More people could benefit from living in sheltered accommodation, the authority managing public housing in the south says.

Marashen Crescent Housing Committee’s sheltered housing complexes of 136 dwellings in Port Erin and in Port St Mary and Castletown and Malew Elderly Persons Housing of 42 units in Castletown are administered and managed by Port St Mary Commissioners.

’The housing is under-utilised for the services provided,’ said housing officer Darleen Greenwood.

This is partly because the Department of Health and Social Care helps to keep people living in their own homes - if that’s what they want - for as long as possible. But at some point, it is advisable to look at greater levels of support.

’People make themselves vulnerable,’ said Mrs Greenwood. ’They might be unable to maintain their property and it’s crumbling around them or they can’t upkeep the garden and this is an option for them.

’We’d like people to do more forward planning, before a situation becomes an emergency.’

Sheltered accommodation gives practical support. There are daily checks by the supervisor and each flat has a 24-hour emergency call system. To qualify, you need to have lived in the island for 10 years or more.

Home owners can apply as long as their combined assets and savings do not exceed £245,000; exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. Accommodation is for those aged 65 and over who are able to live independently.

Rent is calculated according to the size of the property and includes the cost of heating but not electricity.

There are social benefits and you can join in with social activities with people of the same age.

For more information contact Mrs Greenwood on 832101 or email: [email protected].

See www.mchc.im