;
“Oh, I'm much too young to move into that type of accommodation!” 

This is one of the most common reasons given by people when asked why they don’t consider sheltered accommodation. But what is too young? Westlea Housing Association will consider anyone over the age of 55 whose needs make them a suitable tenant for sheltered housing.

Westlea’s sheltered properties range from bedsits to flats and bungalows and are situated in towns and villages.

Tenants in these properties have the security of a regular visit from their scheme manager (either five times a week or twice depending on the type of property) and are linked to the emergency ‘Lifeline’ service which is active 24 hours a day.

“It’s true that many of our tenants decide to move to sheltered accommodation when they are finding it difficult to manage but want to retain their independence,” says Andrew Pullen, Westlea’s scheme manager at Parklands (in Chippenham) and Glovers Court (in Malmesbury). “But we also have people that move in early retirement because they’d rather move when they are able and can enjoy retirement without the worry of looking after a bigger property. It’s also worth remembering that applicants do not need to already be living locally which provides the chance for older relations to live nearer their families.”

“I urge people to come and see the properties for themselves and not be put off by terms such as ‘studio apartments’ or ‘bedsits’,” says Andrew. “Many of our tenants who hadn’t considered moving into such accommodation changed their minds after viewing them and say they find them much easier to look after.”

Westlea’s sheltered housing staff would be more than pleased to show you around our schemes in the area of your interest – it doesn’t matter whether you’re interested in accommodation for yourself or an elderly relation whose future needs concern you. 
.