Housing for frail elderly people

A national survey followed by an evaluation has recently been undertaken of very sheltered housing for elderly people. This enhanced sheltered housing usually provides 24-hour warden cover, meals and help with domiciliary and personal tasks. It is increasingly being provided by local authorities and housing associations. The evaluation took into account the views of management, staff, elderly people and cost. It was a successful form of housing but more expensive than staying at home with a package of care. In some cases elderly people had moved from institutional care to very sheltered housing. There were, however, people in the schemes who neither wanted nor needed to be there. There were also some problems such as doctors' unrealistic expectations of the schemes and unqualified staff being involved in medication.