Housing term
Sheltered Housing(SH)
Also known as: Retirement housing, Warden-assisted housing
What it means
Sheltered housing offers self-contained flats or bungalows within a scheme designed for older people, usually with a minimum age of 55 or 60. Schemes typically include a scheme manager, a 24-hour emergency alarm, and shared spaces such as a lounge or garden.
Residents live independently: personal care is not normally provided as part of the housing, though it can often be arranged separately at home.
Why it may matter
It suits people who can manage day to day but want the reassurance of an alarm service, an accessible home and a nearby community — often at lower cost than extra-care or residential options.