Support Available

The basic aim of Very Sheltered Housing is simple – to enable retired people to retain their independence in their own home for as long as possible.

However, very high standards of staffing and service at Margaret Court ensure Owners are supported much more than in traditional sheltered housing. As well as a full-time manager, there are also five duty managers who work in shifts, ensuring there is a member of staff on the premises 24 hours a day.

A team of housekeeping assistants provide a cleaning service for the private dwellings for one-and-a-half hours each week. They also look after communal areas and, if required, can give extra help to Owners. There is also a gardener and handyman available.

Service Charge

The service charge at Margaret Court is rigorously controlled by the Owners, and many are often surprised at the variety of benefits and assistance that are available to them to help meet this ongoing cost.

By definition, most people requiring the services offered by Very Sheltered Housing qualify for Attendance Allowance. In some circumstances the available benefits may cover the service charge and enable comfortable living for those with even a modest income.

It is also worth considering the individual items in the service charge, many of which will represent significant savings on items previously paid for separately, such as window cleaning, domestic cleaning, building insurance and maintenance and gardening.

When these factors are taken into account, the service charge compares very favourably with the cost of residential care or even extended domestic help at home.

Full details of what the charge covers are set out in a detailed statement, which is provided to every Owner with an opportunity for questions. Anyone who needs additional services is welcome to discuss their needs with the Manager, who will make every effort to provide further support.