Scheme Managers/Visiting Wardens at Leasehold and Shared Ownership Retirement Schemes
Scheme Managers
Visiting Warden
Emergency alarm service
Leasehold retirement housing is designed to promote and encourage independence. The services provided are consistent with this aim.
Some properties receive services from a Scheme Manager, others a Visiting Warden. All schemes are linked to a 24 hour emergency alarm service.
Scheme Managers are usually employed at schemes which have communal facilities, such as a lounge, guest bedroom, laundry etc. They work Monday to Friday, usually 9am till 4pm. Outside these hours the emergency alarm service will answer calls and get the necessary assistance.
Scheme Managers look after the safety and well being of all residents. Their duties include the following:
- Make daily contact, unless specifically requested not to do so, providing background support and offering advice
- Visit residents who are unwell or request a visit
- Welcome new residents
- Manage the use of communal facilities, including the letting of the guest bedroom
- Monitor the services provided at the scheme to ensure that high standards are maintained
- Report repairs to communal areas and equipment
- Liaise with relatives and statutory care providers
- Encourage social activities
- Carry out routine safety and equipment checks
- Provide emergency assistance, if needed
The Scheme Manager cannot act as a home help or nurse, they cannot administer medicines, collect prescriptions, provide meals or do shopping. Their role is to contact relatives and call in the relevant services, if required.
Where there are no communal facilities, some retirement housing schemes choose to have a Visiting Warden service Their role is similar to that of the Scheme Manager in that they aim to promote the independence and choices of residents. They make weekly contact and visit residents who request them to do so. They monitor the quality of services provided to the scheme and report repairs to communal areas and equipment. They liaise with relatives and other agencies as needed. Visiting Wardens normally work 3 mornings per week and do not live on site.
The emergency alarm system operates 24 hours a day, every day and provides a simple and effective way of calling for help. Either by pulling a cord, pressing the red button on a telephone careline unit, or activating a pendant alarm, you can speak with a trained operator who will help you, by contacting emergency services, nominated relatives or friends, your Scheme Manager or GP.
Your Scheme Manager, Visiting Warden or Housing Manager will be happy to explain how to use the alarm and demonstrate the equipment for you. All residents are asked to supply details of nominated contacts, key holders and their GP, and it is important that the control centre is notified of any changes to this information. All information held by the Control Centre is kept in the strictest confidence.
Most of our retirement schemes are linked to Astraline, a 24 hour Central Control Service managed by “Johnnie” Johnson Housing.
