Housing choices for older people

You may be looking to move for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you want to be nearer family or maybe you feel you need somewhere where there is an element of support if you need it.

For specialist advice on housing and care options for older people, contact FirstStop Care Advice. It’s a free and independent service for older people, their families and their carers.

Alternatively, contact Which? Later Life Care, a free and independent advice service covering all things related to caring for older people - including housing choices.

Extra care housing offers self-contained flats to allow for independence but also provides a number of communal areas and services such on-site carers if you need them.

Find out more about how to access extra care housing.

Supported living is another option that you can access privately.

If you’re a council or housing association tenant looking to move to another area, contact the local authority in which you wish to live to see if you can apply to go on their housing register.

If you’re looking to move to Buckinghamshire, you’ll need to apply through the Bucks Home Choice website.

You may be given greater priority on the housing register if your house is no longer suitable for your needs, eg for medical reasons, or you want to downsize.

The following Housing Associations will accept direct applications for retirement properties.

• Hanover Housing Association
• Housing 21
• Masonic Housing Association
• Thame & District Housing Association
• Twenty11

If your home would need adaptations for you to continue to live there, you could look into applying for a disabled facilities grant to fund changes to your home.

If you're considering retirement accommodation or homes that offer support or nursing care, contact the Elderly Accommodation Counsel for help finding an available property.