South Holland's Sheltered Housing Service delivers outstanding results

New initiatives enhance independent living, improve tenant wellbeing, and reduce hospital stays.

South Holland District Council is celebrating the remarkable success of its sheltered housing service transformation, which has made significant improvements to the quality of life for older and vulnerable tenants across the District. Since the launch of the project, more than 165 tenants have been directly supported, tenancy sustainment has increased, and ambulance callouts have reduced by 32%, saving vital NHS resources.

Commissioned in 2022, with recommendations agreed in February 2024, the review focused on ensuring tenants receive faster support, increased independence, and a better quality of life. The changes were driven by a shift from analogue to digital technology, enhanced health partnerships, and a greater on-site presence to prevent crises before they occur.

Key achievements include:

• Introduction of an Independent Living Team (ILT): Offering proactive support, guiding residents to relevant services, and providing training on digital assistive technology to enhance independent living.
• Technology-enabled care (TEC): Digital monitoring systems improve safety and wellbeing, reducing hospital stays and care home admissions.
• Handyperson service: Providing a reliable and professional home maintenance service exclusively for sheltered housing residents with the materials they provide.
• Community Wi-Fi and digital inclusion: Installing communal Wi-Fi in sheltered housing centres, with digital sessions to help tenants stay connected.
• Health and wellbeing initiatives: Health chats and checks at community centres have helped identify 161 cases of undiagnosed conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
• Stronger partnerships: Working with Age UK, NHS teams, and the Hospital Avoidance Response Team, reducing ambulance callouts by 41%.
• Combatting social isolation: Attendance at community centres has increased by 63%, with popular events such as exercise classes, gardening clubs, and community lunches.

The initiative has been widely praised by tenants and their families. One tenant's daughter shared: "I feel so much better knowing there's support in place when Mum returns home from hospital."

A tenant added: "The shower seat and handrail have been a godsend. I have never received so much help in my life as I have in the last few months."

Councillor Tracey Carter, Portfolio Holder for Strategic and Operational Housing at South Holland District Council, said: "This transformation has been life-changing for many of our sheltered tenants. By investing in modern technology and a proactive support network, we are ensuring our residents can live independently, safely, and with dignity. The results speak for themselves — this is a service that puts people first and delivers real impact."

South Holland District Council remains committed to enhancing independent living opportunities for all sheltered housing tenants, ensuring they feel safe, connected, and supported.

For more information about the service, visit www.sholland.gov.uk/shelteredhousing