Supporting Independence in Later Life

If you are interested in applying for independent living accommodation you will need to register with the Housing Executive by completing a housing application and state which scheme or area you are interested in. 

If you are already a tenant of the Housing Executive or a Housing Association, you willv need to complete a transfer application form and return it to your landlord.

The Housing Executive will arrange for an officer to assess your housing need and award the appropriate level of points. Your name will then be placed on the waiting list for the scheme/ area of your choice, and you will be contacted if a suitable vacancy becomes available. 

Application can be made by contacting the Northern Ireland Housing Executive office on 0344 892 0900 or any Housing Association.

Providers offer a range of one and two-bedroom apartments or bungalows provided unfurnished ready for individuals or couples to make their home.

Each property is fitted with an emergency pull cord located in all the main rooms or a personal pendant can be provided if required.

When the system is activated, you will be connected directly to the Radius Connect 24 response centre via a speech unit in your property where one of their specially trained call advisors will
respond to your call.

The call advisor will provide immediate reassurance and arrange to make that call on your behalf to ensure one of your nominated family members or neighbours responds if you need further help. In the event of an accident or injury or other emergency, they will contact the emergency services on your behalf and stay on the line with you until help arrives (if appropriate).

They can also assist with logging emergency out of hours repairs e.g., heating, electricity failure.

This really depends on the level of your mobility. If it does not restrict your ability to live without assistance, then independent living accommodation may be suitable for you. If you are unsure contact the relevant provider for more information.

A scheme co-ordinator/manager will be available throughout the week (times will vary from scheme to scheme) to manage the scheme operations and deliver the independent living services.

This includes: maintaining regular contact with all tenants, responding to pullcord and pendant activations, completing health and safety checks and providing low level housing support and assistance with access to other forms of support if required.

When the scheme co-ordinator/manager is not present on the scheme, it is linked to Connect24 to ensure help is available 24 hours a day to respond to any emergencies.

No, the scheme co-ordinator/manager will attend on site during the hours advertised for your scheme. 

When the scheme coordinator is not present on the scheme, it is linked to Connect24 to ensure help is available 24 hours a day to respond to any emergencies.

They do not provide, under any circumstances, any form of personal care including assistance with the distribution or administration of medication. The scheme coordinator or housing officer can support you in accessing other forms of support if required.

Absolutely, this is independent living you are free to come and go as you please and there is no requirement to sign in and out.

However as general courtesy providers usually request that you advise the scheme coordinator/manager if you are going to be away for a period or if you have opted in to receive a morning call and won’t be at home.

Yes, all schemes have onsite self-service laundry facilities which include both washers and dryers.

Unfortunately, due to space constraints individual apartments cannot accommodate washers or dryers.

Independent living schemes does not include assistance with any household chores including laundry and cleaning

Due to the layout and construction of some independent living schemes not all can accommodate mobility scooters. If you require more information on a specific scheme, please contact the relevant provider

Written permission must be obtained from provider before keeping a pet. If permission is granted you will be held responsible its behaviour and your will be asked to sign our responsible pet owner’s agreement

It varies between scheme, your weekly charge includes rent, rates, support, and service charges, and a heating charge in those schemes with communal central heating. 

If you are made an offer of accommodation, we will provide a breakdown of the weekly rental charge.