Sight translation (2) – Housing/ Social Services

Scenario: You are interpreting for a family member of a vulnerable adult during their
conversation with a social worker. The family member doesn’t understand the difference
between sheltered and supported housing and the SP asks you to read a leaflet to them.

Sheltered and supported housing are two different options. Sheltered housing allows
residents independence but provides on-site support and assistance. Supported housing
can be a good option for people who need extra help with day to day tasks. The level of
support you'll get is usually dependent on your particular care needs.

Sheltered housing, sometimes called retirement housing, is specifically designed for

older people. Schemes have a communal lounge and garden areas for socialising,
activities and events. The accommodation usually consists of self-contained flats or
bungalows, each with its own front door. There will also be a scheme manager (warden)
but not necessarily on site, 24-hour emergency help is provided through an alarm system.

Sheltered housing schemes are generally owned, run and maintained as social housing by
a housing association. Sometimes properties are available to buy. The support offered in
sheltered housing is relatively low-level. People over 55 can apply directly for sheltered
housing.

Where necessary sheltered accommodation residents can be supported with care

packages arranged either privately or through Adult Social Care.

Supported housing (Supported living accommodation) is usually accessed through

Social Services. This type of housing may be suitable for people of different ages, who
have particularly complex needs, perhaps because of a learning disability, physical
disability or a mental illness. Supported housing providers have support in place to help
people cope with day to day tasks in order to enable them to live independently in the
community.

(adapted from the following websites: https://www.housingadviceni.org/sheltered-and-supported-housing,

https://directory.westberks.gov.uk/kb5/westberkshire/directory/service.page?id=kv-
N70Zj9Mc&adultchannel=7-2,
https://directory.westberks.gov.uk/kb5/westberkshire/directory/service.page?id=JjsEcKZGy1I&adultchannel=
7-2)