CouncilDirectory of housing for older people
This section of the booklet includes a directory of all specialist housing schemes for older people in Tower Hamlets.
Using the housing directory
All homes are divided into categories. There are five in total and each makes up a separate section:
Within each section homes are first grouped by the four postcode areas of the borough:
- Bethnal Green E2
- Bow & North Poplar E3
- Isle of Dogs & South Poplar E14
- Stepney and Wapping E1.
Homes are then alphabetically sorted.
Location maps, a summary table of providers and a summary tables of all homes are also provided.
Wheelchair and general accessibility
As part of the survey undertaken for the Accessible Housing Register (AHR), sheltered, care alarm and over 40-55s flats were surveyed to determine their accessibility. This information has been included in each scheme listing and the property summary tables. None of the care alarm, over 40-55s or sheltered homes have two lifts serving all floors. Given the obvious implication this has for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues, the survey mostly included ground and first floor flats for sheltered (because lifts in sheltered schemes are often better maintained as there is a scheme manager) and ground floor flats for care alarm and over 40-55s flats. This information has been used to make general statements about flats in these schemes and is meant as a guide only. The criteria used to determine whether a property is wheelchair accessible is the National Housing Development Scheme standard.
Wheelchair access means for a fully independent, self-propelling, wheelchair user. Some step-free level access flats may be suitable for occasional users or those propelled with the assistance of a carer.
Flats may have accessible features (i.e. level access shower) but to meet the Wheelchair Accessible Standard all criteria must be met.
You may be entitled to a viewing with Housing Occupational Therapy to determine the suitability of a home.
Photographs
Photographs have been included to show the size and layout of flats, rooms and communal areas. All flats and rooms shown (unless vacant) have been personalised by the tenants. New tenants should not expect their flat or room to look as shown in these photographs. Scheme providers cannot guarantee that flats will look exactly as shown in these photographs. Any pictures of residents were taken with their permission and the consent of the scheme manager.
Costs
The rent charges of homes, advertised through Choice Based Lettings, will be shown in East End Life’s Homeseekers section when a vacancy is advertised. If you want to know the costs regardless of whether a vacancy exists contact the scheme or provider direct.
For housing not let through Choice Based Lettings (extra care, care homes, etc.) contact the provider for price information.
For more information on the support charges associated with sheltered housing see the supporting people section.
Schemes for people from Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups
For those schemes designated for people from BME communities, information has been directly translated into the relevant language(s). See the summary tables for a guide to which schemes are designated for people from BME backgrounds.
However, all other schemes, despite being in English only, are still open to people from BME communities provided they meet the necessary criteria applicable to all. Information on translating this document (PDF 52k).
New Developments
Bethnal Green & Victoria Park Housing Association is in the process of developing the decanted John Lawder sheltered site into a more intensive, 24-hour scheme for older people with high levels of need, including provision for people with drug and alcohol needs.
People may be offered this service at an earlier age (e.g. 50plus) depending on need. It will also accommodate individuals with physical health issues associated with continued alcohol use, with four of the 32 units being wheelchair accessible.
Expected completion date is early 2007.
Contact Supporting People for more information.
Pets
Each scheme’s policy on pets has been included. If you need more information about options for your pet please contact the following organisations for advice.
RSPCA
The re-homing co-ordinator for the London East area can be contacted on this mobile number 0795 857 8151 between 7.00pm and 9.00pm Monday-Friday. Enquiry service 0870 3335 999.
PDSA
A veterinary charity providing free treatment for the pets of those on benefits. Please check you are eligible by phoning Bow Vet Centre on 020 8980 5011. PDSA Head Office 01952 290 999.
Blue Cross
The Blue Cross is a registered UK animal welfare charity. Head Office details:
Blue Cross
Shilton Road
Burford
Oxon OX18 4PF
Tel: 01993 822651
Fax : 01993 823083
Email : info@bluecross.org.uk
Website : www.bluecross.org.uk
Council-managed over 50s flats
There are a number of council over 50s homes. They are self-contained bedsit and 1-bed flats, designated for people over 50 who want to live independently without any structured support through a warden service. A small number have a care alarm fitted.
These flats are let through the Choice Based Lettings system. If you want to apply you will need to join the Common Housing Register and bid for them when they are advertised each week in East End Life. They are advertised as over 50s flats.
The council has instigated a review process for these flats, to determine which should remain as over 50s, and which should be returned to general needs or specialist housing. The results of this review are pending at the time of publication.
Council owned over 50s have not been listed in this directory as they are under review.
Over 50s flats may also be referred to as Elderly Person’s Dwellings (EPDs), however this book will refer to them as over 50s.
