Housing Associations
The housing associations have a number of one bedroom flats and bungalows that are designated for those over 50 years of age. Some schemes have communal areas where activities such as coffee mornings and quiz nights are held. There is no obligation to attend these events.
Personal care and support is not provided but many properties have an emergency pull cord system should you require it.
The waiting time for these properties is generally much shorter than the waiting time for one bedroom properties with no age restrictions.
FlexiCare Housing
FlexiCare Housing is an option for older people with varying care needs.
Care levels can be increased or decreased according to an individual's changing needs. The care supports independent living as it is provided to tenants living in their own home.
Flexicare schemes provide security, independence and the flexibility to change your care level to suit your needs as they change over time. For many it can be an independent home for life. Social events regularly take place and all tenants are welcome to join in.
There are two flexicare schemes in Hertsmere:
- Fountain Court in Borehamwood
- Bushey Flexicare in Bushey.
Clarion Housing Groups flexicare housing in Borehamwood and Aldwyck Housing Association’s flexicare housing in Bushey, provides a flexible level of care and support that can be adapted to suit your changing needs. Flexicare schemes are ideal if you can no longer manage to live independently in your own home or if you and your partner have different care needs but want to stay together.
Bushey flexicare is located in a quiet residential area of Bushey. The flats at Storey Court, Collins Court and Barley Close all come with communal lounges and a 24 hour tele-care life-line service.
The flats are self contained. It is the choice of individual residents whether to join in the events held in the communal lounge.
Fountain Court is located in Brook Road, Borehamwood, near to open spaces, public transport and local shops. Again, the flats are self contained and residents choose whether to attend social events or not.
Older People’s Shared Ownership
If you are aged 55 or over, the OPSO scheme could help you buy any home that’s for sale on a shared ownership basis (part-rent/part-buy).
It works in the same way as the general shared ownership scheme, but you can only buy up to 75% of your home. Once you own 75% you won’t have to pay rent on the remaining share.
The Housing Association or Registered Provider will offer initial shares of between 25% - 75% of the full purchase price. You pay a subsidised rent on the remaining share that the Housing Association or Registered Provider still own.
You could buy a home through the OPSO scheme if you are aged 55 or over and meet the following criteria:
- Your annual household income can be no more than £80,000.
- You should be unable to purchase a home suitable for your needs without assistance.
To find out more, to see available properties for sale and to register your interest please visit Help to Buy East and South East.
Care Homes – Residential and Nursing
If you require residential accommodation that provides support or nursing care, you should contact Adult Social Services at Hertfordshire County Council.