Sheltered housing allows you to rent or buy a flat or bungalow in a block or on a small estate where there are usually also communal areas such as a lounge, kitchen, laundry and gardens. The properties are designed to make life a little easier for residents (usually aged 55+) with features such as raised electric sockets, lowered worktops and walk-in showers, some will be designed to accommodate wheelchair users. Schemes will usually have a warden or manager either living on site or available during the daytime and a 24-hour emergency alarm system (sometimes called 'community alarm service') to call help if needed.

For people who are more dependent and need a significant amount of support there are Sheltered Housing Schemes which have their own 'on -site' care staff. These offer the opportunity for people to live in their own home with access to 24-hour personal care and support if needed, schemes may offer support to people who are frail or people who have dementia.

Sheltered Housing is provided by private companies, Housing Associations and Local Councils. The Housing Solutions Service can help you find local schemes including Milton Keynes City Council Sheltered Housing / Sheltered Housing with Care  or you can search the Adult Social Care Directory.

These offer support in a family home to people who need some extra support. Shared Lives MK offers day support, short breaks (respite) and long term placements. 

Supported living services provide accommodation – which can be your own home – which may be  shared by 2 or 3 people with a similar health problem or a particular disability. Staff usually visit the home to help you with personal care and do simple tasks such as shopping and housework. This care mustn't be delivered by the housing owner or operator, but by a registered homecare agency or provider regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

Supported Living is often arranged as part of someone's social care and support after an assessment by Adult Social Care.

Most homes provide long-term care and some homes also provide short term breaks and day care.

• Care Homes without Nursing (Residential Homes) provide accommodation, meals and twenty-four hour personal care but do not provide nursing care
• Care Homes with Nursing for people who need regular nursing care, which is provided by a qualified nurse or under the direct supervision of a qualified nurse
• Dual Registered Homes that provide both residential and nursing care and usually also provide a wider range of services.

If you think that you may need to move to live in a care home, there are two ways of arranging this:

• If you have the financial resources to pay for this support you can make your own arrangements directly with the home of your choice
• If you do not have the financial resources to pay for this support yourself or you are unable to make your own arrangements, contact the ACCESS Team to discuss your options and, if necessary, to arrange a care and support needs assessment.

Moving into a care home is a major decision and we recommend that you seek advice to make sure that this is the best option for you, and consider NHS Choices advice on choosing a home

Care homes are provided by a wide range of people and organisations including private companies, charities, and local councils. All Care Homes must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) which inspects them and publishes inspection reports and service ratings. You can search for homes using the CQC website or for local homes you can search the Adult Social Care and Health Directory.