Moving into sheltered accommodation - A first-hand account

I had considered moving into sheltered accommodation for several years and the final incentive was the difficulty of climbing two flights of stairs (no lift), with shopping, to my flat on the top floor of a Victorian house.

Having worked for the local Health Authority and as a volunteer for the local Age UK, I was very aware of the problems older people faced when the need for more support came at a time when, mentally or physically, they were not able to make decisions and so it fell to their children, other relatives or even friends to help out….and there IS a lot of work involved.

I decided not to move from the town where I have lived for over 50 years, to be nearer one of my children, because this put them under an obligation if they wanted to move on themselves. I went onto Right Move to see what was available. I chose three sheltered schemes with vacancies to visit including three flats at St Bede’s in Bedford, run by Orbit Housing Association. It was quickly apparent that St Bede’s, by far the most modern (opened in 2013 on the site of a Catholic middle school), had many advantages, being well designed with wide corridors, spacious hallways in the flats themselves, and a range of social activities. I was not aware that the scheme was built to the HAPPI design principles and was one of the first to receive a HAPPI award, as captured in this Housing LIN case study.

My final choice from the three flats, was not difficult. It is a two bedroom, west facing flat, looking over the main garden with a long, covered balcony, ready for some of my plants! The main sitting room is well proportioned, and the kitchen extended off it is surprisingly large with plenty of cupboard space and a dishwasher. There is a wet room with an easily adjustable shower and plenty of rails! The main bedroom has an excellent, large fitted- wardrobe (put in by the previous owners) and a dressing table to match.

Selling my own flat and buying the new one was not easy. Thankfully, I still had my wits about me and could manage emails and the internet. The flat I was selling and the one I was buying were both leasehold, which added to the delays in finalising the sale.  I finally moved three months later than originally suggested by my Estate Agent, although my own flat sold within days of being advertised. Moving is pressurised and stress-making, but I am thankful now that I have made the right decision, although, as I explain to my friends, I am still trying to squeeze a quart into a pint pot!

It is early days (five weeks on) and I have not yet got involved in the social activities on offer. I have met my neighbours and several of the other residents, explored the area, which includes an excellent pharmacist and a small supermarket. There are still boxes to unpack and I will need a little more furniture, but the flat itself already feels like home and I still get a thrill from using the lift. And, above all, I am happy that I have made the move!

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If you found this blog of interest, register for the Housing LIN’s final HAPPI Hour this afternoon when Fiona will be joining Lord Best for the final webinar of our autumn/winter series, to coincide with HAPPI Awareness Week.