Social housing options for elderly parent and carer

[MrsBalcombe]

Hello, would appreciate some advice please. This is the situation:

An elderly lady, let's call her 'Betty', lives in a 4 bedroom 3 storey council house. It is quite dilapidated. Recently, her mobility has decreased to the point where she cannot go up or down stairs. She needs to move.

She does not want to go into elderly care, which is fair enough. She wants to stay in her own home but that's not really possible. She also does not want a carer coming in but she needs daily care.

One of her children, let's call her 'Susan' has offered to live with her and be her carer. However, Susan lives quite far away and will be giving up her own housing security to move in with Betty.

Therefore they would be moving to a new home for both of them. Susan's concern is that if they move into a council flat and something happens to Betty, Susan will be homeless.

Shared Ownership has been mentioned but I am not sure that is really an option given that Susan will be a full-time carer, but it would give Susan the housing security she needs.

Any ideas folks? Thanks.

I know you don't get to pass on your lease for generations any more but susan, as long as she is on the rent book, should be able to inherit the tenancy.

Talk to a housing officer at the council, they will be delighted to get a family home in return for a flat or bungalow.

AFAIK the mother should add Susan to the tenancy before they apply to downsize. Once she’s on the tenancy and - in London at least, once she’s been living with her mother for six months - she’ll be eligible to inherit the tenancy.

Separately there’s a grant for downsizing as it frees up much needed family homes.

To add Susan needs to be on the tenancy before they move so that they are eligible for a 2 bedroom flat.

Thanks for your replies. I have been reading the local authority's website. For a Band 1 tenant downsizing from a 4 bed house to a 2 bed flat, the average wait time is 7 years 😫.

There are sites where tenants arrange swaps between themselves and then ask the council/HA to approve them. Homeswappers and Glass Bob and there are others I think.
If your neighbour’s house is in a good area she should have a fair chance. Good uncluttered photos are important, just like an estate agent.

Thanks @urbanbuddha, I'm just having a look now...

Currently nothing suitable on the swap sites, unfortunately. Does anybody have any other ideas in the meantime? Thanks.

You need to speak to the housing team and explain the situation, every council has different rules. They may be very happy to be able to access a 4 bed house & help with downsizing. You can also ask about sheltered accommodation which may be easier to get than a 2 bed flat

Have you approached housing associations too? Sometimes there is just one list and allocations are decided by the council but some HAs have their own.

Would your mum and sister consider a move to a different area?

I'm in Wolverhampton, a few years ago we got a few neighbours from London on a scheme to free up London property. So people gave up flats in London and got houses here and help with the move.

My dad is in Lancashire and they had a similar influx.

There is also the haunted route. I have no idea if this actually works or is just an urban legend but it has been said councils will rehome people who claim their house is haunted. They may send an exorcist in first.

Speak to Age Concern about your neighbour’s current house. The house shouldn’t be “dilapidated” when she’s paying rent. The council should bring the kitchen and bathrooms up to date with aids fitted as necessary. I know it can be a problem getting a chair lift fitted. seemingly because of budget cuts, but Age Concern might be able to advise.
List the house on the homeswapping sites so that other people who’re looking can see it. It’ might be a long shot but worth a try.

Age UK

https://adaptmyhome.org.uk/home/main