Sheltered Housing for Older People

Paxfold

Paxfold is a low rise, modern-style building that originally opened its doors in 1979. In 2015 it was redeveloped and now the scheme comprises of the 41 bed-sit flats and a further 28 new one bed flats for older people over the age of fifty-five. The scheme includes the provision of new communal facilities including: a new lounge, kitchen, hairdressers, laundry, offices, guest room and a training /meeting room, lifts to all three floors.

Two of the flats are built to full wheelchair standard. The remaining 26 flats are built to Lifetime Homes, which means that the dwellings can be easily adapted for the tenant throughout their lifetime, as the space standards are more generous and can accommodate future mobility requirement such as wheelchair use if needed. The construction is more robust, so grab rails or hoists can be installed if this becomes a future requirement.

The development at Paxfold is Code for Sustainable Homes (CFSH) level four with enhanced ecological and energy efficiency of the buildings, the scheme incorporates high levels of insulation, use of photovoltaic panels on the roof (converting sunlight to electricity), and water saving measures. These measures help to make the building cheaper to run leading to more economical heating and water bills.

The development also includes a woodland area that adjoins the development. Access for residents from Paxfold into the woodland is achieved by an accessible footpath.

HCHA Sheltered Housing what you get:-

• A professional housing service on weekdays
• A link to the emergency helpline out of hours
• Mobility friendly building and gardens
• A safe and friendly place to live

Key features

• large shared garden & woodland walk
• very active social committee
• hairdressing salon for men and women

Gillian House

Gillian House sits in a tree-lined street in Harrow Weald. The low rise block opened in 1973 and has 35 studio flats and a large garden which tenants are welcome to tend or just enjoy. There is a lift to the upper floor.

Key features

• large shared garden
• social committee organises outings, music recitals, talks and games
• coffee mornings every week day

St Barnabas

St Barnabas is a modern scheme in Harrow Weald, again low rise, and completed in 1987. The 36 flats are arranged over three floors, with lifts and stairs to the upper floors. Four flats are designed for a wheelchair user and six are suitable for couples. The shared lounge faces onto a seating area and communal front garden. Tenants share a garden at the back.

Key features

• large shared garden
• social committee
• organises fundraisers, themed evenings
• tea and coffee afternoons
• lovely walks nearby

Wolstenholme

Wolstenholme is hidden away at the end of a leafy lane in a pretty part of Stanmore. The main house dates back 150 years and rumour has it that it was once an orphanage. It was converted into sheltered housing in 1969, and later extended. Some of the 33 flats are in the older building and some were built in 1990, when the scheme was refurbished. Getting to almost all of the flats means walking up some stairs. There are no lifts.

Key features

• large shared garden
• social committee organises exercise classes, bingo, board games, drawing and craft class, film club, afternoon teas and coffee mornings

Becket Fold

The nine bungalows at Becket Fold are tucked away in a quiet cul de sac not far from Harrow’s high street and suitable for anyone aged over 55 wanting independence and privacy. Our staff call by usually just once a week. Tenants share the front garden. They also have use of the top of the range facilities at neighbouring Ewart House, including a hair salon, manicures and leisure activities like bingo and art classes. The Ewart House café serves home-cooked food five days a week, followed by a Saturday brunch.

Key features

• level access – no steps or stairs
• for over 55s
• easy access to Ewart House cafe, hair salon, laundry, and staff aid

Dashwood Court

Dashwood Court is in a quiet road in Hounslow, next to a large park. We took it over from another housing association in 2011. It has 37 flats over two floors, rising to three, all served by lifts.

Key features

• hair salon for men and women
• RNIB accredited housing scheme