At Housing Options Scotland (HOS), we understand that older people often face unique challenges when it comes to finding suitable housing. Whether it’s moving closer to family, accessing more supportive environments, or finding an accessible home, our brokers provide tailored guidance to help older clients navigate their housing options. Recently, we supported several older individuals with a range of housing needs, helping them find the right solutions to enhance their quality of life. Here are a few examples of how we’ve been supporting people in later life:
One client got in touch with us looking for advice on sheltered housing. After her husband had passed away, she was feeling isolated and lonely as her family lived far away and she wanted to move closer to have a stronger support network. Our broker got in touch with the client and chatted to her about her housing situation. From the phone call it became clear to the broker that the client was most interested in exploring Sheltered options in local authority areas where her family live. As a result, the broker sent information to the client in the post to explain her housing options – specifically narrowing in on sheltered housing developments that were close by to family. The client then went to view one of the potential sheltered housing properties which had vacancies coming up in the near future. The sheltered housing provider arranged to call the clients daughter to discuss a possible way forward. After a conversation, the client has been provisionally offered a place in the sheltered housing development. Without the knowledge and expertise of the broker on sheltered housing developments in specific areas, the client may not have known about this specific development she has been offered a place in.
One older person who got in touch with us was an owner occupier who was living in a top floor flat and was unable to manage the stairs. Our broker got in touch with them to discuss their situation so they could narrow down what housing options the client might be able to explore further. After the initial call, the broker sent information on sheltered housing and purchasing something more suitable, along with a mandate letter, which would allow them to check the client’s social housing applications on his behalf. After speaking with housing providers, the broker discovered that some of the applications didn’t have all the information that might be needed, such as medical forms. The broker was able to ensure that each application had everything it needed to make sure the client was getting all the points they are entitled to. Our broker is continuing to work with this client, making sure to keep every potential housing option on the table to ensure that client will get the best possible outcome for their situation.
A previous client of HOS recently got back in touch with us after purchasing their current home using an ownership scheme a number of years ago. The home, which was previously suitable, became increasingly unsuitable after a decline in their mental health. As a result, they wanted to explore moving again, using the same ownership scheme. Our broker got in touch with the client to discuss the possibility of moving again using the same ownership scheme, as that was what the client wanted to explore first and foremost. Our brokers try to ensure they explore the persons favoured option, even if it just means ruling it out, before looking at other potential options for the client. Although the client has faced some hurdles whilst exploring this option for a second time round, our broker is assisting the client to move forward by helping them liaise with external organisations. At the moment, both broker and client are unsure if this option will work out due to funding restrictions on the scheme. If this option can’t move forward, our broker will continue to work with the client for as long as they need support exploring alternative housing solutions.
An older person who had moved to an area to care for his father, who had now passed away, got in touch with us looking to explore options to move back to where they lived before, in a different area of the city. The client currently lives in sheltered accommodation, and wants to remain in sheltered, but in an area closer to his support network. In an initial phone call, the client let our broker know that another agency had helped him complete a number of applications to social housing providers. After this call, the broker sent the client a mandate letter to check on these applications. Unfortunately, when the broker spoke with the housing providers on the clients behalf, no applications had been received from the client. Without the support of HOS, the client could have waited a considerable amount of time believing their applications had been made, making finding alternative accommodation impossible. Our broker tried to get in touch with the support agency to find out some more information, but wasn’t able to speak to anyone. In order to help the client move forward, our broker decided it would be in the clients best interest to start again with applications, and narrow in specifically on applying to sheltered housing providers with developments in their preferred areas. The broker posted the client a number of sheltered housing development lists to look through and consider. After considering the development list, the client has chosen which providers they would like to apply too, and the broker is enlisting help from one of our Housing Buddies to help them complete applications.
Navigating housing challenges alone can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it on your own. With personalized support from HOS, we can help turn a difficult situation into a brighter future. Get in touch today if you need guidance or fill out our Get Help form to take the first step.