A number of older people with support or care needs are being forced to wait months and years on waiting lists for sheltered housing, according to older people’s charity Independent Age.

The national charity said that the quantity of sheltered or extra care properties administered by councils falls far short of what is needed for the growing older population and, as a result, pensioners are regularly stuck in limbo for more than a year.

Very few local authorities proactively publish expected waiting periods for sheltered housing, with some simply noting that there is a “severe shortage”  for this type of housing, or “substantial queues”.

Sheltered housing is made up of self-contained homes that are often grouped together in a small complex, with some communal facilities and features designed for older people (like ramps).

Independent Age’s Assistant Director of Services, Simon Hewett-Avison, said that the charity received calls every week from people needing help with navigating the often complex process of applying for retirement housing through local authorities.

Simon said: “Sheltered housing can help people live independently for longer but, unfortunately, the supply of this type of housing is falling well short of what is needed.

“We’ve also found that many people have misconceptions about retirement housing – they often think that sheltered or extra care housing are basically the same as a care home but, in reality, they’re very different propositions.

“Challenging these misconceptions is part of the reason that Independent Age has launched its ‘Sheltered housing and extra care housing guide’.

“For most people, life in sheltered housing isn’t all that different to their previous living situation – just with the peace of mind of knowing that care is there if it’s needed. In many cases, it can actually delay a move into a care home.”

Betty Garfield, 79, has been living in sheltered accommodation in Hythe, Kent, for a number of years, after moving into her ground-floor flat with her late husband, who used a wheelchair.

Betty, who previously worked in administration and as a stay-at-home mother to her four children, continues to live an active life, driving her own car, participating in a craft group and helping neighbours to do their shopping.

“I always feel quite busy, and no two days are the same. I think having people around you who have gone through similar experiences makes a big difference,” Betty said.

www.independentage.org/sheltered-housing-and-extra-care-housing