ELDERLY people are being called upon to shape the future of sheltered housing in Dorset.

Working in partnership with housing association landlords, Dorset County Council (DCC) provides a support service to more than 5,000 people living in sheltered housing.

DCC wants to hear their views on how they would like to see the service developed for the future.

Sheltered housing schemes consist of self-contained flats or bungalows, often with communal areas and all have access to a support worker provided.

All schemes provide 24-hour emergency help through an alarm system.

As well as sheltered housing, the council also supports residents living in Extra Care Housing, designed to cater for older people who are frail and less able to do everything for themselves.

People who live in Extra Care Housing also have their own self-contained homes, but with more care options available to them.

A recent review of Extra Care Housing found that there was considerable demand for more schemes across the county.

The DCC review of sheltered housing will complement this work, and help shape future investments to help support people to remain independent with support in the local community.

Cllr Jill Haynes, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “There are some great examples of housing schemes for older people in Dorset, and we want to build on this and provide a range of housing options for older people that meet their needs.

“Support for older people to remain independent for as long as possible is one of the key priorities for the county council, and we want to hear people’s views on how sheltered housing helps us achieve this.”

“We want to invest in services that are affordable, sustainable and, most importantly, better suited to each individual.”