South Holland District Council is celebrating the remarkable success of its sheltered housing service transformation, which has significantly improved the quality of life for older and vulnerable tenants across the district. Since the launch of the initiative, over 165 tenants have received direct support, tenancy sustainment has increased, and ambulance callouts have reduced by 32%, alleviating pressure on NHS resources.

Commissioned in 2022 and finalised in February 2024, the review aimed to enhance tenant independence, provide faster support, and improve overall well-being. Key to this success was the adoption of digital technology, stronger health partnerships, and an increased on-site presence to prevent crises before they occur.

Key Achievements

• Independent Living Team (ILT): Provides proactive support, guidance on services, and training in digital assistive technology to enhance independent living.
• Technology-Enabled Care (TEC): Digital monitoring systems improve safety and well-being, reducing hospital stays and care home admissions.
• Handyperson Service: Offers professional home maintenance for sheltered housing residents using materials they provide.
• Community Wi-Fi and Digital Inclusion: Communal Wi-Fi installation and digital training sessions help tenants stay connected.
• Health and Wellbeing Initiatives: Health checks at community centres identified 161 cases of undiagnosed conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
• Stronger Partnerships: Collaborations with Age UK, NHS teams, and the Hospital Avoidance Response Team have led to a 41% reduction in ambulance callouts.
• Combatting Social Isolation: Community centre attendance has increased by 63%, with popular events like exercise classes, gardening clubs, and community lunches.

Tenants and their families have praised the initiative, with one tenant’s daughter stating: “I feel so much better knowing there’s support in place when Mum returns home from hospital.” Another 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 further improving independent living opportunities for all sheltered housing tenants, ensuring they feel safe, connected, and supported.

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