Guides › Public Services › Housing Options for Older People: Sheltered and Extra Care Housing
Housing Options for Older People: Sheltered and Extra Care Housing
Sheltered housing is for people who can live independently but want occasional help, often with a warden and an emergency alarm. Extra care housing (also called assisted living) gives you your own flat with on-site staff who can help with meals and personal care, and support can increase as your needs change. Retirement villages are larger developments designed for older people. Ask your council or a housing association about schemes near you.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Types of Housing
Sheltered Housing
Designed for people who are normally able to live quite independently but need occasional help or support. It often has a warden to call in an emergency and alarm systems. It may be provided by the council or bought or rented privately. Check the service charge and any rules, such as on pets. source
Extra Care Housing
Also called assisted living or very sheltered housing. You live in a self-contained flat and on-site staff may provide meals, personal care and domestic support. You do not have to sign up for care when you move in. source
Retirement Villages
Large developments of bungalows, flats or houses designed for older people. Many include a care home and communal facilities. source
Where to Get Help
Advice
Ask your local council or a housing association about schemes in your area. A care needs assessment is needed to check eligibility for supported living. Other sources include Age UK and the Housing Options for Older People online tool. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Ask firstService charges and rulesBefore you move
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask your council for a care needs assessment if you need support.
Step 2 of 5
Ask the council and housing associations about sheltered or extra care schemes.
Step 3 of 5
Check service charges, rules and what care is included.
Step 4 of 5
Look at adaptations and grants for your current home first.
Step 5 of 5
Get advice from Age UK before signing anything.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Local Council
Housing or environmental health team. It can act on landlord breaches.
Age UK
Free advice for older people.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on any renting problem.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Adapting your current home may be possible with a Disabled Facilities Grant.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different housing rules.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 15 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/care-services-equipment-and-care-homes/moving-to-a-new-home-housing-options Checked 15 October 2026
- ageuk.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 8 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026