Sheltered - Warden Controlled

What is Sheltered Accommodation?

Sheltered Accommodation is specially designed accommodation which has been built with the needs of elderly people in mind. It aims to provide convenient and comfortable accommodation in a setting which allows tenants to come and go as they please, yet giving underlying security and encouragement to make friends and to share a wider social life through use of facilities provided for the benefit of all.

An important factor in sheltered housing is the presence of a resident Warden whose office and home are linked by an alarm system to every tenants dwelling. Thus in an emergency, such as a sudden illness or fall, a tenant can quickly get in touch with the Warden for help. If the Warden is not on duty the alarm system is linked to a control centre which will deal with the emergency and sent out a 'Mobile Warden' if necessary.

(Sheltered housing schemes are not "old people's homes" the residents are free to live independently in their own homes in the knowledge that help is at hand when required.)

The Society has one block of rented sheltered accommodation at Lammas Court in Newnham, Cambridge. (The Society also manages sheltered housing for sale at Ely Place and Salisbury Place, Trumpington, Cambridge. For further details click on this link to Leasehold Schemes for the Elderly

What does Lammas Court comprise?

Lammas Court was opened in 1982. It consists of 17 bedsits and 7 one bedroom flats which are surrounded by a well established communal garden and are conveniently located for local shops and amenities. Each property has its own kitchen and bathroom although residents have to provide furnishings including carpets, curtains, cookers, fridge's, beds etc.

Ground floor flats have access out into the communal gardens and all residents can gain access to the communal gardens via the communal lounge. A gas fired central heating system is installed within each flat and the cost of this is included in the service charge. All mains services are provided and television and telephone cables are laid on. A coin operated laundry with automatic washing machines and dryers is incorporated into the estate as well as a guest room for visiting friends and relations. An alarm call system is installed in each flat enabling residents to summon the assistance of the resident Warden or Mobile Wardens in an emergency. A caretaker is employed to be responsible for ensuring that the cleaning of the outside areas, and cleaners visit twice a week to clean the internal communal areas.

What are the Warden's duties?

The Warden looks after the day to day running of the scheme and keeps an unobtrusive eye on the welfare of residents. The Warden or a "Mobile Warden" will be ready to answer an emergency call from a resident and bring in any appropriate medical or welfare assistance. The Warden's basic function is that of a good neighbour and nursing care of a "home help" type service cannot be expected. Although the Warden is resident they cannot be on duty 24 hours a day. Currently the Warden works 5 hours a day Monday to Sunday. When the Warden is off duty the scheme is linked to the Cambridge City Council Mobile Warden Service which is staffed 24 hours a day throughout the year and can summon appropriate assistance or send a local "Mobile Warden" who will be on duty nearby.The Warden is appointed by the Society, which is responsible as part of it's management function for the selection, conditions of employment and payment of the Warden, and for ensuring that the Warden's duties are properly carried out.

Am I eligible for a flat?

Resident's must be of at least 60 years of age, not in employment and normally in receipt of a retirement pension. We also expect applicants to have a good reason to live in the Cambridge area such as current or previous residence or the need to be close to relatives. All prospective tenants will be required to complete an application form so that Granta can ensure they are eligible to be considered for future vacancies.

What does Rent and Service Charge cover?

The Society undertakes to manage the Scheme and in return the tenancy provides for the payment of Rent and Service Charge. The charge covers all the necessary costs of managing the scheme including the payment of a resident warden, centralised 24 hour out-of-hours warden service, property insurance, upkeep of the grounds and common areas, maintenance and depreciation/replacement cost of specialist facilities such as the door entry control and warden alarm system, repair and redecoration of the external fabric of the property and common parts, communal light and heat, heat and hot water to each flat, and the management costs of the Society. A detailed budget for the current service charge payable can be provided on request.

Depending on your income you may be entitled to housing and council tax benefit towards your weekly charge.

What other outgoings will there be?

The other outgoings are those common to all owner-occupiers, namely:

• Council Tax
• Water Rates
• Power and lighting to the individual property
• Internal decoration, repairs, and maintenance
• Telephone bill

Further Information

Can I bring my pet or pets with me?

Unfortunately cats and dogs cannot be introduced into the scheme. Although caged birds and fish would be allowed further to the Society giving written permission.

Granta Housing Society currently has an open waiting list for Lammas Court. For more information please contact Granta on 01223 576756.

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