Housing Options for Older People - Staying in your Home
This information aims to outline housing options for older people approaching, or at retirement age who wish to remain in their own home.
Please note there are other options available for those wishing to Move Home.
Staying in your Home
Many older people who wish to stay in their own home find the following of greatest concern.
- Repairs & improvements
- Heating costs
- Isolation in the home
If you or your partner are over 60 or in receipt of a means tested benefit or are registered disabled you may be eligible for a grant to assist with repairs and measures to help insulate and conserve energy.
House Renovation Grants
If you have been in your property as a tenant or owner for three years or more and the property is in the Council Tax bands A,B or C you may be entitled to a House Renovation Grant. this grant is for more substantial home improvements eg serious disrepair or structural instability.
Disabled Facilities Grant
If you are an owner or tenant and you or someone living with you is disabled you may qualify for a Disabled Facilities Grant towards the cost of providing adaptations and facilities to your home to enable the disabled person to continue living there.
If you would like more information or would like to apply for one of these grants please contact:
Housing Options
Telephone: (01473) 433010/433020.
Care and Repair Scheme
If you live in Ipswich, are aged 60 or over, or are disabled and your house is in need of adaptation, repair or modernisation, Care and Repair are able to give advice to help you organise the repairs and adaptations. Contact:
Hanover At Home
Telephone: (01473) 231550.
Heating
Many older people experience difficulty in paying high heating bills. If you are having difficulty with paying bills please contact a Housing Options Officer immediately.
Insulating your loft, water tank and pipes will help conserve heat. You can apply for a Home Repair Assistance or House Renovation Grant for help with energy efficiency.
Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES)
If you own or rent your home and are in receipt of certain benefits you may qualify for a Home Efficiency Grant. If you are on a low income it is still worthwhile applying as you may qualify for a lower grant.
For more information contact:
Freephone 0800 0720150 or
Ask a Housing Options Officer for details.
There are other 'energy efficient' schemes that run from time to time. For full details please ask your Housing Options Officer.
Isolation in the Home
In certain circumstances if you are isolated and have restricted mobility, Social Services may be able to help with the cost of telephone installation.
Contact your local Social Services Department
Telephone: 08456 023 023
Ipswich HEARS
For 24 hour help and reassurance in your home, Ipswich Hears is a mobile alarm service available to those in Ipswich at subsidised rates.
Contact Ipswich HEARS:
Telephone: (01473) 433236 or ask for a HEARS leaflet.
The above details provide general information only. For full details of any services and agencies mentioned please contact the relevant provider direct.