quickly and efficiently as possible, so that in the event of an illness or a fall, or some other crisis, you can quickly get help.
In an emergency, it is the Warden's job to take the first action. It may be something that can easily be put right there and then; if not the Warden may have to call your relatives, your doctor; or other professional help that may be needed.
If you need home care services, meals on wheels or special household aids, the Warden will try to help you obtain them by contacting the local Social Services office for you.
Are there things a warden does not do?
Mobile Wardens are not employed to perform duties for which statutory or voluntary bodies exist, or which are the responsibility of relatives living nearby.
Wardens are not nurses - if you need regular medical treatment your doctor can arrange for you to have visits from a community Nurse. Neither are Wardens permitted to administer drugs and medicines. Wardens are not there to do domestic chores such as cleaning, cooking, providing meals and shopping. They may help to make arrangements for assistance for residents to do these things.
Who will pay my rent?
You are responsible for paying your rent.
You may be eligible for help to pay your rent. For further information contact the Housing Benefits Section.
What happens in the Common Room?
Tenants use the room for meetings, clubs, social and recreational activities, or just to meet up for a cup of tea and a chat. It is up to you and your neighbours to decide what you want and to arrange it if you wish.
Is my home covered by insurance?
Insurance of buildings is, of course, the responsibility of Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council. But you are solely responsible for insuring your household contents and possessions and you are strongly advised to take out household contents and insurance.
For information about the Council operated insurance scheme, please contact Sandra Anderson, Rent Officer.
How to contact us
Email sa@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Telephone: 01289 301753
Write to: Sandra Anderson
Property and Housing Services
Berwick-upon-Tweed Borough Council
Wallace Green
Berwick-upon-Tweed
TD15 1ED
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