Independent living for people over 55
Derwentside Homes provides specially designed accommodation for older people who want to live independently while having the security of 24-hour support.
These self-contained flats have their own bathrooms and fitted kitchens. All have one bedroom while Haven House and Magdalene Court will have several two bedroom apartments. There are eight Independent Living schemes within the district.
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As well as each flat having its own front door, there is the added security of a locked shared entrance.
We will assess the applicants’ needs before we offer accommodation. A Housing Support Officer is available Monday to Friday to provide on-site support while on duty visits at each Independent Living Scheme. When the officer is not on duty, you have access to 24-hour alarm - Durham County Care Connect, fitted in every flat.
The charges for sheltered accommodation include:
- Rent
- Water rates
- Support officer charges
- Heating charges.
- Motorised scooter storage in some of the Courts
Although your housing may be suitable for you at the moment, please remember that we can provide accommodation to suit your needs both now and in the future. If you have moved into independent living accommodation, your support officer will visit you to ask you for more information to make sure you receive the support you need. If you have not already met your support officer, he or she will visit you soon after you move in to assess your needs.
Derwentside Homes recognises that for those tenants who want a more secure environment the Independent living Schemes are ideal. These schemes are not residential care homes; tenants have their own flats, live independently and have use of communal areas including a lounge and laundry room.
What will the Support Officer do for you?
Throughout your tenancy the Housing Support Officer will carry out regular assessments of your needs to make sure our services help you continue to live independently. The Support Officer will give you a daily buzz, Monday - Friday to see how you are while on-site. Any other times emergency alarm service provided by Care Connect will respond.
What they cannot do for you?
Because of Health and Safety and employment laws there are certain tasks the Housing Support Officer cannot do such as nursing, cooking, cleaning, shopping and banking or personal money handling.
