Whether you own your own home, or rent from a landlord, there are a number of housing options you might want to think about as you get older.
If you want to stay in your current home, extra support, adaptations and security measures may help you to carry on living independently.
Alternatively, you may feel it is time to move to a smaller home, or one where there is somebody on hand to help you in an emergency or on a more regular basis.
You can read the Age UK housing options guide to help decide the best way forward.
Cardiff Council and our partner Housing Associations can offer a number of options if you would like to move to a more suitable property.
Community Living Schemes (previously known as Sheltered Housing) is a type of supported housing, designed with the needs of older people in mind.
It is not the same as a residential or nursing home. Each tenant has their own separate independent flat (unfurnished). Tenants can lead their own lives and can decide if they want to take part in social events and other activities arranged on site.
We are currently refurbishing all our community living homes with many of them completed already.
Services provided in a community living scheme
There are some differences between schemes, however they usually have:
- Self-contained flats or bedsits.
- Smoke alarm system.
- A scheme manager from Monday to Friday during office hours, to help and support you, provide advice and facilitate events and activities
- 24-hour Telecare alarm service in case of emergencies.
- A guestroom. There is a charge of £10 per night. Tenants can arrange with the warden if they have a relative or close friend who wants to stay for a night or 2.
- A communal lounge for socialising and entertainment.
- Laundry rooms with washing machines and dryers. There is a rota for when tenants can use the machines.
- Lifts.
- CCTV security cameras in some areas.
- WiFi.
Also available at some schemes are:
- Discounted TV licenses.
- Communal gardens.
- Mobility scooter storage.
- Ramps.
- Wider doorways.
- Mobile library visits.
Locations of community living schemes
Our accommodations are found throughout Cardiff and are all fully accessible from the city centre.
You can find out more about each of our community living schemes.
Eligibility
You must be 60 or over to be eligible for most community living scheme. In some schemes, you can be 55 or over.
If you are a Cardiff Council Contract Holder and are living in a property which is too big for your needs and are struggling with the rent, utility bills or garden maintenance, there is a dedicated Right Sizing Co-ordinator who can help you look at suitable properties. They can help with any problems you are having with finding a different sized property and can see what incentives are available to help you to move. For more information please contact the Right Sizing Co-ordinator on 029 2053 6415.
How to apply
If you are interested in becoming a tenant or moving from your existing tenancy, you can join the housing waiting list.
If you would like us to send you the form, please call 029 2053 7111. Our team will also be able to help you fill in the form if needed.
Rent
If you are on a low income, you may be able to get Housing Benefit or Universal Credit to help with the rent and some parts of the service charge.
For more information about rent and service charges, please call 029 2053 7111.
A bungalow is a property where all rooms and facilities are on 1 level. Access into the property may be level or stepped. They have all the same facilities and amenities as any other property. They all have access to a rear garden.
We have retirement bungalows throughout Cardiff, and they are designated for over 60s only. The whole household must be over 60.
We have 4 bedsits, 548 one-bedroom, and 69 two-bedroom bungalows. As these are highly sought after homes, the probability of securing one is limited and could involve a long wait.
Accessibility
Our bungalows all vary in their level of accessibility, from level access to stepped access. We may be able to install a ramp if needed. We can also install handrails. They all also vary in being in a flat area or hilly area.
We do not install walk-in showers and wet rooms as standard, but we have installed many walk-in showers or wet rooms across our bungalow stock. If you are offered a bungalow, we will assess your need at the time and determine the appropriate accommodation for your needs. We may be able to install alternative facilities later.
Mobility scooter storage
Our bungalows do not come with scooter storage or power access outside as standard, but some have been installed.
If you can no longer manage without care at home, we can assess your needs and help you consider all your options.
Depending on your circumstances, you may want to consider extra care accommodation. This offers 24 hour care and support, whilst maintaining your independence in a self-contained flat.
Linc Cymru and Hafod Housing Association have extra care schemes in Cardiff. You can apply for this type of accommodation with the providers.
If you are a homeowner or a tenant, you may want to consider downsizing.
If you are a homeowner, moving to a smaller property may free up some money for you to enjoy in your retirement, and reduce your bills and maintenance costs. You can contact local estate agents to help you find a suitable home.
If you would prefer to move to a smaller social housing property, you can also join the Cardiff housing waiting list.
If you are a council or housing association tenant, you can apply to exchange with another tenant or to transfer to another property.
If you are struggling with rent, utilities, or garden maintenance because your property is too big for your needs, you can contact our Right Sizing Coordinator.
They can help you find suitable properties and see what incentives are available to help you move.
For more information, please contact us.
Tel: 029 2053 7522
Email: rightsizing@cardiff.gov.uk
Privately rented accommodation
If you want to continue privately renting, our Digital Support team can help you.
The Into Work team run Homefinder support sessions in our Hubs. In the sessions, they can help you search for and enquire about privately rented homes online.
They can also help you:
- navigate property websites,
- contact landlord or lettings agencies to enquire about properties,
- get the skills and confidence to use devices and complete online tasks confidently and safely, and
- build digital skills to let you search online for private rented homes independently.
To find out more, please contact us.
Tel: 029 2087 1071
You can find out what support is available to help you live independently.
Digital support
We can help you get online or access equipment to do so. Our support includes:
- using your device,
- downloading apps,
- getting online safely,
- finding information online,
- accessing council services,
- completing forms, and
- general troubleshooting.
To find out more, please contact us.
Tel: 029 2087 1071
Email: digitalsupport@cardiff.gov.uk
Gateway
We can help you with a range of things including:
- setting up an email account,
- applying for certain benefits online, and
- accessing council services online.
If you are looking for work or looking for another job, we can also support you with:
- CV writing,
- applying for jobs online,
- writing cover letters,
- work skills training,
- interview techniques, and
- building you confidence.
To find out more, please contact us.
Tel: 029 2087 1071
