Sheltered housing

In the United Kingdom most commonly it refers to grouped housing such as a block or "scheme" of flats or bungalows with a scheme manager or "officer"; traditionally the manager has lived on-site although this is not always the case these days.

Such schemes are distinct from a nursing home or care home in that the tenants are usually able to look after themselves, are active and are afforded a degree of independence; equally, sheltered housing differs from a retirement community which is generally leasehold (owner-occupied).

Many schemes have communal areas such as a lounge and/or garden where tenants can socialise.

There is generally no upper age limit, the deciding factor instead being whether the person is independent enough to look after themselves or if they need care.

Many of these developments are entitled to apply for funding from local governments to provide suitable housing for the more vulnerable members of the community.